Using MathML to Embed Mathematical Equations in Webpages

MathML (Mathematical Markup Language), a markup language developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), serves as the standard for representing mathematical notation on the web. Integrating MathML into webpages involves encapsulating mathematical expressions within <math> tags and utilising a variety of MathML elements to represent different components of equations.

For example, the following snippet represents the quadratic formula: $x=\frac{-b\pm \sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}$

<math>
  <mrow>
    <mi>x</mi>
    <mo>=</mo>
    <mfrac>
      <mrow>
        <mo>-</mo>
        <mi>b</mi>
        <mo>±</mo>
        <msqrt>
          <mrow>
            <msup><mi>b</mi><mn>2</mn></msup>
            <mo>-</mo>
            <mn>4</mn>
            <mi>a</mi>
            <mi>c</mi>
          </mrow>
        </msqrt>
      </mrow>
      <mrow>
        <mn>2</mn>
        <mi>a</mi>
      </mrow>
    </mfrac>
  </mrow>
</math>

While alternatives like LaTeX exist, MathML emerges as the superior choice for the web because it is supported natively by modern web browsers, without the need for additional libraries or plugins. Also, search engines can parse MathML-encoded equations, enhancing the discoverability of mathematical content on the web. LaTeX requires additional processing and rendering engines like MathJax or KaTeX to display equations in webpages, introducing complexities and potential compatibility issues.