Provide a label for each formula or equation, either within the text or via an ALT tag for an image.
If the content of the equation is critical to the course, then provide a link to an extended text description in which all symbols are written out (e.g. "alpha equals..."). Screen readers may not be able to access all the entity codes or new schemas such as MathML (Math M.L.).
PDF files or Word Files can be beneficial, but make sure the content is accessible to screen readers.
As mentioned in the recommendations for Images, complex images may require a link to a longer text description depending on how critical it is to the content. Here is a line chart for tracking preferred computer platform over time.
ni sinθi = nr sinθr
n <sub>i</sub> sin <font face="Symbol">q</font>i = n <sub>r </sub> sinθ <sub>r</sub>
This code includes the SUB subscript tag, changes the font to "Symbol" for one theta and uses the θ entity code (better) for the other instance.
Knee sinqui equals ennar sin question-mark R.
The "question-mark" indicates the screen reader was not able to decipher the θ entity code.
Snell's Equation- ni sinθi = nr sinθr
Extended Description - N sub I times sine theta sub I equals N sub R times sine theta sub R.
The label "Snell's Equation" gives a user of a screen reader an idea of the content is and an extended text description gives the full details. An extended description can be linked or incorporated into the text as needed.
Go to the example below for an accessible use of an image to represent a formula.
<img src=quatratic.gif alt ="quadratic equation">
X equals negative b, plus or minus the square root of B squared minus four times A times C all divided by two times A.
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