How to: Create Technical Docs with Math

A workflow for embedding mathematical notation in Confluence pages - both standalone display equations and inline math within paragraphs. Common for data science, engineering, and research documentation.

→ LaTeX Block Equations · LaTeX Inline Equations

When to Use Block vs Inline

Step 1 - Insert a Display Equation (LaTeX Block)

1. Edit the Confluence page, type / → LaTeX Block Equations → insert
2. In the Source panel, write raw LaTeX:

   \hat{y} = \sigma\left(\sum_{i=1}^{n} w_i x_i + b\right)
   

3. Preview shows the rendered equation centred on the page
4. Click Save

Step 2 - Embed Inline Math in a Paragraph

1. Type / → LaTeX Inline Equations → insert
2. In the Source panel, write normal paragraph text with math:

   The mean squared error is defined as \text{MSE} = \frac{1}{n}\sum_{i=1}^{n}(y_i - \hat{y}_i)^2, where n is the number of observations.
   

3. Preview shows the paragraph with rendered inline formulas
4. Click Save

Step 3 - Build a Multi-Step Derivation

For aligned multi-line equations, use the LaTeX Block macro with the aligned environment:

\begin{aligned}
L(\theta) &= \prod_{i=1}^{n} p(y_i | x_i; \theta) \\
\log L(\theta) &= \sum_{i=1}^{n} \log p(y_i | x_i; \theta) \\
\hat{\theta} &= \arg\max_{\theta} \log L(\theta)
\end{aligned}

Step 4 - Combine with Standard Confluence Formatting

Mix LaTeX macros with standard Confluence elements:

• Use headings to label equation sections (Definition, Derivation, Result)
• Use tables to summarise variable definitions alongside inline equations
• Use code blocks for algorithmic pseudocode adjacent to math

Common Debugging Tips

→ Formula Library Reference