# Math in chat

Mathematical notation in chat responses renders as typeset math instead of
raw notation.

- Inline math, within a sentence: `$x^2$`, `$$...$$`, or `\(...\)`.
- Block math, shown centered on its own line: `\[...\]` anywhere — even
  mid-paragraph, where it breaks the text the way TeX does — `$$...$$` alone
  on its line, or a ` ```math ` fence.

Rendered Markdown file previews and the Markdown editor get the same treatment.

Long block equations wrap automatically at mathematical break points to fit the
available width. Fractions, matrices, grouped expressions, and authored alignment
stay intact. When one of those parts is still too wide, the equation scrolls
horizontally with a thin scrollbar. Equation numbers keep their own space and
move below when needed. This changes the presentation only; copying or editing
the equation preserves its TeX source.

Ordinary dollars stay text. Single-dollar math renders only when the span
actually reads as math: prices like "it costs $5 and $10 today", shell
variables like `$PATH`or`$HOME/bin:$PATH`, and dollars inside file paths,
links, and code all stay exactly as written. When a dollar span is ambiguous,
Scient leaves it as typed—`$$x^2$$`and`\(x^2\)` always typeset.

An equation still being written — for example while a response is streaming —
stays as typed until its closing delimiter arrives, then renders. If a formula
can't be rendered, or is unreasonably large, Scient shows the original
notation as typed instead of an error.

Math renders locally on your device; no network request is involved.
Where typeset math is unavailable, the readable TeX notation remains visible.