# Integrate using \[Esc] int \[Esc]

I like writing integrals symbolically instead of using Integrate[]. I suddenly seem to not be able to do this and am confused. I type \[Esc] int \[Esc] then \[Ctrl] + _ for my lower bound, and online it says use \[Ctrl] + % for the upper bound, but nothing happens. I've also tried using \[Ctrl] + ^ which here says it is a superscript, and that gets me somewhere. However, I get a syntax error.

So for the \[Ctrl] + ^ case, I'm typing \[Esc]int\[Esc]\[Ctrl]+_0\[rightarrow]\[Ctrl]+^1 2 \[Esc]dd\[Esc]x and I get the syntax error

Syntax::sntxi: Incomplete expression; more input is needed .


I've also tried putting parenthesis around the integrand, but it doesn't help. On the screen it looks fine:

So why doesn't the \[Ctrl] + % do anything? And ultimately, how do I get this symbolic integral to evaluate? Thanks for the help.

• You should use \[Ctrl] + % for upper bound, it works for me (M10.1, Windows 8.1). \[Ctrl] + ^ is a superscript, it's an index. – m0nhawk Apr 21 '15 at 14:43
• Try Ctrl-5. On a US English keyboard the % sign is above 5. What is your keyboard layout? – Szabolcs Apr 21 '15 at 14:44
• \[Esc] int \[Esc] (\[Ctrl] + -) 0 (\[Ctrl] + 5) x \[RightArrow] Sin[y] \[Esc] dd \[Esc] y (\[Shift] + \[Return]) returned the expected 1 - Cos[x] (M10.0.1 Win7x64). Standard US keyboard. – LLlAMnYP Apr 21 '15 at 14:52
• When I type (in my US keyboard, M10.0, Windows 8.1) \[Ctrl]+% literally nothing happens. I have typed these several times in the past and have no issues. Even when I run old notebooks I see this formatting and it runs fine. – user46348 Apr 21 '15 at 14:52
• Maybe a restart of windows or the kernel? Failing that I'm pressed to suggest anything else. – LLlAMnYP Apr 21 '15 at 15:00

Instead of adding first a subscript and then a separate superscript, you need to add joint pair. Ctrl-% moves between the sub- and superscripts, but the actual keyboard shortcut may be dependent on your keyboard layout. Also try Ctrl-5.

You can look up the shortcut next to the Insert → Typesetting → Opposite Position menu item.

On my computer I see Ctrl-5 in the menu.

If you cannot resolve the keyboard behavior try an alternate input form; I propose:

EscdinttEsc

To input:

Then use Tab to move between the Placeholder fields.

• Strangely if one types '[esc]din', this is not offered as a completion – m_goldberg Apr 21 '15 at 16:15
• @m_goldberg An oversight perhaps? It is shown in a Tooltip in the Basic Math Assistant palette. – Mr.Wizard Apr 21 '15 at 16:19
• Yes, it would appear so. I'm thinking of reporting it to WRI. – m_goldberg Apr 21 '15 at 16:21
• Thanks for this suggestion. The \[Tab] trick is neato. – user46348 Apr 21 '15 at 16:25