# Math Text

> Explore Aspose.Slides for Python via Java mathematical text examples: create and format equations, fractions, matrices, and symbols in PPT, PPTX, and ODP presentations.

Source: https://docs.aspose.com/slides/python-java/examples/elements/math-text/
Updated: 2026-09-04


This article demonstrates working with mathematical text shapes and formatting equations using **Aspose.Slides for Python via Java**.

Install the package as described in [Installation](/slides/python-java/installation/). Each example imports `asposeslides` before starting the JVM, then imports the API after the JVM is running.

## **Add Math Text**

Create a math shape containing a fraction and the Pythagorean formula.

```python
import jpype
import asposeslides

if not jpype.isJVMStarted():
    jpype.startJVM()

from asposeslides.api import MathBlock, MathematicalText, Presentation

presentation = Presentation()
try:
    slide = presentation.getSlides().get_Item(0)

    # Add a math shape to the slide.
    math_shape = slide.getShapes().addMathShape(0, 0, 720, 150)

    # Access the math paragraph.
    paragraph = math_shape.getTextFrame().getParagraphs().get_Item(0)
    text_portion = paragraph.getPortions().get_Item(0)
    math_paragraph = text_portion.getMathParagraph()

    # Add a simple fraction: x / y.
    fraction = MathematicalText("x").divide("y")
    math_paragraph.add(MathBlock(fraction))

    # Add equation: c² = a² + b².
    math_block = MathematicalText("c").setSuperscript("2").join("=").join(MathematicalText("a").setSuperscript("2")).join("+").join(MathematicalText("b").setSuperscript("2"))
    math_paragraph.add(math_block)
finally:
    presentation.dispose()
```

## **Access Math Text**

Locate a shape that contains a math paragraph on the slide.

```python
import jpype
import asposeslides

if not jpype.isJVMStarted():
    jpype.startJVM()

from asposeslides.api import AutoShape, MathBlock, MathematicalText, MathPortion, Presentation

presentation = Presentation()
try:
    slide = presentation.getSlides().get_Item(0)

    # Add a math shape that can be found below.
    created_math_shape = slide.getShapes().addMathShape(50, 50, 100, 50)
    created_paragraph = created_math_shape.getTextFrame().getParagraphs().get_Item(0)
    created_portion = created_paragraph.getPortions().get_Item(0)
    created_math_paragraph = created_portion.getMathParagraph()
    created_fraction = MathematicalText("x").divide("y")
    created_math_paragraph.add(MathBlock(created_fraction))

    # Find the first shape that contains a math paragraph.
    math_shape = None
    for shape in slide.getShapes():
        if isinstance(shape, AutoShape):
            text_frame = shape.getTextFrame()
            if text_frame is not None:
                has_math = False
                for paragraph in text_frame.getParagraphs():
                    for portion in paragraph.getPortions():
                        if isinstance(portion, MathPortion):
                            has_math = True
                            break
                    if has_math:
                        break
                if has_math:
                    math_shape = shape
                    break

    if math_shape is not None:
        paragraph = math_shape.getTextFrame().getParagraphs().get_Item(0)
        text_portion = paragraph.getPortions().get_Item(0)
        math_paragraph = text_portion.getMathParagraph()

        # Example: create a fraction (not added here).
        fraction = MathematicalText("x").divide("y")

        # Use math_paragraph or fraction as needed.
finally:
    presentation.dispose()
```

## **Remove Math Text**

Delete a math shape from the slide.

```python
import jpype
import asposeslides

if not jpype.isJVMStarted():
    jpype.startJVM()

from asposeslides.api import MathBlock, MathematicalText, Presentation

presentation = Presentation()
try:
    slide = presentation.getSlides().get_Item(0)

    math_shape = slide.getShapes().addMathShape(50, 50, 100, 50)

    paragraph = math_shape.getTextFrame().getParagraphs().get_Item(0)
    text_portion = paragraph.getPortions().get_Item(0)
    math_paragraph = text_portion.getMathParagraph()
    fraction = MathematicalText("x").divide("y")
    math_paragraph.add(MathBlock(fraction))

    # Remove the math shape.
    slide.getShapes().remove(math_shape)
finally:
    presentation.dispose()
```

## **Format Math Text**

Set font properties for a math portion.

```python
import jpype
import asposeslides

if not jpype.isJVMStarted():
    jpype.startJVM()

from asposeslides.api import MathBlock, MathematicalText, Presentation

presentation = Presentation()
try:
    slide = presentation.getSlides().get_Item(0)

    math_shape = slide.getShapes().addMathShape(50, 50, 100, 50)
    paragraph = math_shape.getTextFrame().getParagraphs().get_Item(0)
    text_portion = paragraph.getPortions().get_Item(0)
    math_paragraph = text_portion.getMathParagraph()
    fraction = MathematicalText("x").divide("y")
    math_paragraph.add(MathBlock(fraction))

    text_portion.getPortionFormat().setFontHeight(20)
finally:
    presentation.dispose()
```