How to handle errors in Math Notes on your iPhone or iPad

Use Math Notes in the Calculator or Notes app to solve mathematical expressions, create and use variables, or graph equations. If there’s a red or blue dotted line in your equation, you can tap the dotted line to understand the error and correct it.

If you see a red dotted line

A red dotted line indicates that there’s unrecognised maths or an unsolvable expression, such as a syntax error or division by zero.

  1. Tap the red dotted line to see details about the error.

    An iPad displaying the equation “9 divided by 0” in Math Notes. The equals sign is surrounded by a red dotted line, and a dialogue shows that there’s a divide by zero error. There’s also an option to dismiss the error.

  2. To correct the error, go back to the equation and change it.

If you see a blue dotted line

A blue dotted line indicates that there is an ambiguous character in the equation. The result provided uses the most likely option for the ambiguous character, but you can change it if you meant something else.

  1. Tap the blue dotted line.

    An iPad displaying the equation “8 + an ambiguous character” in Math Notes. The ambiguous character is surrounded by a blue dotted line, and there’s an option to select either an S or 5 to clarify the ambiguous character.

  2. Tap the character you want to use to clarify what you wrote.

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