Content that represents a mathematical expression.

Content with the role math is intended to be marked up in an accessible format such as MathML, or with another type of textual representation such as TeX or LaTeX, which can be readily converted to an accessible format by assistive technologies.

This role provides a hook whereby a plug-in mechanism can provide multi-modal access to compliant MathML, as well as enabling support for MathML in "mainstream" user agents.

While it is inappropriate to use an image of a mathematical expression in the math role, there exists a significant amount of legacy content where images are used to represent mathematical expressions. For purposes of repair, if an image has been used to represent a mathematical expression, the text equivalent defined for that image should be valid MathML or TeX. Such images should also be labeled by text that describes the mathematical expression as it might be spoken, using the aria-describedby attribute.

MathML example:

<div role="math" aria-label="6 divided by 4 equals 1.5">
  <math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML">
    <mfrac>
      <mn>6</mn>
      <mn>4</mn>
    </mfrac>
    <mo>=</mo>
    <mn>1.5</mn>
  </math>
</div>

TeX example:

<div role="math" aria-label="6 divided by 4 equals 1.5">
  \frac{6}{4}=1.5
</div>