daisy / daisy/math-a11y

Inconsistent operand parsing of LaTeX linear input

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severity:medium
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VBA
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Description

# Description

When using LaTeX linear input to author expressions in the Microsoft Equation Editor, operand parsing for operators such as \lim, \int, \sum, \prod, etc. is inconsistent. For example, `\int_{x=0}^n f(x)` is correctly parsed as:

The well-formed integral expression where the f of x is correct in notation. The f is positioned correctly with respect to the open paren x close paren

The expression is correct both in notation and accessibility. Word has correctly recognized the integrand as the function f of x. Word's Read Aloud speaks the expression correctly as `Integral from x equals zero to n of f of x`.

When cursoring through the expression, the 'f(x)' can be seen correctly placed in the integral's integrand container:

The integral expression open in the equation editor. The entire f open paren x close paren is seen highlighted in the integral's integrand container.

However, `\lim_{x \to \infty} f(x)` is incorrectly parsed as:

An incorrectly formed expression where the f is separated by a space from the open paren x close paren. It does not visually represent the function f of x.

Note that the function f of x is incorrect in notation. Word did not correctly recognize the limit's operand. The 'f' has been separated from '(x)'. Word's Read Aloud speaks the expression as `Limit as x goes to infinity of f open paren x close paren` instead of the expected `Limit as x goes to infinity of f of x`.

When cursoring through the expression, it can be seen that only the 'f' was placed into the limit's operand container:

The limit expression open in the equation editor. The single letter f is highlighted inside of the limit's operand container.

FYI: These similar LaTeX operators do correctly recognize ` f(x)` as their operand:
- `\sum_{x=0}^n f(x)`
- `\prod_{x=0}^n f(x)`

# Environment
I have reproduced this issue both in Windows and on the Mac.

- Windows 11 Version 24H2 (Build 26100.6584)
- Microsoft® Word for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2510 Build 16.0.19309.20000) 64-bit
- macOS Sequoia 15.7
- Microsoft Word for Mac Version 16.101 (25091314)

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