The Markdown parser included in IPython is MathJax-aware. This means that you can freely mix in mathematical expressions using the MathJax subset of Tex and LaTeX. Some examples from the MathJax site are reproduced below, as well as the Markdown+TeX source.
You can mix math and Markdown text in a paragraph:
This
This expression $\sqrt{3x-1}+(1+x)^2$ is an example of a TeX inline equation in a Markdown-formatted sentence.
In IPython 0.13.1 you have to use \\\
for LaTeX newlines rather than just \\
. This is fixed in master.
\begin{aligned}
\dot{x} & = \sigma(y-x) \\\
\dot{y} & = \rho x - y - xz \\\
\dot{z} & = -\beta z + xy
\end{aligned}
You can also use $$
to indicate display mode equations:
$$
\left( \sum_{k=1}^n a_k b_k \right)^2 \leq \left( \sum_{k=1}^n a_k^2 \right) \left( \sum_{k=1}^n b_k^2 \right)
$$
Go to the MathJax website and copy an example equations. Paste it into a Markdown cell and verify it gets rendered correctly. Then try some LaTeX of your own.