I would like to transcribe an equation (as text) that ...

Richard,

if you just need this for displaying reasons you have the option of directly inputting TeX, see documentation. The result then (as to be expected) looks like:

Ah ok thanks this is perfect. I am a rank beginner in Mathematica and there are so many ways to do things it can be a bit overwhelming.

I think that for purposes of explanatory text, I'd be very happy to just use LaTex input and reserve Wolfram syntax for expressions that will be evaluated.

Thank you and best regards,

Rick