--- loncom/xml/lontexconvert.pm	2005/02/24 05:33:55	1.47
+++ loncom/xml/lontexconvert.pm	2005/02/24 05:40:08	1.48
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 # The LearningOnline Network with CAPA
 # TeX Conversion Module
 #
-# $Id: lontexconvert.pm,v 1.47 2005/02/24 05:33:55 albertel Exp $
+# $Id: lontexconvert.pm,v 1.48 2005/02/24 05:40:08 albertel Exp $
 #
 # Copyright Michigan State University Board of Trustees
 #
@@ -242,7 +242,10 @@ sub prepare_algebra {
     $string =~ s/<\=/\%/g;
     $string =~ s/>\=/\!/g;
     
-    #protect the confusable greek symbols
+    # makes the decision about what is a minus sign easier
+    $string =~ s/([\=\>\<\%\!\#] *)-/$1 zeroplace -/g;
+
+    # protect the confusable greek symbols
     $string =~ s/delta/zdelta/g;
     $string =~ s/beta/bita/g;
     $string =~ s/theta/thita/g;
@@ -256,6 +259,9 @@ sub prepare_algebra {
 
 sub postprocess_algebra {
     my ($string)=@_;
+    
+    # remove the chunk used to sepearate out the minus signs
+    $string =~ s/zeroplace//g;
 
     # exapnd out some operators
     $string =~ s/\#/\\not= /g;