latex:accessible math

[Littlefield, Tyler]

hello all:
I'm sorry for the clearly off-topic question here, but I was hoping 
someone might have some ideas.
I am responsible for homework in math class, and I have a couple 
options; first would be to sit with someone 2 hours a day or more and 
let them read mathlab, do the work, then read out everything so they can 
put it all in.
This is clearly not the best solution since it takes the time I have to 
do the problem plus double at least that much to get it all read and 
put  in properly.
My next solution would be to set up latex so that I can create pdfs and 
do the problems there.
I'm curious if anyone has had much luck with this. I started a document 
in Latex and did some work with it, but when I convert with rubber it 
does not work.
I'm also curious where a good starting point would be. Can I just 
install latex and go to work with the homework? Do I need a ton of other 
stuff?
Thanks,

-- 
Take care,
Ty
http://tds-solutions.net
The aspen project: a barebones light-weight mud engine:
http://code.google.com/p/aspenmud
He that will not reason is a bigot; he that cannot reason is a fool; he that dares not reason is a slave.