The fundamental math question type is Formula. This appears as a question statement, followed (on a separate line) by a single free-response entry cell that accepts a math formula, that is, an expression consisting of numbers, variable names, and the standard arithmetic operators and functions. The system grades it by comparing it with the correct answer. If the student response and the correct answer are algebraically or numerically equivalent, the response is graded correct. To create a formula question with multiple input cells to hold closely related responses to the same question statement, use the multipart formula question type.
The Blanks [formula] question type is closely related to Formula. It uses the same grading and entry options, but presents the response cell as an in-line entry cell for students to complete.
The Numeric question type accepts numeric quantities or numeric quantities with units in student responses, and automatically processes scientific notation expressions.
The Dimensioned Formula question type accepts a combination of numeric quantities and physical units. It recognizes equivalent physical units. For example, if 500g is specified as the correct answer, 0.5kg is also graded correct.
Any math question type can include algorithmically-rendered plots. The Maple Question Type vastly expands the math and scientific visualization capabilities of the system. You can include a Maple plot in any question type (including nonmathematical question types). (For more information, see Displaying a Plot.) In Maple questions, you can specify Maple code to generate a plot based on the student response. (For more information, see Plotting a Student Response.)
You can limit the range of standard math functions available. For example, the question "What is sin(Pi/4)?" should accept the answers sqrt(2)/2 and 1/sqrt(2) but not sin(Pi/4). The Restricted Formula type limits the functions that the students can use to those commonly found on a non-scientific calculator (for example, the arithmetic operators and sqrt).
The basic Formula type does not accept equations, that is, expressions consisting of two components separated by an "=" sign. For these questions (for example, to accept y-3=4(x+1) and y=4x+7), use the Equation type.
Questions that have answers with an additive constant (for example, a constant of integration in indefinite integration questions) have many valid answers that differ by the addition of a constant quantity. The Formula Mod C type accepts all such answers as equivalent.
To create a question that requires a response with multiple values or formulas in a specific order, use the Formula List question type.
The Multi Formula question type accepts an unordered list of numbers or formulas separated by semicolons. A question that has a single formula answer is graded correctly if this type is used. It is recommended that you use the MultiFormula type for questions that have a single correct answer, but, in general, have multiple correct answers because the Formula type presentation indicates to students that there is only one solution. For example, the only root of x^2-2x+1 is x=1 (with multiplicity two), but, in general, a degree two polynomial has two roots.
To create a question that accepts responses in a matrix, use the blanks[formula] or Matrix type.
For questions involving vectors and Cartesian coordinates, use the Ntuple type.
For a complete list of question types (nonmathematical and mathematical), see Question Modes.
See Also:
Math Question Types Comparison Table