Create mathPad Questions Using Symbolic Mode

1. Click Questions › Create.

   The Question Editor opens.

2. In Mode, select Symbolic.

3. In Question, type your question.

   • Use the answer placeholder string <_> to specify where the answer box should be displayed.
   • Be sure that your question identifies any variables that the student should use in their answer.

4. In Answer, type the following items on a single line:

   <eqn $PAD='devmath'; ''>variable_list:answer_key

   where variable_list is a comma-delimited list of the variables used in the answer key, and answer_key specifies the correct answer to the problem in symbolic notation. For example:

   x_1, y_1, x_2, y_2: sqrt((x_1-x_2)^2 + (y_1-y_2)^2) 

5. Type a Solution.

   The solution helps your students understand the steps they need to take to determine the correct answer to the question. Your assignment settings specify when to show the solution.

Example mathPad Question Using Symbolic Mode The following table summarizes an actual question. QID 1078951 Name Template2 4.MATHP.01. Mode Symbolic Question <watex>What is the formula for the distance \[d\] between the two points \[(x_1,y_1)\] and \[(x_2,y_2)\]?\\ \begin{array}{rl} \[ d = \] & <_>\\ \end{array}</watex> Answer <eqn $PAD='devmath'; ''> x_1,y_1,x_2,y_2:sqrt((x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2- y_1)^2) Display to Students