Course Management

Accessing a course as a teacher shows the course in management (edit) mode.

Course Page Layout

The course page consists of a list of items. There are six types of items:

Blocks: Groupings of items (Inline Text, Linked Text, Assessments)
Inline Text Items: Text that displays on the course page
Linked Text Items: A summary displays on the course page. A link is provided that can display text, an uploaded file, or a weblink
Forum Items: Basic disussion forum
Assessments: Tests or Practice questions
Calendar: The course calendar, if you want to embed it on your course page

Blocks have a colored header. If a block is displayed collapsed, click the block name or the "Expand" button to view the block's contents. If the block is displayed as a folder (has a folder icon next to it), click the block name to view the block items.

Text items are preceded with an information ! icon, forums are preceded with a F icon, and assessments are preceded with a ? icon. The icons will be grey when the item is not available, and (depending upon install settings) may change color as a deadline approaches. The color is green at two weeks, yellow at one week, and red on due date.

The item order can be rearranged by using the number selector to the left of the item. Items can also be moved into or out of blocks using this selector.

Adding Items

Add an item by selecting the item type from the "Add Item" pulldown. Using the "Add Item" pulldown inside a block will add the item to that block.

Blocks

For Blocks, you will asked to provide:

Title: The title of the block
Available after: The first date for the item to display to students
Available until: The last date for the item to display to students
When available: Whether you want to display the block Expanded, Collapsed, or as a folder when available
When not available: Whether you want to hide the block from students when not available, or show collapsed or as folder (depending on available setting). Use the show collapsed/folder option if the block contains items that students still need to be able to access.
Colors: Allows you to specify colors other than the defaults for blocks

Inline Text Items

For Inline Text items, you will asked to provide:

Title: The title of the item
Hide title: If you want to hide the title and icon, and just display the text
Text: The actual text (displays on course page)
Files: You can attach one or more files to an inline text item. For each file, provide a description of the file. A list of the descriptions, with links to the files, will display at the bottom of your text item.
Available after: The first date for the item to display to students
Available until: The last date for the item to display to students

Linked Text Items

For Linked Text items, you will asked to provide:

Title: The title of the item
Summary: A description of the link (displays on course page)
Text: Enter one of the following:

Type text in box provided. The text will display when link is clicked
Enter a weblink (like http://www.google.com). The link will take students to this weblink
Attach a file. The link will open the file. Note: Do not change the text on subsequent modifications

Available after: The first date for the item to display to students
Available until: The last date for the item to display to students

Forum Items

For Forum items, you will asked to provide:

Name: The name of the forum
Description: A description of the forum (displays on course page)
Available after: The first date for the item to display to students
Available until: The last date for the item to display to students
Group linked: If you have a group assessment, you can link the forum to the groups of that assessment. If you do this, students viewing the forum will only see posts from their group members and instructors. Be aware that posts to group linked forums often won't trigger the red "New Posts" flag on the home page.
Allow anonymous posts: Whether you want to allow students to post anonymously
Allow students to modify posts: Whether you want students to be able to modify their posts
Email notify: Whether you want to receive an email whenever a new post is made on the forum
Default display: Whether you want threads to display Expanded, Collapsed, or in Condensed format by default. Users can change the display once they view the thread
Students can reply by: Optionally set date restrictions for students replying to posts. Can be overridden in individual threads.
Students can create new threads by: Optionally set date restrictions for students creating new threads
Count in gradebook: Whether you want the forum to count in the gradebook for points. You will be able to assign points for individual posts made.
Gradebook category: Category for the gradebook, if assigning points to the forum.

When you as a teacher start a new thread, you are given the option to have it be:

A regular post
Always display at the top of the list
Displayed at top and locked (no replies can be made)
Displayed at top and replies are hidden from students

You can use the middle two options to, for example, post discussion instructions. You can use the last option to post a question in class, and have students respond without seeing other students' replies.

When viewing the forum thread list as an instructor, there is a "List Posts by Name" link which will list all posts in the forum, grouped by student name. New threads are colored in black, replies in green

Assessments

Warning: Making changes to an assessment after students have already taken it can seriously mess up those students' assessment results. It is NOT safe to change: Default points per problem or Default penalty.

Assessment Settings

You need to set the assessment settings when you add an assessment. You can change these settings by clicking the "Modify Settings" link next to the assessment in the course page.

Name: The name of the assessment
Summary: A description of the summary (shows on course page)
Intro/Instructions: Displays at the top of the test (see below for details on making question-specific instructions)
Available after: The first date for the item to be available to students
Available until: The last date for the item to be available to students. Students must complete the assessment by this date - they will be kicked out if they are in the middle of an assessment when this time is reached.
Available for review: If the checkbox is clicked, the assessment will convert to review mode after the due date until this date. Review mode defaults to Skip Around display, unlimited attempts, answers shown always. Scores are not saved in Review mode.
Count: Whether the assessment score should be counted in the gradebook, not counted in the grade total, or counted as extra credit.
Copy Options From: If you have other assessments in your course already, you can select to copy the assessment settings from another assessment.
Password: If specified, requires student to enter this password to access the assessment. Leave blank to require no password.
Time Limit: The time limit, in minutes, for the test (0 for none). If the student exceeds the time limit, their test will be recorded, and you can decide whether or not to accept it in the gradebook detail. Partial minutes are possible using decimal values. If you check the "Kick student out at timelimit" box, then the assessment will automatically finalize at the timelimit, and submission attempts after the timelimit will be rejected.
Display method:

Full test at once: All questions are displayed on one page
One question at a time: One question is shown at a time. Students must complete the questions in the order presented
Full test, submit one at time: Full test is displayed, but student submits answer to one question at a time. Student can skip between questions.
Skip around: Students are provided with a navigation bar and can jump between questions and complete them in any order
Embedded: Similar to "Full test, submit one at time", but all questions are always active, and any one can be submitted at any time. Questions can be embedded into the Intro/Instructions using [QUESTION #] tags.

Default points per problem: How many points each problem should be worth by default. This can be changed for individual problems.
Default attempts per problem: How many attempts a student should have at each problem by default. This can be changed for individual problems. Enter 0 for unlimited attempts
Reattempts different versions: Reattempting a problem will regenerate the question with new numbers. By default, reattempts of problems receive the same version of the problem. This option does not make sense to use with Homework mode.
Default penalty per missed attempt: What percentage of points possible a student should lose for an incorrect attempt. This can be changed for individual problems. You can select a penalty for each missed attempt, to start after a certain number of missed attempts, or specify a penalty for the last possible attempt only.
Feedback method: What detail the students should see

No scores shown: No scores, including the total, are shown to the student. If reattempts are allowed, the student is forced to retake all questions (even ones they got right the first time). With this mode, access to grade detail in the gradebook controlled by the Show Answers setting.
Final score: Only final (total) score is shown at the end. If reattempts are allowed, the student is forced to retake all questions (even ones they got right the first time). With this mode, access to grade detail in the gradebook controlled by the Show Answers setting.
Show score on each at end: At the end of the test, the student is shown their score on each question. If reattempts are allowed, they are then allowed to go back and reattempt problems.
Show as submitted: As each question is submitted, the score is shown, and students are offered a chance to reattempt the problem (if allowed). This method does not apply to the "Full test at once" display method.
Practice Test: Same as above, and the test can be regenerated (re-randomized) whenever the student wants. Students are given an opportunity to try similar problems to the one presented after completing each question (when not in Full test at once mode). Scores are cleared each time the test is regenerated, and scores are not shown by default in the gradebook. Answers can be shown after some number of attempts.
Homework: Like "Show as submitted", but students are given an opportunity to attempt a similar question if they miss a question. Doing so resets attempts for that question (reseting attempt penalty as well). Also, show answers (see below) can be set to show answers during the homework after a number of attempts. This is best used in conjunction with the attempt penalty.

Show Answers: When (if ever) students should be able to see answers.

Practice Tests and Homework: For practice tests and homework, you can set this to never, after 0,1,3,4,or 5 attempts are made, or after last attempt. There is also an after last attempt option that will allow students to jump directly to the answer.
Other Tests: For other tests, you can set this to never, after the assessment due date, after the last last attempt (in Skip Around and Full test submitted one at time modes only), or immediately. Answers will be available in the gradebook review of a test. Note: Do not use the "Immediately" option if you are allowing multiple attempts per problem. Doing so would allow a student to complete the test, view the answers, then reenter the test (since more attempts are allowed) and put in the correct answers. Also be aware that if an assessment is set to allow review mode, that answers will be available to students in review mode.

Show hints when available: Whether or not to show hints if the question has them defined
Allow use of LatePasses: If you have granted LatePasses to students, this will allow use of them on this assessment
Make hard to print: Makes the assessment harder to print, for in-class tests
Shuffle item order: Randomizes the order in which questions are presented
Gradebook Category: If you have created gradebook categories, you can assign the assessment to one of those categories.
Count: Whether to count the assessment in the gradebook
Allow tutors to edit: Whether tutors should be able to change students' scores on this assessment
Minimum Score for Credit: A minimum score which must be acheived to receive credit for the assessment. Set to 0 to accept all scores. If set and score is not met, gradebook will display "NC" (No Credit).
Show based on another assessment: Use this to hide this assessment until a specific score is acheived on another assessment. Provide a point value and select an assessment to use this feature. Set the assessment to "Don't Use" to not use this feature
All questions same random seed: Usually not needed. This is only need for a set of questions designed to work together using the same random values
All students receive same version of questions: All students receive the same first version of questions. If in practice test or homework mode, when students request a similar problem, different students will receive different versions of the questions.
Penalty for questions done while in exception/LatePass: A percent penalty to take on all questions submitted after the original assignment due date while under a due date exception.
Is group assessment?: Allows students to specify group members for the assignment. All group members will receive the same score for the assignment
Show question categories?: If you plan to categorize questions and would like the categories displayed while the student is taking the test, you can select that option here
LTI access secret: An access code to place this assessment in a BasicLTI-compliant consumer. More info

Qustion-specific instructions

In the Intro/Instructions box, you can make question-specific instructions by putting a tag of the form [Q #] or [Q #-#] before the text specific to that question or range of questions. Here is an example:

This is the general info

[Q 1]

This text will display before question 1

[Q 3-4]

This text will display before questions 3 and 4. Since there was no tag for question 2, it will display directly after question 1, with no associated intro text. Likewise, if there was a question 5, it would display directly after question 4 with no associated intro text.

Adding Questions to an Assessment

You can add existing questions to an assessment by clicking the "Select Library" button to choose libraries to search, then the "Search" button to list potential questions. Leave the "Search" entry blank to list all questions in the libraries selected. The checkboxes can be used to search in all libraries (not just the selected ones), list only questions you own, or exclude questions you've already added to your assessment.

From this list you can:

Use the checkboxes to select questions, then click the "Add Selected (using defaults)" button to add the questions. Adding this way will use the assessment default settings for points, attempts allowed, and penalty per attempt. You can change these later by clicking the "Change Settings" link.
Use the checkboxes to select questions, then click the "Add" button to add the questions. Adding this way will allow you to override the default settings for points, attempts allowed, and penalty per attempt if you wish, and add a question multiple times.
Click the "Add" link. This will allow you to change the default question settings
Click "Use as template for New Question" link. This will create a new question based upon the existing question. This allows you to avoid rewriting a question from scratch if a similar question exists
Click "Preview" to preview the question

Alternatively, you can click the "Select from Assessments" button to choose questions from existing assessments. In this mode, select the assessments you wish to pull questions from and click "Use these assessments". Then select the questions you wish to use.

Once added to the assessment you can:

Reorder Questions: When "Rearrange Questions" is selected, using the number selectors next to each question will allow you to rearrange the order of the questions. This is only useful if you are not shuffling the question order
Group Questions: When "Group Questions" is selected, using the number selectors next to each question will allow you to group questions. When questions are grouped, the testing engine will randomly select one question from the group to display to the student
Change Settings: Override the default settings for points, attempts allowed, and penalty per attempt, if desired
Edit Source: Change the question code or wording
Remove from assessment: Remove the question from the assessment. This does not delete the question from the Question Set. You can also use the checkboxes and the "With selected, Remove" button to remove multiple questions at once.

If students have taken the assessment, you will not be allowed to make as many changes to the assessment, as it will mess up existing student attempts. If you need to change the assessment a lot, you can clear all student attempts. Otherwise you can change individual question settings (be careful!) or edit the question if it's yours. If there is a problem with the question, you modify it, and want to give students another chance on that question, you can clear all attempts on a single question by clicking the "Clear Attempts" link here

Adding New Questions

Click the "Add New Question" to write a new question from scratch, then add it to the assessment. See the help section on Writing Questions for help on writing new questions

Categorizing Questions

After adding questions to an assessment, click the "Categorize Questions" button to categorize the questions in the assessment. Categorization allows you and students to see a score breakdown by question category.

In the question categorization page, you will see each question listed, followed by a category pull-down. By default, the list contains the names of all libraries containing the question. If you'd like to define a category not in the lists, type in the new category name in the box provided and click the "Add Category" button. The new category name will now appear in the pull-down lists next to each question, and can be selected to assign the question to that category. When you are done, click the "Record" button.

Making Print Copies

After adding questions to an assessment, click the "Create Print Version" to layout your assessment for printing.

On the first page, you will be asked what you would like to include in the test header. You will also be asked to enter your print margins setup. These can be found by choosing "Page Setup" from the "File" menu in your browser. In the Page Setup you may also wish to remove the default header and footer materials included in printouts by your browser.

On the next page, you will see alternating blue and green rectangles indicating the size of pages. Use the resizing buttons next to each question to increase or decrease the space after each question until the questions fall nicely onto the pages. You can use Print Preview in your browser to verify that the print layout looks correct. After you have completed the print layout, you will be given the chance to specify additional print options. Longer questions, such as those with graphs, may appear cut off in the print layout page. Be sure to resize those questions to show the entire question.

On the next page, select how many versions of the test you would like to generate, and whether you'd like to generate answer keys. After hitting continue, you print version of the test will be displayed. Choose Print in your browser to print your tests.

Quick View

Quick view is a condensed view of the course page. You can use it to quickly look over your entire course. It is more useful for major editing

It allows easy drag-and-drop reordering of course items. Changes will not be recorded until the "Record Changes" button is pressed.

You can also quickly rename items by clicking on their titles and changing the text. Again, changes will not be recorded until the "Record Changes" button is pressed.

When done in quick view, click the "Return to regular view" link to get back to the regular course page

Calendar

The calendar can be accessed from the course navigation bars, or by embedding the calendar on your course page. The calendar autopopulates with assessment item due dates, and discussion forum post-by and reply-by dates. Text items have options to place them on the calendar. The calendar displays with the current date on the top line; you can jump later in the future or look in the past using the "< <" and "> >" links above the calendar.

You can add additional items to the Calendar using the "Manage Events" link on the calendar. All items to be placed on the calendar need a date, a description, and a single letter or symbol tag that will show on the calendar

Question Set Management

Manage Question Set

Clicking the "Manage Question Set" link will allow you to search through the Question Set, modify questions, add questions, remove question, transfer ownership, or add a set of questions to a question library. Only administrators or question owners have the rights to remove a question. Be aware that if you remove a question that is currently being used in an assessment (as shown in the "Times Used" column), it will mess up that assessment.

The options available in the question set manager are:

Modify: Change the source code of the question and make library assignments. You will only see this option for questions you own or when the owner has given permission for anyone to modify the question.
View: View the source code of the question and make library assignements. You will only see this option for question you do not own.
Template: Create a new question, using the code of an existing question as a starting point. When you template a question, the original question is not changed.
Delete: Delete the question completely from the questionset and all libraries. You will only see this option for questions you own or when the owner has given permission for anyone to modify the question. You can delete many questions at once by selecting questions with the checkboxes, then clicking the Delete button near the top of the page.
Transfer: Transfer ownership of the question to another user. You will only see this option for questions you own. You can transfer many questions at once by selecting questions with the checkboxes, then clicking the Transfer button near the top of the page.
Library Assignment: The Library Assignment button near the top of the page can be used with the checkboxes to add or change your library assignments for the selected questions. This will not affect other people's assignments

Note that the assignment of questions into libraries can be done by anyone, but only the person who made the assignment is able to remove the question from the assigned library

Export Question Set

Use the "Export Question Set" feature to export a portion of the Question Set for backup or sharing. Use the search feature with the checkboxes to select questions for inclusion in the export. Clicking the "Finalize" button, you will be asked for a Library Description.

Import Question Set

Use the "Import Question Set" feature to import a Question Set that you or someone else had exported from IMathAS. Be sure to only import question sets from trusted sources. After specifying an import file, you will be given a chance to select specific questions from the set to be imported.

Imported questions will have ownership assigned to the importer. Select the userights you want to apply to all imported questions. You can import the questions directly into an existing library, or into the Unassigned library for later assignment.

If any questions (identified by a unique id) already exist in your system, you will be asked if you want to update the existing questions, or add as new questions. If you have modified questions previously imported, you may want to add as new.

Library Management

Manage Libraries

Use the library manager to remove, rename, change rights, change parent, or transfer ownership of question libraries. Be aware that if a library is deleted, the questions in that library will become unassigned; they are not deleted.

Libraries have a tree structure, where each library has a parent library. When you add or modify a library, you can change it's parent library. If you change a library's parent, all children library move with a library. You can only specify an empty library or existing parent library as a parent.

Libraries have use rights. Options are:

Private: Only the owner or an administrator can list questions in these libraries
Closed to group, private to others: Anyone in group can list and use questions, , but only the owner or an admin can add questions to the library. Hidden to anyone outside the group.
Open to group, private to others: Anyone in group can list and use questions and add to the library. Hidden to anyone outside the group.
Closed to all: Everyone can list and use questions, but only the owner or an admin can add questions to the library
Open to group, close to others: Anyone in group can list and use questions and add to the library. Outside the group, users can only list and use questions; they cannot add questions to the library
Open to all: Everyone can list and use questions and add to the library

With library rights, child rights take precedence over parent rights. For example, if an open library is a child to a private library, the parent will not be hidden from other users. However a private library as child to a private parent will be hidden from other users.

Depending upon the system configuration, non-admins may be limited to creating libraries that are private to others outside their group. If this is the case, a non-admin will need to contact an admin to create a library that is closed or open to all.

Library assignments are done in question management. Library assignments can be done by any user, but only the person who made the assignment can remove that assignment.

Export Libraries

Use the "Export Libraries" feature to export an entire library or tree of libraries for backup or sharing. Use the tree to select libraries to export. Note that if a parent library is selected, it's children libraries are automatically included in the export, and heirarchy will be maintained. If libraries from different trees are selected, the topmost libraries in each branch selected will be exported at the same level.

Import Libraries

Use the "Import Libraries" feature to import an entire library or tree of libraries. After selecting a file, the tree of libraries in the import file will be shown, and you can deselect libraries you do not want to import. Note that if a parent library is not selected, NONE of the children libraries will be added, regardless of whether they're checked or not.

You will be asked if you want to update existing questions/libraries, or add as new. If a library or question (identified by a unique id) in the import already exists on your system, this will tell the importer whether to update the existing libraries/questions, or import the libraries/questions as a new copy (a new unique id is assigned). If you have modified questions previously imported, you may want to add as new. Note that only the original importer can update questions they imported.

Imported libraries and questions will have ownership assigned to the importer. Select the userights you want to apply to all imported questions and libraries. You can select a parent in the library tree for all (top level) imported libraries

If you load a file that does not have a library tree embedded in the file, you will be told to use the Import Question Set feature instead. Even if a file has a library tree, you can use the Import Question Set feature to import specific questions from the file.

List Students

Use the "List Students" link to list the students in your class. On this page you can import (register and enroll) students from a file, enroll a student (already registered) with a known username. This is the easiest way to add a guest user to your class. Note that the "Last Login" date shows the last time the student logged into IMathAS, not necessarily the last time they accessed your course.

The List Students page also gives you access to student email addresses, as well as a link to send out a mass email or message to all students

Exceptions

Click the "Make Exception" link to change the Start or End date of an assessment for a single student. If you need to make exceptions for multiple students at once, or want to make exceptions for multiple assessments at once, use the "Make Exception" button in connection with the checkboxes in the Gradebook.

Resetting Passwords / Changing Info

Use the "Chg Info" link to reset a student's password, update their email address, username or full name, or change their section or code. You can also lock the student out of the course on this page. Doing so will display a message to the student that they need to see their instructor to regain access to the course. On this page you can also set a time limit multiplier for students needing extra time on timed assessments. Setting the multiplier to 1.5 would give the student 1.5 times the usual timelimit for all assessments.

Unenrolling

Use the "Unenroll" link to unenroll a student from the class, or the "Unenroll All" button to unenroll all students. This can be useful to clear out a classroom at the end of a term. Unenrolling all students will also delete all regular posts from the course's forums.

Import Students from File

Use the Import Students from File feature to register and enroll a set of students automatically from a CSV (commas separated values) file. You can generate a CSV file using any spreadsheet program.

The form will guide you through specifying which columns of the CSV file contain First name, Last name, email address, and desired username. Once setting these options, the first five rows of the file will be displayed so you can verify that the import settings are correct. The students will be both registered and enrolled in the current class upon submission.

Assigning Section and/or Code Numbers

Click the "Assign section and/or code numbers" link to assign section or code numbers to students. These only serve for identification purposes, the the gradebook will be sorted first by section, then by name. Section can be alphanumeric; code number must be numeric, up to 4 digits.

Manage LatePasses

Click the "Manage LatePasses" link to give students LatePasses. Students can redeed a LatePass for an extension on an online assessment without your intervention, provided you have clicked the "Allow use of latepasses" option in that assessment.

On this page you can also define the number of hours extension a LatePass will grant

Manage Tutors

Click the "Manage Tutors" link to manage tutors for your class. Tutors can have an instructor account or student account. Tutors will be able to view students' scores and online assessments. If given permission, tutors can edit or enter online or offline scores.

Add tutors by listing their usernames in the box provided. Remove tutors by clicking the "Remove" checkboxes next to tutors and clicking Update

Once tutors are added, you can limit them to a single section of the course. If selected, tutors will only be able to see scores for students in the section they're limited to. This can be used in conjunction with the diagnostic system, since second-level selections become the student's section identifier

Gradebook

Click the "Gradebook" link to show the gradebook. The gradebook shows each student's score on each assessment and any offline grades you've entered. Click on a student's assessment score to show detail on their assessment attempt, or on a student's offline grade to change their grade. Click the Settings link in the table header if you need to change an assessment's settings. Click on an assessment's average score to view an breakdown showing the average score on each question. Click on an offline grade's average score or the Settings link in the table header to change the settings for that item or modify all students' grades at once.

By using checkboxes next to student's names, you can send messages or emails to multiple students, or make due date exceptions for multiple students at once

Gradebook Settings and Categories

Click the "Gradebook Settings" to change Gradebook settings and create or modify categories. This allows you to create a grading scheme.

Your overall settings are:

Calculate total using: Select "points earned" to use a points earned out of points possible grading scheme. Select "Category weights" to assign a percentage weight to each category in calculation of total grade.
Gradebook display: Select whether to order the gradebook by item dates (Available until dates for assessments, Show After dates for offline grades) or if you want to group items by category

The next section lets you define categories. There is always the "Default" category, but it will not display if there are no items assigned to it. To add a new category, click the "Add Category" link to add a new line to the table, then fill in the name and other info, then click "Update"

For each category, you can specify:

Name: The name of the category
Scale (optional): Scale the category total by specifying a point value or percent value to be scaled up to 100%. For example, if the category point value was 80 points, and a student earned 50 points, their category total would be 50 points. If you specified a scale of 60 points, then the students grade would become 80*(50/60) = 66.7 points out of 80. You can specify whether grades that would end up over 100% should be chopped to 100%. You can specify no scale by leaving the Scale box blank.
Drops (optional): You can specify whether to drop the lowest N scores, or keep the highest N scores from the category. Set the number to 0 to keep all scores.
Weight/Fix Category Point Total: If you are using a "Category Weights" grading scheme, enter the percent weights for each category here. If the category percents don't add to 100%, they are all scaled equally so they do add to 100%. If you are using a "Points earned" grading scheme, you can fix the point value for the category here (optional). For example, if the current category total is 50 points and a student earns 40 points, if you specified a fixed point value of 100 points, the students score would become 80 points. Leave this blank to use the actual category point total.
Remove: When you remove a category, any items currently assigned to that category will be assigned to the Default category

Offline Grades

To add an offline grade, click the "Add Offline Grade" link on the gradebook page. You can specify:

Name: The name to give the grade item
Points: The number of points possible on the item
Show to students after: The date after which to show the item to students
Gradebook Category: The gradebook category you wish to assign the item to
Count: Whether to count the score in the gradebook total, not count it, or count it as extra credit
Allow tutors to edit: Whether tutors should be able to edit scores for this item

You can then enter grades for each student. If you leave a grade blank, no grade will be recorded for that student. You can edit these settings or edit all students' grades at a later time by clicking the "Average" in the gradebook for this item. You can edit an individual student's grade by clicking on their score in the gradebook for this item. You can leave feedback for students about their grade using the boxes provided.

You can manage offline grades by clicking the "Offline Grades: Manage" link on the gradebook page. This page allows you to delete, change the availability, or change the gradebook assignment of a set of offline grade items.

Gradebook Detail

When you click on a student's score in the gradebook, you will see the specific assessment that they received and the last answer they provided, as well as their score on each question and the attempts used. You can override the scores they received on this page. You can also send a student a message about a question, quoting their version of the question in the message. At the bottom of the page is a box to leave the student feedback about the assessment.

If you wish to give a student another chance to take an assessment, click the "Clear Attempt" or "Clear Scores" link. Note: This will clear their current scores, answers, and attempts used. The "Clear Attempt" link will make it appear the student never started the assessment, and the student will receive a different version of the assessment when they access the assessment. The "Clear Scores" link will clear the student's scores and attempts to 0, but the student will receive the same version of the assessment when they access it.

If you categorized the questions in the assessment, you will also see a category breakdown at the bottom of the details page

Student Groups

The Student Groups page allows you to manipulate student groups associated with assessments that you have designated as group assessments. When you first access this page, you will be presented with a list of group assessments. Select the assessment you want to modify groups for

You will be presented with a list of groups (the group number is arbitrary) with the students in each group. To separate a student from the group, click the "Break from Group" link.

At the bottom of the page is a list of students not assigned to a group. If you wish to assign students to groups, click the checkboxes next to the students' names. In the "add to group: " pulldown, select the group you want to add the students to, or select "New Group", and click Add

When students are broken from the group, they retain the version of the assessment and progress the group had acheived before you broke them from the group. If a student is added to a group, any work they've already done is lost and replaced with the group's version and progress. Any changes to an assessment made by one group member affects all group members.

Messages

The message system allows you to send a message to students in the class. This is an internal message system; it is not emailed unless the student has requested email notification.

Click Send New Message to send a new message to a student. If you want to send a message to multiple students, use the "List Students" page. Select a student from the pull-down list, and type your message.

When viewing messages, you can either Reply to the message, or use the "Quote in Reply" option to quote the original message in your reply.

Copy Course Items

Course Item Copy allows you to copy items in your course or an entire course structure, or copy items from another instructor's course. Note that item structure, items, and settings are exported, but not students, assessment attempts, or forum threads.

On the first page, select a course to copy from. If you select a course that is not one of your own courses, you must enter the course Enrollment Key as verification that you have received permission to copy from the course.

On the second page, select the items you wish to import. If you export an item currently contained in a block and do not export the block, the item will be exported as an item on the main course page.

You can optionally append words to the end of the title of each item, or place the copied items into an existing block.

You can optionally also specify to copy the course settings (the items you'd set under Modify on the Admin page), or copy the gradebook scheme and gradebook categories. Copying the gradebook scheme will overwrite the existing gradebook scheme in your course. Copying the gradebook scheme will also retain any category assignments for the assessments you're copying.

Change Dates

The Change Dates page allows you to change the dates for all your course items on one page. On this page you will see a list of your course items, with inputs for start date, end date, and review date (for assessments). You can filter the list to only show one item type using the Filter selection at the top of the page, and you can change the sort order to sort by start date, end date, or name.

If you change dates on any line and click the "Send down list" button on that line, the date change will be made to all items below that item in the list. For example, if you add one day to an item and click "Send down list", one day will be added to all items lower in the list. By default the system only allows Monday-Friday dates; you can switch to a 7-day week by unchecking the "Shift by weekdays only" checkbox

Change Assessments

The Change Assessments page allows you to change assessment settings for many assessments at the same time. Begin by selecting all the assessments you want to change settings for using the checkboxes next to each assessment's name

Select which options you want to change by clicking the checkbox in the "Change?" column, then adjust the setting in the "Option" column. When you are done, click "Submit"

Import/Export Course Items

Course Item import/export allows you to share a course setup with other instructors, or copy a class for yourself. Note that item structure and questions are exported, but not students, assessment attempts, or forum threads.

On Export, you provide a export description, and select the items you wish to export. If you export an item currently contained in a block and do not export the block, the item will be exported as an item on the main course page.

On Import, first provide the import file. If there are assessment questions that do not already exist on your system, they will be added to the system. Select the library into which these questions should be imported. If a question already exists, you can select whether to update the existing question with the import question (if it is newer), or create a new copy of the question in the designated library. Select the items to import, and click "Import Items".

Mashups: Google Gadget

IMathAS has experimental support for two mashups: BasicLTI as a producer, and Google Gadgets

There is a Google Gadget which users can add to their iGoogle account available through a link on the Change User Info page, accessible from the users' home page. The gadget will tell the user how many new messages and forum posts they have.

There is also a link from the Google Gadget page to a webpage that will report new messages and posts without requiring you to log in. This page is convenient on a mobile device.

BasicLTI

IMathAS can be used as a BasicLTI producer using two instructor-initiated placement methods: course level, or assessment level. A course level placement will provide access to an entire IMathAS course; an assessment level placement will allow you to provide access to a single assessment via LTI. You can set the LTI access secret through the Course Settings and Assessment Settings pages. The URL and key to use are also provided on those pages. Follow the instructions in your LTI consumer to make the placement using the URL, key and secret.

Your LTI keys will take the form cid_###_# or aid_###_#. The last number determines how authentication is handled. If that last digit is 0, then when the student accesses the LTI placement, the first time they will be asked to sign into their IMathAS account or create one, and that account will be linked with the account at the host LMS. From then on, when the same student accesses any LTI placement, they will not need to sign in again. They will be able to sign in directly to IMathAS as well.

If the last digit of your LTI key is 1, then a student account will automatically be created the first time a student accesses the LTI placement, and that account will be linked with the host LMS account. The student will not be provided an IMathAS username or password, so they will only be able to access IMathAS resources through the LMS LTI placements.

IMathAS can also be an LTI consumer. In any text item, enter [LTI: url=theurl, key=thekey, secret=thesecret] to place a tool

Writing Questions

The IMathAS question format is based on PHP.

Question Parts

A question is formed in several parts:

Description: A description of the question. This is not shown to students
Use Rights: The rights you wish to grant other people (you always have full rights). Options are:

Private: Only you can use the question
Use, no modification: Anyone can use the problem, but only you can modify the problem. Anyone can add library assignments, but cannot remove assignments.
Use, allow modification: Anyone can use or modify the problem.

Libraries: The question libraries you wish to include this question in
Question type: The type of question.
Common control: General definitions needed for both display and scoring
Question control: Definitions only needed for question display
Question text: The actual question display. This section should be HTML based, but can include variables defined in the common or question control. For convenience, a blank line is automatically interpreted to be a paragraph break. Use of < and > signs are usually handled ok, but use of the HTML < and > are recommended in their place.
Answer: Code defining the answer

Note: All control code can be placed in the "Common Control" box; the Question Control and Answer sections do not have to be used.

Basic Control Syntax

Lines of the common control, question control, and answer sections usually take the form of variable definition. In IMathAS, variables are identified with a dollarsign ($) prefix. For example, $a is the variable a. Most lines will take one of these forms:

$var = number. Example: $a = 3
$var = calculation. Example: $a = 3*$b*$c
$var = function. Example: $a = showplot("sin(x)")
$var = randomizer. Example: $a = rand(-5,5)

In some cases you want to define several variables at once. There are two ways to do this:

$var1,$var2 = arrayfunction. Example: $a,$b = diffrands(-5,5,2)
$ar = arrayfunction. Example: $ar = diffrands(-5,5,2)

In the first example, variables $a and $b each take on a value. In the second example, the variable $ar is an array; the elements can be accessed as $ar[0] and $ar[1] (note that arrays are zero-indexed). If you use this approach, enclose the variable reference in parenthesis in calculations, like $new = ($ar[0])^2, and in curly brackets inside strings, like $string = "there were {$ar[0]} people".

You can also literally define an array using the "array" function. Examples: $ar = array(2,3,4,5), or $ar = array("red","green","blue")

Note that numbers are not in quotes, and strings are in quotes. When you use the double-quote mark (") to define a string, you can interpolate variables into the string. Example:

$a = 3
$b = 5
$str = "What is $a/$b"

In this example, $str now contains "What is 3/5".

If needed, you can concatenate (combine) two strings using the . operator. Example:

$a = "string one "
$b = "string two"
$both = $a . $b

Here, $both now contains the string "string one string two"

If you have a long command to type, you can put a "&" at the end of a line to specify it continues on the next line. Example:

$questions = array("this is choice 1",&
"this is choice 2")

If defining a string for display, you can put a "&&" at the end of a line to specify it continues on the next line and insert an HTML line break. Example:

$showanswer = "Do this first. &&
Then do this."

will be interpreted as:

$showanswer = "Do this first. <br/>Then do this."

Conditionals

Any assignment line can be followed by one of two conditional: "where" or "if".

"where" is used to repeat the previous assignment if the condition provided is not met. The "where" condition is almost exclusively used with array randomizers. Example: to select two different numbers that are not opposites:

$a,$b = diffrands(-5,5,2) where ($a+$b!=0)

"if" is used to make an assignment conditional. For example:

$a = rand(0,1)
$b = "sin(x)" if ($a==0)
$b = "cos(x)" if ($a==1)

Note the use of double equal signs (==) for testing equality. A single equal sign (=) will make an assignment (change the value of $a in this example) and return "true", which is probably not what you intended to do.

Comparison operators available for "if" and "where" statements:

== Equal to
!= Not equal to
> Greater than
< Less than
>= Greater than or equal to
<= Less than or equal to

To do compound conditionals, use || for "or", and && for "and". For example:

$a = nonzerorand(-9,9) where ($a!=1 && $a!=-1)

The "if" condition can also be used before or after a code block like this:

$a = rand(0,1)
if ($a==0) {
   $b = 1
   $c = 2
}

$a = rand(0,1)
{
   $b = 1
   $c = 2
} if ($a==0)

When "if" is used before a block of code, it can optionally be followed with "elseif" and/or an "else" statement, like this:

$a = rand(0,5)
if ($a==0) {
   $b = 1
} elseif ($a==2) {
   $b = 3
} else {
   $b = 2
}

"where" can also be applied to a block of code:

{ 
  $a = rand(-5,-1)
  $b = rand(1,5)
} where ($a+$b !==0)

Loops

There are several looping macros (such as calconarray) that can meet most needs. For more general use there is a "for" loop:

for ($i=a..b) { action }

Here a and b represent whole numbers or variables. Expressions are not allowed.

Examples:

$f = 0
for ($i=1..5) { $f = $f + $i }

$a = rands(1,5,5)
$b = rands(1,5,5)
for ($i=0..4) {
  $c[$i] = $a[$i]*$b[$i] 
}

Conditions can be used inside a for loop, but not outside without explicit blocking

for ($i=1..5) {$a = $a+$i if ($i>2) }     WORKS
for ($i=1..5) {$a = $a+$i} if ($a>2)     DOES NOT WORK
{for ($i=1..5) {$a = $a+$i} } if ($a>2)    WORKS

Randomizers

Note on macros: The descriptions below explain macros available and the arguments the functions should be called with. Arguments in [square brackets] are optional arguments, and can be omitted.

Single result randomizers:

rand(min,max): Returns an integer between min and max
rrand(min,max,p): Returns an number between min and max in steps of p. Example: rrand(2,5,.1) might return 3.4. rrand(2,5,.01) might return 3.27. rrand(2,8,2) might return 6
nonzerorand(min,max): Returns a nonzero integer between min and max
nonzerorrand(min,max,p): Returns a nonzero real number between min and max in steps of p
randfrom(list or array): Return an element of the list/array. Examples of lists: "2,4,6,8", or "red,green,blue"
randname(),randmalename(),randfemalename(): Returns a random first name

Array randomizers (return multiple results):

rands(min,max,n): Returns n integers between min and max
rrands(min,max,p,n): Returns n real numbers between min and max in steps of p
nonzerorands(min,max,n): Returns n nonzero integers between min and max
nonzerorrands(min,max,p,n): Returns n nonzero real numbers between min and max in steps of p
randsfrom(list/array,n): Return n elements of the list/array.
jointrandfrom(list/array,list/array): Returns one element from each list, where the location used in each list is the same
diffrands(min,max,n): Returns n different integers between min and max
diffrrands(min,max,p,n): Returns n different real numbers between min and max in steps of p
diffrandsfrom(list/array,n): Return n different elements of the list/array.
nonzerodiffrands(min,max,n): Returns n different nonzero integers between min and max
nonzerodiffrrands(min,max,p,n): Returns n different nonzero real numbers between min and max in steps of p
jointshuffle(list/array1,list/array2,[n1,n2]): Shuffles two lists/arrays in a way that retains respective order. In n1 is provided, n1 elements from each shuffled array will be returned (like a joint version of diffrandsfrom). If n2 is also provided, n1 elements of list/array1 and n2 elements of list/array2 will be returned.
singleshuffle(list/array,[n]): returns a shuffled version of a list/array. If n is provided, it behaves identically to diffrandsfrom
randnames(n),randmalenames(n),randfemalenames(n): Returns n random first names
randcity(),randcities(n): Returns one or n random city names
randstate(),randstates(n): Returns one or n random US state names

Graph/Table Macros

The following macros create graphs or tables:

showarrays(string,array,[string,array]...,[format]): Creates a tabular display of the data in the array(s) as column(s), with the strings as column headers. format = "c", "r", or "l" to center, left-align, or right align data. Alternatively you can call this function with arguments showarrays(array of column headers, array of data arrays, [format]).
showdataarray(array,[columns]): Creates a tabular display of the data in the array with no headers. Data is presented in one column unless second argument is provided, in which case the data will be distributed over the specified number of columns.
horizshowarrays(string,array,[string,array]...): Creates a tabular display of the data in the array(s) as row(s), with the strings as row labels. Does not text wrap, so only use for small data sets.
showrecttable(data array of arrays,columnlabels,rowlabels,[format]): Creates a tabular display of a 2x2 data table, where $data[0] is the first row of the table. The rowlabels and columnlabels are arrays of labels. format = "c", "r", or "l" to center, left-align, or right align data.
showplot(funcstrings,[xmin,xmax,ymin,ymax,labels,grid,width,height])

funcstrings is a single string or an array of strings each having at least the first of the following list:
"function,color,min,max,startmarker,endmarker,width,dash"

Function: a single function of x, like cos(x), or a parametric function of t, entered like [sin(t),cos(t)], or x=c for a vertical line, entered like x=1
color: a color designator: black,red,orange,yellow,green,blue,purple
min,max: the min and max values for the input variable for which you wish to see this graph. You can also exclude point discontinuities; for example -5,5!0!2 for min,max would include all values from -5 to 5, excluding 0 and 2.
startmarker,endmarker: can be "open" or "closed" (dots), or anything else for none
width: a pixel width for the line
dash: enter "dash" if you want a dashed line, otherwise the line is solid
Examples: "cos(x),red" or "x^2,,-2,2,open,closed" or "[t^2,t/3],blue,0,5,,,2,dash" or "1/x,black,-5,5!0" or "x=1,red,,,,,,dash"

xmin,xmax,ymin,ymax: Graphing window. Defaults to -5 to 5 for both. Use "0:-n" (for some value of n) for xmin or ymin to only have gridlines and labels after 0, while still using -n to adjust spacing. This is an alternative to using addplotborder to create first quadrant graphs.
labels: spacing of axes labels. Defaults to 1. Set to "off" or 0 for none. Use "xlbl:ylbl" for different spacing on each axis.
grid: spacing of grid lines. Defaults to 1. Set to "off" or 0 for none. Use "xgrid:ygrid" for different spacing on each axis.
width,height: The width and height (in pixels) of the graph. Defaults to 200x200

addfractionaxislabels(plot,step): Adds labels along the horizontal axis in steps of step to a plot created with showplot. Step is a fraction like "1/4", or a pi multiple, like "pi/4" or "2pi". When using this, make sure to set the showplot x-axis label spacing larger than the domain to prevent the default labels from showing.
addlabel(plot,x,y,label,[color,loc,angle]): Adds a label to a plot created with showplot.
- plot: The plot created with showplot
- x,y: The coordinates for the label
- label: The string label itself. MathML cannot currently be displayed in labels
- color: Label color. Defaults to black.
- loc: By default, the label is centered at the x,y coordinates. Use "left" to display the string to the left of the point, "right" to the right, "below" for below the point, "above" for above the point.
- angle: Angle to rotate text.
addlabelabs(plot,x,y,label,[color,loc,angle]): Adds a label to a plot created with showplot. Parameters are the same as with addlabel, except x and y here are pixel values on the picture rather than values relative to the axes.
addplotborder(plot,left,[bottom,right,top]): Changes the pixel width of border (default 5) around a plot. Labels will show within the border. Typically used to add room for labels to show.
adddrawcommand(plot,commands): Inserts arbitrary asciisvg drawing commands into an existing plot created with showplot or other drawing tools.
showasciisvg(string,[width,height]): If you know the ASCIIsvg language, this will set up an svg with "string" as the script. optionally you can specify the width and height (in pixels) for the svg.
textonimage(img,text,left,top[text,left,top...]): Overlays text over an image. Image can be a URL or the variable for an uploaded image. Specify the text string, and offset in pixels from the top left corner. Can specify multiple strings to overlay.
arraystodoteqns(xarray,yarray,[color]): Converts an array of x-values and y-values into a form that can be used in showplot.
connectthedots(xarray,yarray,[color,thickness,startmarker,endmarker]): Converts an array of x-values and y-values into a form that can be used in showplot to create a series of lines connecting the (x,y) pairs
arraystodots(xarray,yarray): Converts an array of x-values and y-values into a form that can be used in the Drawing answer type
gettwopointlinedata(stuans, [xmin, xmax, ymin, ymax, drawing width, drawing height]): Takes a $stuanswers from a drawing question and pulls out the two-point line data. Returns an array of lines, each of form array(x1,y1,x2,y2) giving the coordinates of the two points used.
gettwopointdata(stuans, type, [xmin, xmax, ymin, ymax, drawing width, drawing height]): Takes a $stuanswers from a drawing question and pulls out the two-point data for the given curve type. Type should be one of 'line', 'parab', 'sqrt', 'sin', 'cos', 'abs', 'vector', 'circle'. Returns an array of curve data, each of form array(x1,y1,x2,y2) giving the coordinates of the two points used. They are returned in the order clicked. For example, with 'parab' type, the first point is the vertex and the second point is an arbitrary point.
getdotsdata(stuans, [xmin, xmax, ymin, ymax, drawing width, drawing height]): Takes a $stuanswers from a drawing question and pulls out the closed dots data. Returns an array of dots, each of form array(x1,y1) giving the coordinates of the dot.
getlinesdata(stuans, [xmin, xmax, ymin, ymax, drawing width, drawing height]): Takes a $stuanswers from a drawing question and pulls out the lines data, which includes polygons. Returns an array, with an element for each line/curve draw. Each of those elements will be an array of points on that line/curve. Each of those points is array (x,y).
getsnapwidthheight(xmin, xmax, ymin, ymax, drawing width, drawing height, snaptogrid): Takes drawing grid info and a snaptogrid value or string, and returns an array(width,height) giving a closeby drawing width and height that will guarantee that the snaptogrid values fall on exact drawing pixel locations.

Format Macros

The following macros help with formatting values for display:

makepretty(string or array of strings): Changes double add/subtract signs to a single sign.
makeprettydisp(string or array of strings): Does makepretty (see above) and backquotes the string for math display
polymakepretty and polymakeprettydisp: Like makepretty, but for polynomials. Cleans up 0*, 1*, ^1, and ^0 to make the polynomial look nicer. This function can do weird things for equations that are not simple polynomials, so test well
makexpretty and makexprettydisp: (deprecated - use makexxpretty instead) Like makepretty, but the X-tra version - attempts to clean up things like 1*, 0*, etc. This function will often cause weird things to happen, so test well
makexxpretty and makexxprettydisp: Like makepretty, but the X-tra version - attempts to clean up things like 1*, 0*, x^1, x^0, etc. Can occasionally cause strange output, so be sure to test. Handles things better than the older makexpretty, but does not always produce 100% identical output.
numtowords(number,[addth]): Creates a string containing number written out in words. Add true as second parameter to change five to fifth.
numtoroman(number,[uppercase]): Converts a number 0.5-3999.5 to a roman numeral string. Defaults to uppercase; set second parameter to false to produce lowercase
prettyint(number): Adds commas in thousands spaces of integers. Example: prettyint(1234) will return "1,234". The result is a string, which can only be used for display, not in calculations
prettyreal(number,decimals,[comma]): Adds commas in thousands spaces of number, and rounds decimal to decimals places. Example: prettyreal(1234.567,2) will return "1,234.57". The result is a string, which can only be used for display, not in calculations. By default adds a comma as a thousands separator; set comma to "" to override.
prettysigfig(number,sigfigs,[comma,choptrailingzeros]): Rounds number to sigfigs significant figures. By default it adds commas in thousands spaces; set comma to "" override. Set choptrailingzeros to true to chop trailing zeros from the decimal part, even if significant.
makescinot(number,[decimals,format]): Converts number to scientific notation. If provided, rounds mantissa to decimals places. Can specify format: "*" "E" as alternative to default cross.
prettytime(value,informat,outformat): Creates a nice representation of a time. Informat can be 'h', 'm', or 's' designating whether value is hours, minutes, or seconds. Outformat can be any combination of these to specify output. For example, 'hm' will return "__ hours and __ minutes". Outformat can also be 'clock' which returns 3:42pm, or 'sclock' which returns 3:42:15pm
dispreducedfraction(numerator,denominator,[doubleslash,variable in numerator]): Takes two numbers as numerator and denominator of a fraction, returning a display form of the fraction, reduced to lowest terms. Suitable for $showanswer. Set doubleslash to true to produced "3//4" rather than "3/4". Set variable in numerator to put a variable in the numerator, such as pi.
makereducedfraction(numerator,denominator,[doubleslash,variable in numerator]): Same as dispreducefraction, but not already in display form
decimaltofraction(decimal,[format,maxden]): Converts a decimal to a fraction. Can use format="mixednumber" to get a mixed number rather than improper fraction. Only works for denominators up to maxden (default 5000)
htmldisp(string,[variables]): Uses HTML instead of the math typesetter to display simple exponents and subscripts, and to italicize variables

String Macros

These macros help with working with strings:

stringappend(value,string): Appends string to value. If value is an array, string is appended to each element of the array
stringprepend(value,string): Same as stringappend, but prepends string to value
today([string]): Returns today's date, like "July 3, 2008". Can change format using string (see http://us2.php.net/manual/en/function.date.php for formats)
stringpos(needle,haystack): Finds the position of the string needle in the string haystack. Returns -1 if needle is not found
stringlen(string): returns the character count in the provided string
stringclean(string,mode): mode 0: trims leading and trailing whitespace. mode 1: removes all whitespace. mode 2: removes all non-alphanumeric charactesr.
substr(string,start,[length]): grabs the part of the string from the start index with given length. If length is not specified, it cuts from the start index to the end of the string.
strtoupper(string): make all characters in the string upper case
ucfirst(string): makes the first character in the string upper case
strtolower(string): make all characters in the string lower case
substr_count(haystack,needle): Find the number of occurances of needle in the string haystack
str_replace(search,replace,string): Replace all occurances of search in the string with replace. Search and replace can be arrays.

Array Macros

These macros are for working with arrays:

listtoarray(list): Converts a list, like "1,2,3,4" or "cat,dog,rabbit" to an array
explode(symbol, string): Converts a string to an array, breaking it apart on the given symbol.
arraytolist(array): Converts an array to a list
calclisttoarray(list): Converts a list of calculations, like "2^2,3^5,7/2" to an array, evaluating the calculations along the way.
stringtoarray(string): Converts a text string to an array of characters
fillarray(value,num,[start]): Creates an array with num entries, all of which are the same given value. Array indexing starts at 0 unless specified
sortarray(list/array,[dir]): Sorts an array from lowest to highest value. To sort in reverse order, give the option second parameter as "rev"
jointsort(array,array,[array,...]): Jointly reorders two or more arrays based on a lowest-to-highest sort of values in the first array
consecutive(min,max,[step]): Creates an array of consecutive numbers, starting at min and ending at max, in increments of step. Step is optional; it defaults to 1.
calconarray(array,calculation): Returns an array, performing the given calculation on each element of the given array. Use "x" as the variable to represent each element of the array. Example: $b = calconarray($a,"x^2") will create an array that is the square each element of the array $a.
multicalconarray(calculation,varslist,var1array,var2array,etc.) Returns an array, performing the given calculation on each set of elements from the given arrays. Allows multivariable calculations. Example: $z= multicalconarray("x*y^2","x,y",$xs,$ys)
calconarrayif(array,calculation,ifcondition): Like calconarray, but allows you to specify a condition for each element for whether to do the calculation. Example: $b = calconarray($a,"x+.1","floor(x)==x") will add .1 to add whole numbers in the array, and leave the other elements unchanged.
subarray(array,params): Creates a new array as a subset of the specified array. The params can take several forms:
- subarray($a,2,4,6): creates an array from $a[2], $a[4], and $a[6]
- subarray($a,"1:3","6:8"): create an array from $a[1] through $a[3], and $a[6] through $a[8]
- subarray($a,$b): creates an array from entries in $a with indexes specified in $b. So if $b = array(2,4,6), this would return $a[2], $a[4], and $a[6]
joinarray(array,symbol): Convert an array to a string, joining elements with the given symbol
mergearrays(array,array): Combines two arrays into one long array
unionarrays(array,array): Unions two arrays, preventing duplicates, into a new array
intersectarrays(array,array): Finds the intersection of two arrays
diffarrays(array1,array2): Returns all elements in array1 that are not also in array2
array_unique(array): Returns the array, stripping duplicate values
count(array): Counts the number of entries in the array
sumarray(array): Adds the entries in an array
in_array(needle,haystack): Checks if value needle is in array haystack. Returns true or false
arrayfindindex(needle,haystack): Returns the index in the array haystack of the value needle. If there are multiple matches, it only returns the first.
arrayfindindices(needle,haystack): Returns an array of indices in the array haystack of the value needle.
array_flip(array): Reverses a one-to-one array, so indexes become values and values become indexes

General Macros

These macros are fairly general purpose:

ifthen(condition,trueval,falseval): Takes a comparision condition, and returns the trueval if the condition is true and the falseval otherwise.
formhoverover(label,tip): Creates a hover-over definition or other tip
formpopup(label,content,[width,height,style,scrollbars]): Creates a link or button leading to a popup window. Content can be a web address, or HTML content to put directly into the popup. Style can be "link" or "button". Scrollbars defaults to false - set true for scrollbars.
forminlinebutton(lable,content,[style,outputstyle]): Creates a link or button that when clicked will reveal hidden content. Content can be any valid HTML. Style can be "link" or "button". Outputstyle can be "inline" or "block". Block will allow any HTML, but will be displayed on a new line. Use "inline" to have text stay on the same line.
makenumberrequiretimes(array/list): Takes an array or list of numbers and generates a string suitable for use as a $requiretimes. Writes the string so that every number in the array must show up in the student answer. Automatically detects and adjusts for number overlaps (like 2 appearing in 32).
ABarray(start, num): Produces an array of strings of the form [AB#] which will get replaced with answerboxes if placed in the question text. start is the first value used, and num indicates the number of entries to create. ABarray(5,2) will output array("[AB5]","[AB6]"). This macro is often used in conjunction with the showarrays macro.

Math Macros

These macros are used for mathematical calculations:

sin(t), cos(t), tan(t), sec(t), csc(t), cot(t): The usual trig functions
arcsin(v), arccos(v), arctan(v): The inverse trig functions
abs(v): Absolute value
gcd(a,b): Greatest common divisor of a and b
lcm(a,b): Least common multiple of a and b
sign(a,[option]): Returns the sign of a, as 1 or -1. If option is set to true, returns a string "+" or "-" instead. If option is set to "onlyneg", it returns the string "-" if a is negative, or "" otherwise.
v!: Factorial, like $a = $b!
evalfunc(func,vars,val1,val2,..): Evaluates a function given the variables and values for each variable. for example evalfunc("x^2*y","x,y",2,3) will evaluate x^2*y with x=2, y=3
See also: calconarray and multicalconarray in the Array Macros section

Conditional Test Macros

These macros are used to test various conditions. They typically return true or false, depending on whether the desired condition is met.

comparenumbers(a,b,[tol]): Compares numbers or numerical expressions a and b to see if there are equivalent to the specified tolerance. Set tol to specify the relative tolerance (defaults to .001), or prefix with | for an absolute tolerance.
comparefunctions(a,b,[vars,tol,domain]): Compares functions a and b to see if they are algebraically equivalent. Set vars to a list of variables (defaults to 'x'). Set tol to specify the relative tolerance (defaults to .001), or prefix with | for an absolute tolerance. Set domain to "xmin,xmax" to specify a domain for comparison.
is_numeric(str): Checks if the string represents an integer or decimal number.
scorestring($answer,$showanswer,words,$stuanswers,$thisq,[partn, highlight]): This function checks to see if the words in the list/array "words" appear in the student's answer. If they all appear, it redefines $answer and $showanswer so the student's answer is marked correct. For multipart questions, include the part number as an additional parameter. Usage for single part questions (where $words is predefined earlier in the code):
$answer,$showanswer = scorestring($answer,"",$words,$stuanswers,$thisq)
Usage for multipart questions (again where $words is predefined). This is example is for part 2:
$answer,$showanswer = scorestring($answer,$showanswer,$words,$stuanswers,$thisq,2)

Feedback Macros

These macros are used to select and format feedback messages to students. They return a string which can be placed in the question text.

getfeedbackbasic(correct msg, incorrect msg, $thisq, [partnum]): Generates a feedback string based solely on whether the question was scored correct or not. Provide the correct and incorrect messages to display, and provide $thisq. Give a part number for multipart questions to get part-based feedback.
getfeedbacktxt(stuans, feedbacktxt, ans): Gives feedback on multiple choice questions.
stuans should be the student answer, obtained from $stuanswers[$thisq] for single part questions, or using the getstuans macro for multipart.
feedbacktxt is an array of feedback responses, corresponding in array order to the $questions, so feedbacktxt[1] is the feedback if the student selections $questions[1] as their answer.
ans is the correct answer; you can usually pass $answer if it's been defined already.
getfeedbacktxtessay(stuans, feedbacktxt): Gives feedback on essay questions. stuans should be the student answer, obtained from $stuanswers[$thisq] for single part questions, or using the getstuans macro for multipart. It is not actually evaluated or compared - it is only needed to see if the student has entered a response or not. Once the student has entered any response, feedbacktxt will be returned.
getfeedbacktxtnumber(stuans, partialcredit, feedbacktxt, defaultfeedback, [tol]): Gives feedback on number questions.
stuans should be the student answer, obtained from $stuanswers[$thisq] for single part questions, or using the getstuans macro for multipart. For Calculated type questions, be sure to use $stuanswersval.
partialcredit is an array or list of form array(number, score, number, score, ... ) where the scores are in the range [0,1].
feedbacktxt is an array of feedback messages, corresponding in array order to the order of the numbers in the partialcredit list.
defaultfeedback is the default incorrect response feedback
Set tol to specify the relative tolerance (defaults to .001), or prefix with | for an absolute tolerance.
getfeedbacktxtcalculated(stuans, stuansval, partialcredit, feedbacktxt, defaultfeedback, [answerformat, requiretimes, tol]): Gives feedback on calculated number questions.
stuans should be the student answer, obtained from $stuanswers[$thisq] for single part questions, or using the getstuans macro for multipart.
stuansval should be the numerical value of the student answer, obtained from $stuanswersval[$thisq].
partialcredit is an array or list of form array(number, score, number, score, ... ) where the scores are in the range [0,1].
feedbacktxt is an array of feedback messages, corresponding in array order to the order of the numbers in the partialcredit list.
defaultfeedback is the default incorrect response feedback
answerformat can be a single answerformat to apply to all expressions, or an array with each element applied to the corresponding expression
requiretimes can be a single requiretimes to apply to all expressions, or an array with each element applied to the corresponding expression
Set tol to specify the relative tolerance (defaults to .001), or prefix with | for an absolute tolerance.
Example: getfeedbacktxtcalculated($stuanswers[$thisq], $stuanswersval[$thisq], array("1/2",1,"1/2",.5), array("Correct", "Right value, but give your answer as a fraction"), "Incorrect", array("fraction","")) will check the students answer against the answer "1/2" twice, the first time applying the "fraction" answerformat, and the second time not.
getfeedbacktxtnumfunc(stuans, partialcredit, feedbacktxt, defaultfeedback, [vars, requiretimes, tol, domain]): Gives feedback on numfunc (algebric expression/equation) questions.
stuans should be the student answer, obtained from $stuanswers[$thisq] for single part questions, or using the getstuans macro for multipart.
partialcredit is an array or list of form array(expression, score, expression, score, ... ) where the scores are in the range [0,1].
feedbacktxt is an array of feedback messages, corresponding in array order to the order of the numbers in the partialcredit list.
defaultfeedback is the default incorrect response feedback
vars should be a list of variables used in the expression. Defaults to "x"
requiretimes can be a single requiretimes to apply to all expressions, or an array with each element applied to the corresponding expression
Set tol to specify the relative tolerance (defaults to .001), or prefix with | for an absolute tolerance.
Set domain to limit the test domain. Defaults to "-10,10"

Using Other Macros

If an IMathAS administrator has installed other Macro Libraries, you can load a macro library by entering the line

loadlibrary("list of library names")

at the beginning of the Common Control section.

Examples:

loadlibrary("stats")

loadlibrary("stats,misc")

Click on the "Macro Library Help" link in the question editor to get a list of installed macro libraries and the macros available in each library

Math Entry

IMathAS uses ASCIIMath for math entry. For calculations, a limited subset is available:

Symbol	Meaning
* / + -	Multiply, divide, add, subtract
^	Powers. 2^3 = 8.
e, pi	The standard constants
%	Modulus (remainder after division. 5%2 = 1)
!	Factorial
sqrt	Square root
sin,cos,tan,cot,sinh,cosh	Standard trig function. Be sure to enter as sin(2), not sin 2
arcsin,arccos,arctan,arcsinh,arccosh	Inverse trig functions.
sin^-1, cos^-1, tan^-1	Alternative entry for inverse trig functions. Use like sin^-1(0.5)
ln	Natural Logarithm base e
log	Common Logarithm base 10
abs	Absolute Value. Note that while abs() is used for calculations, you may prefer to use \| brackets for display
round(n,d)	round number n to d decimal places
floor,ceil	floor/ceiling: integer below/above given number

For display only, the full ASCIIMath language is available (which includes support for a limited subset of LaTeX). For more info, see the full ASCIIMath syntax, or look at some examples.

Solver

While writing a question, it can be handy to quickly solve a formula for a variable. For example, if you're writing a question that asks students to solve y=($a x + $b)/($b x - $a) for x, where $a and $b are randomized variables. You might need to calculate the correct answer. The Solver tool can help solve or check the solution.

Solver Input

Tips:

Select your code from the Common Control box, then either drag-drop or copy-paste it to the box below, or
Highlight an expression in Common Control and press Ctrl-M to update the Solver code, or
Highlight an expression in your code before clicking Solver.
Select an operation to perform: Solve, Differentiate, Integrate, Plot.
You may need to change the colored Sage code below to solve for the correct variable or to adjust the plot window etc. See the help icon below for examples.

Solver: Sage Syntax

SageMath examples:

#create symbolic variables x,y,a,b,c,d = var('x,y,a,b,c,d') # solve the equation for x solve( y==(a*x+b)/(c*x-d) , x ) x = var('x') #Differentiate diff( 3*x^4 , x ) x = var('x') #Plot in a standard window plot( -x^2+4 , (x,-10,10) ) x = var('x') #Simplify simplify( 5*x+7*(-3*x-4) )

Tips:

Declare any variables using var() as above. By default, x is a variable.
Use two equal signs for math equations.
With solve() diff() integral() give the independent variable after a comma.
With plot() a range for the independent variable must be specified, e.g. (x, -10, 10).
Select a new operation or click Go to calculate.

Solver Output

Tips:

Drag the result above to the Common Control box where you define the $answer or any other location, or
Click Insert in Common Control to append the result to the end of the Common Control, or
Click Insert as $answer to append $answer = result to the Common Control (not available if $answer is already defined).
Note: Touchscreens might not be supported by the drag operation.

Common options to all types

All question types can support these options:

Hints

For a single question (not multipart), to use hints, in the common control (or question control) section define the array $hints where:

$hints[attempt number] = "hint text"

For example:

$hints[0] = "This will show on first display"
$hints[1] = "This will show on second attempt (after 1 missed attempt)"
$hints[2] = "This will show on third and subsequent attempts, since no later values have been defined"

It is fine, or example, to not define $hints[0] if you want nothing to display initially.

Then in the question text, place the location of the hint using the variable $hintloc.

In multipart questions, you can follow the process above if you just want a single strand of hints for the entire problem. If you want per-part hints, define the $hints array as:

$hints[question part number][attempt number] = "hint text"

Then in question text, place each hint using $hintloc[question part number]

Help references

To provide help of some sort for a question (typically, links to videos, book references, etc), define $helptext in the common control section. Any text assigned to this variable will show above the answer box entry tips. The display of this text is controlled by the same "show hints?" option that controls the display of hints described above.

Referencing Student Answers

To create multipart questions that are graded on consistency, or to create a set of lab-type problems that rely on student-provided data, you can reference students' previous answers in your question code. You will only be able to reference the student answer to some question types

$stuanswers[N] will refer to the student's answer on question N (not zero-indexed: N=1 is question 1)
$stuanswers[N][P] will refer to the student's answer on question N, part P (if multipart)
$stuanswers[$thisq][P] will refer to the student's answer on the current question, part P
$stuanswers[$thisq-1] will refer to the student's answer on the previous question
$stuanswersval[$thisq] or $stuanswersval[$thisq][P] will contain the numerical value of Calculated question types.

Notes (important!):

1) If the student has not answered the question, then $stuanswers[N] == null. If used in an equation, it will take on the value 0. To prevent divide-by-zero errors and to prevent students from exploiting this, it is highly recommended that you do something like:

$a = $stuanswers[$thisq][0]
$a = rand(1,100) if ($a==null)

Perhaps also include: $warning = "You MUST answer question 1 before this question" if ($a==null), then put $warning in the question text.

2) If you use $stuanswers in your $answer, $showanswer will generally not be defined. If you follow the advice in #1 above, then your $showanswer will reflect the random number assigned to $a. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you custom define the $showanswer.

3) If using the $stuanswers array in a string or in the Question Text, you must enclose it with curly brackets: Your answer was {$stuanswers[0][0]}. If using it directly in a calculation, enclose it in parentheses just to be safe.

4) $stuanswers[$thisq] is defined for question scoring, but may not be for question display.

5) You can use the function getstuans($stuanswers,N,P) to retreive a student answer value. This method bypasses some strange things that happen when there is a multipart question with only one part.

Other Reference Variables

A few other special purpose variables can be referenced:

$scorenonzero: This variable is only available on display, not during scoring. $scorenonzero[$thisq] (or $scorenonzero[$thisq][partindex] for multipart) will be -1 if the question is unanswered, 0 if the score is zero, and 1 if the score is anything above 0.
$scoreiscorrect: This variable is only available on display, not during scoring. $scoreiscorrect[$thisq] (or $scoreiscorrect[$thisq][partindex] for multipart) will be -1 if the question is unanswered, 1 if the score (before any penalties) is perfect, and 0 otherwise.
$attemptn: This variable holds the attempt number of the current attempt. 0 is the initial attempt, 1 is the next attempt, etc.
$requestclearla: If you set $requestclearla=true in your code, it will request the display to clear out the student's last answer. This might be useful if your question branches based on attempt count. Example: $requestclearla = true if ($attemptn==2 && !$scoreiscorrect[$thisq])

Reusing Code

You can import in the Common Control code from another question using

includecodefrom(questionid)

For example, in the master/source question, you might use the code:

if (!$included) {
 $type = rand(0,4)
}
do stuff here

$type = 0
includecodefrom(1234)

Question text can be also brought in from another question by using

includeqtextfrom(questionid)

Question Types

The question types available are:

Number

The student is asked to enter a number (integer, decimal, or scientific notation). The answer is compared to a given tolerance. Can also accept DNE, oo (Infinity), and -oo (Negative Infinity) as answers.

Required Variables

$answer = a number or calculation resulting in a number, like $answer = 5 (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Define multiple acceptable answers in a string separated by or: $answer = "3 or 5 or 7". Alternatively, you can provide an interval notation range of acceptable answers, like $answer = "(2,5]". Providing a range will override any tolerances set. If $answerformat is set for list answers, then this should provide a list of correct answers, like $answer = "1,2,3".

Optional Variables

$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$reqdecimals = a number (In Common Control): Defines the decimal accuracy required (ie 2 for two decimal places). This will put a message in the answer tips stating the decimals required. If neither $abstolerance or $reltolerance is set, this will set the tolerance, otherwise the provided tolerance will be used (even if it doesn't agree with the $reqdecimal setting).
$reqsigfigs = a number (In Common Control): Defines the significant figure accuracy required. Use $reqsigfigs = 2 for at least 2 sig fig accuracy, or $reqsigfigs = "=2" to require exactly 2 sig figs in the answer, or $reqsigfigs = "[2,3]" to require 2 or 3 sigfigs. This will put also a message in the answer tips stating the significant figures required. This overrides both $reltolerance and $abstolerance. If you use the "=2" form, it will also round your $answer if needed for the $showanswer.
$answerformat = "list", "exactlist", "orderedlist", "nosoln", or "nosolninf"
$partialcredit = array(number,score,[number,score,...]) (In Common Control): Allows you to specify partial credit for other answers. The array should be given in the form array(number,score,number,score,...), where number is the value to compare to the student answer, and score is a proportion between 0 and 1 to award as partial credit. Note this currently only works for single number answers; "or" and list answers are not supported.
$ansprompt = string (In Common Control): A string that will be displayed in front of the input box. Example: $ansprompt="y="
$displayformat = "alignright" (In Common Control): Aligns the text in the answer box to the right side
$answerboxsize = number (In Common Control): Determines the number of characters space provided for entry of an answer. Defaults to 20.
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input box in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to $answer. Use this to give a detailed answer, or a rounded off answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Calculated

A student is asked to enter a number or a calculation, like 2/3, 5^2, or sin(2). Can also accept DNE, oo (Infinity), and -oo (Negative Infinity) as answers.

Required Variables

$answer = a number or calculation resulting in a number (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Define multiple acceptable answers in a string separated by or: $answer = "3 or 5 or 7". Alternatively, you can provide an interval notation range of acceptable answers, like $answer = "(2,5]". Providing a range will override any tolerances set

Optional Variables

$answerformat = "fraction", "reducedfraction", "mixednumber", "sloppymixednumber", "mixednumberorimproper", "scinot", "fracordec", "nodecimal", "notrig", "allowmixed", "noval", "list", "exactlist", or "orderedlist" (In Common Control)

Specifies answer format options. Some can be combined, like this: $answerformat="nodecimal,notrig".

fraction: requires the answer to be a single fraction (like 10/6, 1/3, or 5)
reducedfraction: a reduced fraction (like 5/3 or 5)
mixednumber: a reduced mixed number (like 2 1/2 or 2_1/2, or 2/3 or 5)
mixednumberorimproper: a reduced mixed number or improper fraction (like 2 1/2 or 5/2)
sloppymixednumber: a mixed number (will take 5/2, 2 1/2, even 1 3/2)
scinot: scientific notation (like 2.3*10^4)
allowxtimes: allows the use of x for multiplication, (like 23x10^2 for 23*10^2)
fracordec: a single fraction or decimal value
nodecimal: an answer without decimals (also disallows 10^-2 and 3E-2).
notrig: an answer without trig functions (sin,cos,tan,sec,csc,cot)
allowmixed: will accept mixed numbers (like 2 1/2) as well as other expressions
noval: tells the answer preview to not compute a decimal equivalent
list: a list of answers is expected - ignores duplicate values (1,1,2 is equivalent to 1,2)
exactlist: a list of answers is expected - does not ignore duplicates
orderedlist: a list of answers is expected - order is important, and duplicates are not ignored
nosoln or nosolninf: adds a list radio buttons for "no solutions" and optionally "infinite solutions". $ansprompt can override the default statements like this: $ansprompt = "One value, x=;No values;Many values"

$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control)

Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.

$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control)

Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance

$reqdecimals = a number (In Common Control)

Defines the decimal accuracy required (ie 2 for two decimal places). This will put a message in the answer tips stating the decimals required. If neither $abstolerance or $reltolerance is set, this will set the tolerance, otherwise the provided tolerance will be used (even if it doesn't agree with the $reqdecimal setting).

$requiretimes = a list, like "^,=3,cos,<2" (In Common Control)

Adds format checking to the student's answer. The list can include multiple checks, which come in pairs. The first is the symbol to look for. The second describes what is acceptable. For example, in the string shown above, the symbol "^" would be required to show up exactly 3 times, and "cos" would be required to show up less than 2 times.
You can use "#" in the symbol location to match any number (including decimal values); 3.2^5 would match twice.
You can use a regular expression by putting in the symbol location "regex:expression"

$requiretimeslistpart = a list, in the same format as $requiretimes (In Common Control)

Similar to $requiretimes, but this check is applied to each element of the answer list when a list $answerformat is used, where $requiretimes would be applied to the entire list of answers.

$ansprompt = string (In Common Control)

A string that will be displayed in front of the input box. Example: $ansprompt="y="

$answerboxsize = number (In Common Control)

Determines the number of characters space provided for entry of an answer. Defaults to 20.

$hidepreview = true (In Common Control)

Hides the Preview button. Could be useful in multipart questions, or if you're only asking for a simple response, like a fraction

$answerbox (In Question Text)

Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input box in that location

$showanswer (In Common Control)

The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to $answer. Use this to give a detailed answer, or a rounded off answer.

$previewloc (In Question Text)

Where you want the preview button to be located. Defaults to after the entry box if not placed in question text.

$hidetips = true (In Common Control)

Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Multiple-Choice

A student is asked to select the correct answer from those given. The order of choices is automatically randomized.

Required Variables

$questions (or $choices) = an array of choices (In Common Control): Defines the choices. If you use $choices, don't define $questions
$answer = the index into $questions that contains the correct answer (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Remember that arrays are zero-indexed, so if $questions = array("correct","wrong","wrong"), then $answer=0. Define multiple acceptable answer indices in a string separated by or: $answer = "0 or 1".

Optional Variables

$displayformat = "horiz", "select", "2column, "3column", or "inline" (In Common Control): Will lay out the choices horizontally, as a select box, in multiple columns, or inline with text rather than using the default vertical layout
$noshuffle = "all" or "last" (In Common Control): If $noshuffle="all", then the $questions array will not be randomized (shuffled). If $noshuffle = "last", then the $questions array will be randomized, except for the last element. This is for options like "None of the above"
$partialcredit = array(index,score,[index,score,...]) (In Common Control): Allows you to specify partial credit for other answers. The array should be given in the form array(index,score,index,score,...), where index is the index in $questions, and score is a proportion between 0 and 1 to award as partial credit. For example, if $answer = 0 and $partialcredit = array(2,.3), then the student would get full credit for selecting the item corresponding with $questions[0], and 30% credit for selecting the item corresponding with $questions[2]. All other answers would receive 0 credit.
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the choice list in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Multiple-Answer

A student is asked to select all the choices given that are correct. The order of choices is automatically randomized.

Required Variables

$questions (or $choices)= an array of questions (In Common Control): Defines the choices. If you use $choices, don't define $questions
$answers = a list of the indexes into $questions that contain the correct answer (In Common Control): Defines the answers. Remember that arrays are zero-indexed, if $questions = array("correct","correct","wrong"), then $answers="0,1"

Optional Variables

$scoremethod = "answers" or "allornothing" (In Common Control): By default, the total points possible are divided by the number of questions, and partial credit is lost for each correct answer missed and each wrong answer selected. If $scoremethod="answers" is set, then the total points possible are divided by the number of answers (tougher grading scheme). If $scoremethod="allornothing", then the student will only get credit if every piece is correct (no partial credit).
$displayformat = "horiz", "2column, "3column", or "inline" (In Common Control): Will lay out the choices horizontally, in multiple columns, or inline with text rather than using the default vertical layout
$noshuffle = "all" (In Common Control): If $noshuffle="all", then the $questions array will not be randomized (shuffled)
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the choice list in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answers. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Matching

A student is asked to match answers with questions

Required Variables

$questions = an array of questions (In Common Control): Defines the questions - these will be on the left with entry boxes
$answers = an array of answers (In Common Control): Defines the answers - these will be on the right and lettered

Optional Variables

$matchlist = a list of the indexes into $answers that contain the match to each question. (In Common Control): Defines correct matches. By default, it is assumed that each element of $questions is matched one-to-one with the corresponding element of $answers (in other words, that $answers[0] is the answer to $questions[0]).
$matchlist allows you to define one-to-many matches. Example: if $questions=array("cat","dog","quartz") and $answers=array("animal","mineral"), then $matchlist = "0,0,1"
$questiontitle = string (In Common Control): Displays a title above the list of questions. For example, if $questions was a list of states, then $questiontitle="States" would be appropriate
$answertitle = string (In Common Control): Displays a title above the list of answers
$noshuffle = "questions" or "answers": Retains original order of questions or answers, and only shuffles the other. By default, both lists are shuffled
$displayformat = "select" or "2columnselect": Only displays the $answers, with select boxes next to each containing the $questions. This should only be used with pure text $questions.
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place matching questions and answers in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the list of correct matches. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Function

A student is asked to enter a function

Required Variables

$answer = string (In Common Control): Defines the answer function, entered as a string. For example, $answer="2sin(x)"

Optional Variables

$variables = string (In Common Control): A list of all variables in the function (including letters representing constants). Defaults to "x". Can use "f()" to indicate a symbol represents a function.
$domain = "inputmin,inputmax" (In Common Control): Defines the domain on which to compare the given answer and correct answer functions. The same domain applies to all variables. An option third list element "integers" can be given, which limits the domain to integer values. The domain defaults to real numbers from -10 to 10. If using multiple variables, can extend domain to define domain for each variable separately. Example: $variables = "x,y"; $domain = "0,5,20,25"
$requiretimes = a list, like "^,=3,cos,<2" (In Common Control): Adds format checking to the student's answer. The list can include multiple checks, which come in pairs. The first is the symbol to look for. The second describes what is acceptable. For example, in the string shown above, the symbol "^" would be required to show up exactly 3 times, and "cos" would be required to show up less than 2 times. You can use "#" in the symbol location to match any number (including decimal values); 3.2x+42y would match twice.
$answerformat = "equation" or "toconst" (In Common Control): By default, the student answer is expected to be an expression, and be equivalent (at points) to the specified answer. This option changes this behavior.
"equation": Specifies that the answer expected is an equation rather than an expression. The given answer should also be an equation. Be sure to specify all variables in the equation in $variables. This may fail on equations that are near zero for most values of the input; this can often be overcome by changing the $domain
"toconst": Specifies that the answer provided by the student is allowed to differ from the specified answer by a constant for all inputs. Appropriate for comparing antiderivatives. This may fail on expressions that evaluate to very large values or raise numbers to very large powers.
$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$ansprompt = string (In Common Control): A string that will be displayed in front of the input box. Example: $ansprompt="y="
$answerboxsize = number (In Common Control): Determines the number of characters space provided for entry of an answer. Defaults to 20.
$hidepreview = true (In Common Control): Hides the Preview button. Could be useful in multipart questions, but generally not recommended
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input box in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to makeprettydisp($answer).
$previewloc (In Question Text): Where you want the preview button to be located. Defaults to after the entry box if not placed in question text.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

String

A student is asked to enter a string (a word or list of letters).

Required Variables

$answer = a string (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Multiple acceptable answers can be entered using "or". Example: $answer = "dog or cat"

Optional Variables

$strflags = string of flags, like "ignore_case=1,trim_whitespace=0" (In Common Control)

Determines how the string will be compared. Set to 1 to turn on, 0 for off. Flags are:

ignore_case: ignores capitol/lowercase differences
trim_whitespace: trims leading and ending whitespace (spaces)
compress_whitespace: compresses multiple spaces to one space and trims
remove_whitespace: removes all whitespace (spaces)
ignore_order: treats ABC and CBA as equivalent
ignore_commas: removes commas
partial_credit: awards partial credit based on Levenshtein distance between strings
allow_diff=n: gives full credit for answers with Levenshtein distance between strings ≤ n
in_answer: gives credit if $answer is contained anywhere in the student answer
regex: interprets $answer as a regular expression (pattern) to evaluate the student's answer. For example, $answer="cost.*increas" will give credit if the word cost appears before increas in the student's answer. $answer="increas|ris" will accept any of the following: increasing, increases, rising, or risen etc.
special_or: use *or* for separating answers rather than or.
ignore_symbol=sym: Unlike the other flags, this is not an on/off flag. Set this equal to a symbol to ignore that symbol in student answers. This flag can be used multiple times with different symbols.

By default, compress_whitespace and ignore_case are On. Only one of partial_credit, allow_diff, in_answer or regex may be used at a time.

$scoremethod = "takeanything" (In Common Control)

Sets the problem to give full credit for any answer.

$answerformat = "list" (In Common Control)

Specifies that a list of answers is expected. Renders ignore_commas unnecessary. Cannot be used with partial_credit flag. Duplicates are not ignored.

$displayformat = "usepreview" or "typeahead"(In Common Control)

"usepreview" adds a preview button for previewing mathematical answers.
"typeahead" will enable an auto-suggest list of options once the student has typed at least two letters of the word. Provide the auto-suggest list in the variable $questions.

$ansprompt = string (In Common Control)

A string that will be displayed in front of the input box. Example: $ansprompt="type: "

$answerboxsize = number (In Common Control)

Determines the number of characters space provided for entry of an answer. Defaults to 20.

$answerbox (In Question Text)

Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the answer entry box in that location

$showanswer (In Common Control)

The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.

$hidetips = true (In Common Control)

Essay

A student is asked to enter a free-response answer. The essay type is not automatically graded.

Required Variables
None - the essay type is not computer graded.

Optional Variables

$answerboxsize = "rows" or $answerboxsize = "rows,columns" (In Common Control): Determines size of space provided for entry of an answer. Defaults to 5 rows, 50 columns.
$displayformat = "editor" (In Common Control): Use the rich text editor for the essay answer box.
$scoremethod = "takeanything" (In Common Control): Sets the problem to give full credit for any answer.
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the essay box in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Drawing

Drawing questions require the student to draw one or more lines/curves or dots. Dots are graded right/wrong. Lines/curves are graded based on the deviation of the drawn line from the correct line.

Required Variables

$answers = a string or array of strings describing the points or curves to be drawn (In Common Control): Curves: "f(x)" or "f(x),xmin,xmax", like "x^2+3" or "x,-3,2"
Dots: "x,y" for closed dots, "x,y,open" for open dots, like "2,3"

Optional Variables

$answerformat = "line,lineseg,dot,opendot" or "polygon" or "twopoint" or "inequality" or "numberline" (In Common Control)

Limits the drawing tools available to students. Defaults to "line,dot,opendot". Define to limit the options. Example: $answerformat = "line", or $answerformat = "line,dot"
$answerformat = "polygon" can be used for drawing a single polygon; give $answer as array of points in order joined with edges.
$answerformat="inequality" will use a set of drawing tools for graphing linear inequalities in two variables. Give $answers for non-vertical lines in form like ">=3x+4", "<5x+4", and "x<=3" for vertical lines.
$answerformat="inequality,parab" will use a set of drawing tools for graphing quadratic inequalities in two variables. Give $answers in form like ">=x^2-4", "<x^2+1". Use $answerformat="inequality,both" to turn on lines and parabolas.
$answerformat="numberline" will use a set of drawing tools for graphing inequalities or points in one variable on a number line. Give $answers as dots and line segments, or use the intervalstodraw function from the interval macro library to form the $answers array.
$answerformat="twopoint" will use a different set of drawing tools for specific shapes that all use two control points to define the shape.

$answerformat="twopoint" will use a default tool set of line, parabola, absolute value, circle, and dot tools
You can limit or expand the tools by specifying them: e.g. $answerformat = "twopoint,line,parab". Valid values are: line, parab,abs,circle,dot,sqrt,trig,vector,exp
For lines, parabolas, absolute values, square roots, sines, cosines, exponentials and dots, give $answers in the normal way (as a function of x)
For circles, use "circle,x,y,radius", like "circle,2,-1,3"
For vertical lines use "x=number", like "x=3".
For vectors, use "vector, x_start, y_start, x_end, y_end" for position vectors, or "vector, dx, dy" for displacement vectors

$grid = "xmin,xmax,ymin,ymax,xscl,yscl,imagewidth,imageheight" (In Common Control)

Defines the grid to be drawn on. Defaults to "-5,5,-5,5,1,1,300,300". You can set all or just some of the values. For example, to just set the window, you could use "0,10,0,10"
If using $answerformat="numberline", set ymin and ymax to 0.
If desired, you can set separate label and grid spacing using "xmin,xmax,ymin,ymax,xlabel:xgrid,ylabel:ygrid,imagewidth,imageheight". You can specify axis labels using "xmin,xmax,ymin,ymax,xlabel:xgrid:xaxislabel,ylabel:ygrid:yaxislabel,imagewidth,imageheight". To create first quadrant graphs, use "0:-n" (for some value of n) for xmin and/or ymin to only have gridlines and labels after 0, while still using -n to adjust spacing.

$snaptogrid = spacing (In Common Control)

Turns on snapping, where points will jump to a grid. $snaptogrid = 1 will jump to the nearest integer. $snaptogrid = 0.5 will jump to the nearest .5. $snaptogrid = "2:4" will jump to the nearest 2 in the x and 4 in the y. Does not have to match the actual grid line spacing. Be aware that due to pixelation, the snapping may not land on exact values correctly. This is usually corrected for automatically, but it sometimes fails if the correction would be too large. In that case, use the getsnapwidthheight macro to compute an imagewidth and imageheight that will be pixel accurate.

$background = equation or array of equations, using the showplot macro format (In Common Control)

Define a graph to display in the background, to be drawn on top of. Example: $background = "x^2,red"

$partweights = array or list of weights (In Common Control)

Defines grading weight for each line or dot in $answers. Example: $partweights = ".5,.25,.25". Defaults to equal weights on each line or dot.

$reltolerance = tolerance scaling factor

Scales the grading tolerance. Defaults to 1. Set $reltolerance = 2 to make the grading twice as tolerant; $reltolerance = 0.5 to make grading half as forgiving

$abstolerance = grading cutoff

Sets all-or-nothing grading. If score < $abstolerance, the student receives 0 for the question (note: score is between 0 and 1). Otherwise the student will receive full credit. Not set by default.

$answerbox (In Question Text)

Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input drawing tool in that location

$showanswer (In Common Control)

The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.

$hidetips = true (In Common Control)

N-Tuple

N-Tuple questions require the student to enter an n-tuple or list of n-tuples. This can be used for coordinate points, vectors, or any other n-tuple of numbers.

Required Variables

$answer = a string containing an n-tuple or list of n-tuples (In Common Control): Defines the answer n-tuple or list of n-tuples. N-tuples can be any dimension, but must be surrounded by any of: (), [], {}, <>. Examples: $answer = "(1,2)", $answer = "<2,3,4>,<1,5,7>".

Optional Variables

$displayformat = "point", "pointlist", "vector", "vectorlist", "list" (In Common Control): Changes the answer entry tips (does NOT change how the question is graded). For points, entry like (2,3) is specified. For vectors, entry like <2,3> is specified.
$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input drawing tool in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Calculated N-Tuple

Calculated N-Tuple questions require the student to enter an n-tuple or list of n-tuples. This can be used for coordinate points, vectors, or any other n-tuple of numbers. Drawing question require the student to draw one or more lines/curves or dots. This is identical the the N-tuple answer type, but allows students to enter mathematical expressions rather than just numbers, such as (5/3, 2/3).

Required Variables

$answer = a string containing an n-tuple or list of n-tuples (In Common Control): Defines the answer n-tuple or list of n-tuples. N-tuples can be any dimension, but must be surrounded by any of: (), [], {}, <>. Examples: $answer = "(1/3,2)", $answer = "<2,3,4>,<1,5,7>".

Optional Variables

$displayformat = "point", "pointlist", "vector", "vectorlist", "list" (In Common Control): Changes the answer entry tips (does NOT change how the question is graded). For points, entry like (2,3) is specified. For vectors, entry like <2,3> is specified.
$answerformat = "fraction", "reducedfraction", "mixednumber", "scinot", "fracordec", "nodecimal", "notrig", "nosoln", "nosolninf" (In Common Control): Requires each component of the answer to be a single fraction (like 10/6), a reduced fraction (like 5/3), a reduced mixed number (like 2_1/2), scientific notation (like 2.3*10^4), a single fraction or decimal, an answer without decimals (also disallows 10^-2 and 3E-2), or an answer without trig functions (sin,cos,tan,sec,csc,cot). Multiple options can be specified like $answerformat="nodecimal,notrig".
$answerformat = "nosoln" or "nosolninf" adds a list radio buttons for "no solutions" and optionally "infinite solutions". $ansprompt can override the default statements like this: $ansprompt = "One value, x=;No values;Many values"
$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input drawing tool in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Complex

Complex questions require the student to enter a complex number in a+bi form.

Required Variables

$answers = a string containing a complex number or list of complex numbers (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Example: $answer="3+2i"

Optional Variables

$answerformat = "list" (In Common Control): Specifies that the answer will be a list of complex numbers.
$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input drawing tool in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Calculated Complex

Calculated Complex questions require the student to enter a complex number in a+bi form. This is identical the the N-tuple answer type, but allows students to enter mathematical expressions rather than just numbers, such as 1/3+sqrt(2)i.

Required Variables

$answers = a string containing a complex number or list of complex numbers (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Example: $answer="3+2i", $answer="2/3+1/3i". The answer must be given in a + bi format (so 2+3isqrt(2) or 5/2+i/3 will not work)

Optional Variables


$answerformat = "sloppycomplex", "fraction", "reducedfraction", "mixednumber", "scinot", "fracordec", "nodecimal", or "notrig" (In Common Control): Use "sloppycomplex" to allow the student to enter complex numbers in forms other than a+bi (allows 2+3isqrt(2) for example). Student answer must still only contain one i.
The other options requires the real and imaginary parts of the answer to be a single fraction (like 10/6), a reduced fraction (like 5/3), a reduced mixed number (like 2_1/2), scientific notation (like 2.3*10^4), a single fraction or decimal, an answer without decimals (also disallows 10^-2 and 3E-2), or an answer without trig functions (sin,cos,tan,sec,csc,cot). Multiple options can be specified like $answerformat="nodecimal,notrig".
$answerformat = "list" specifies that the answer will be a list of complex numbers. $answerformat = "nosoln" or "nosolninf" adds a list radio buttons for "no solutions" and optionally "infinite solutions". $ansprompt can override the default statements like this: $ansprompt = "One value, x=;No values;Many values"
$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input drawing tool in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Numerical Matrix

The student is asked to enter a matrix of numbers (integer, decimal, or scientific notation). The entries are compared to a given tolerance.

Required Variables

$answer = string descripting a matrix of numbers, or calculations leading to numbers (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Example: $answer = "[(1,2,3),(8/2,5,6)]" is a 2x3 matrix with first row: 1,2,3

Optional Variables

$answersize = "rows,cols" (In Common Control): Defines the size of the answer matrix. If this is supplied, the student will be provided with a grid of entry boxes in which to input the matrix. If this is not supplied, they will be required to enter the matrix using the ASCIIMath notation, like "[(1,2,3),(4,5,6)]"
$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$ansprompt = string (In Common Control): A string that will be displayed in front of the input box. Example: $ansprompt="y="
$answerboxsize = number (In Common Control): Determines the number of characters space provided for entry of an answer. Defaults to 20. Will only be used if $answersize is not supplied.
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input box in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to $answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Calculated Matrix

The student is asked to enter a matrix of numbers or calculations, like 2/3 or 5^2. The entries are compared to a given tolerance.

Required Variables

$answer = string descripting a matrix of numbers, or calculations leading to numbers (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Example: $answer = "[(1,2,3),(8/2,5,6)]" is a 2x3 matrix with first row: 1,2,3

Optional Variables

$answersize = "rows,cols" (In Common Control): Defines the size of the answer matrix. If this is supplied, the student will be provided with a grid of entry boxes in which to input the matrix. If this is not supplied, they will be required to enter the matrix using the ASCIIMath notation, like "[(1,2,3),(4,5,6)]"
$answerformat = "fraction", "reducedfraction", "mixednumber", "scinot", "fracordec", "nodecimal", or "notrig" (In Common Control): Requires the entries of the answer to be a single fraction (like 10/6), a reduced fraction (like 5/3), a reduced mixed number (like 2_1/2), scientific notation (like 2.3*10^4), a single fraction or decimal, an answer without decimals (also disallows 10^-2 and 3E-2), or an answer without trig functions (sin,cos,tan,sec,csc,cot). Multiple options can be specified like $answerformat="nodecimal,notrig".
$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$ansprompt = string (In Common Control): A string that will be displayed in front of the input box. Example: $ansprompt="y="
$answerboxsize = number (In Common Control): Determines the number of characters space provided for entry of an answer. Defaults to 20. Will only be used if $answersize is not supplied.
$hidepreview = true (In Common Control): Hides the Preview button. Could be useful in multipart questions, but generally not recommended
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the question input box in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to $answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$previewloc (In Question Text): Where you want the preview button to be located. Defaults to after the entry box if not placed in question text.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Interval

A student is asked to enter an interval notation answer. Example: (2,5]U(7,oo)

Required Variables

$answer = a string with the answer in interval notation (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Join multiple intervals with U for union. Example: $answer = "(-oo,4]U(3,oo)". Use DNE for empty set. Multiple acceptable answers can be entered using "or". Example: $answer = "(3,3) or [3,3]"

Optional Variables

$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$reqdecimals = a number (In Common Control): Defines the decimal accuracy required (ie 2 for two decimal places). This will put a message in the answer tips stating the decimals required. If neither $abstolerance or $reltolerance is set, this will set the tolerance, otherwise the provided tolerance will be used (even if it doesn't agree with the $reqdecimal setting).
$answerformat = "normalcurve" (In Common Control): Changes the question to use a "shade the area under the normal curve" widget. Define $answer using the interval that should be shaded. Note that the shading tool only allows selection of z-values to 1 decimal place.
$ansprompt = string (In Common Control): A string that will be displayed in front of the input box. Example: $ansprompt="`x in`"
$answerboxsize = number (In Common Control): Determines the number of characters space provided for entry of an answer. Defaults to 20.
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the entry box in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Calculated Interval

A student is asked to enter an interval notation answer. Example: (2,5]U(7,oo). Values can be entered as calculations rather than numbers, like [2/5,sqrt(8)]. Can use $answerformat="inequality" to require the student to use inequalities rather than invertal notation.

Required Variables

$answer = a string with the answer in interval notation (In Common Control): Defines the answer. Join multiple intervals with U for union, and oo for infinity. Example: $answer = "(-oo,4]U(9/2,oo)". Use DNE for empty set. Multiple acceptable answers can be entered using "or". Example: $answer = "(3,3) or [3,3]".

Optional Variables

$answerformat = "fraction", "reducedfraction", "mixednumber", "scinot", "fracordec", "nodecimal", "notrig", or "inequality" (In Common Control): Requires the each value in the answer to be a single fraction (like 10/6), a reduced fraction (like 5/3), a reduced mixed number (like 2_1/2), scientific notation (like 2.3*10^4), a single fraction or decimal, an answer without decimals (also disallows 10^-2 and 3E-2), or an answer without trig functions (sin,cos,tan,sec,csc,cot). Multiple options can be specified like $answerformat="nodecimal,notrig".
$answerformat = "inequality" will require the student to enter an inequality rather than an interval. The instructor answer must still be given in interval notation (it will be reformatted to an inequality automatically for the Show Answer). Use $variables="y" to change the variable of the inequality.
$reltolerance = a decimal value (In Common Control): Defines the largest relative error that will be accepted. If this is not set, a relative error of .001 (.1%) is used by default.
$abstolerance = a number (In Common Control): Defines the largest absolute error that will be accepted. This will override the use of $reltolerance
$reqdecimals = a number (In Common Control): Defines the decimal accuracy required (ie 2 for two decimal places). This will put a message in the answer tips stating the decimals required. If neither $abstolerance or $reltolerance is set, this will set the tolerance, otherwise the provided tolerance will be used (even if it doesn't agree with the $reqdecimal setting).
$ansprompt = string (In Common Control): A string that will be displayed in front of the input box. Example: $ansprompt="`x in`"
$answerboxsize = number (In Common Control): Determines the number of characters space provided for entry of an answer. Defaults to 20.
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the entry box in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available). Defaults to the text of the correct answer. Use this to substitute a detailed answer.
$previewloc (In Question Text): Where you want the preview button to be located. Defaults to after the entry box if not placed in question text.
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

File Upload

A student is asked to upload a file. The file upload type is not automatically graded.

Required Variables
None - the file upload type is not computer graded.

Optional Variables

$scoremethod = "takeanything" (In Common Control): Sets the problem to give full credit for any answer.
$answerbox (In Question Text): Using the variable $answerbox in the Question Text will place the file upload box in that location
$showanswer (In Common Control): The answer to show to students (if option if available).
$hidetips = true (In Common Control): Hides the question entry tips that display by default. This should only be used when a question type is being used in an unintentional way, or if the question type gives away critical info to the student.

Multipart

This type of question can contain multiple parts, where each part is one of the previous question types.

Required Variables

$anstypes = an array or list of answer types (In Common Control)

Defines the answer type for each part. Example: $anstypes = array("number","number","choices")
Refer to this list for the short names of each question type:

Number: "number"
Calculated: "calculated"
Multiple Choice: "choices"
Multiple Answer: "multans"
Matching: "matching"
Function/expression: "numfunc"
Drawing: "draw"
N-tuple: "ntuple"
Calculated N-tuple: "calcntuple"
Matrix: "matrix"
Calculated Matrix: "calcmatrix"
Complex: "complex"
Calculated Complex: "calccomplex"
Interval: "interval"
Calculated Interval: "calcinterval"
Essay: "essay"
File Upload: "file"
String: "string"

Question part variables

For each question part, you will need to define the variables (like $answer, $questions, etc.) you would normally need to define. However, you will need to suffix the variable with a part designator. For example, based on $anstypes above, the first answer is a number. Instead of $answer = 5, enter $answer[0] = 5. This designates that this answer belongs to the first element of $anstypes. Likewise, to set the variables for the "numfunc" type, you'd set $variables[5] = "x".

$answerbox[partnum] (In Question Text)

The array $answerbox will contain the entry boxes for each answer type. In the question text, you will need to position these boxes within the question. For example: "Enter a number: $answerbox[0]. Now a function: $answerbox[1]". Alternatively, you can use [AB#]: "Enter a number: [AB0]. Now a function: [AB1]"

Optional Variables

$answeights = an array or list of weights for each question (In Common Control): By default the points for a problem are divided evenly over the parts. Use this option if you wish to weight parts differently. Example: $answeights = array(.2,.3,.5). Best practice is to use percents, but if other values are used, they will be converted to percents.
$scoremethod = "singlescore" or "allornothing" (In Common Control): Instead of recording individual scores for each question part, these will cause a single score to be recorded for the question. "singlescore" totals the individual part scores, while "allornothing" will only give full credit or no credit.
Question part options: You can define any optional variable for each question part. Like above, suffix the variable with the part designator.
$showanswer (In Common Control): You can either define $showanswer for individual question parts (ie, $showanswer[1]="`x^2`"), or you can set one $showanswer, which will be the only answer shown for the problem (ie, $showanswer = "x=$answer[0], y=$answer[1]")
$showanswerloc (In Question Text): Optionally, you can use $showanswerloc to place a single $showanswer "Show Answer" button, or $showanswerloc[part] to place "Show Answer" buttons for each part. You can also use short tags of the form [SAB] or [SABn] (like [SAB2]). Note that if you use this to place one Show Answer button, you must place all of them, or else the remainder will not show. Use $showanswerstyle = 'inline' to allow Show Answer to be placed inline with text rather than on its own line.

Conditional

A variation on multipart questions, a conditional question can include multiple answer boxes, but assigns a single score. The score is based on applying some comparison or conditional test to the student answers, referenced through the $stuanswers array. This allows the question writer to essentially create their own question type.

Required Variables

$anstypes = an array or list of answer types

Defines the answer type for each part. Example: $anstypes = "number,number". See the Multipart help above for the list of short names

$answer = any of these:

A boolean (true/false) expression: Something that evaluates to true or false.
Example: $answer = ($a>3)
Example: $answer = comparefunctions($f,'x^2') && ($a!=0)
A single numerical value in the interval [0,1]: will award that percentage of the total possible points.
array('function',$a,$b): Will compare the functions $a and $b and mark the question correct if they are equivalent. Can set $variables, $reltolerance, $abstolerance, and $domain as needed, like with Function type questions
array('number',$a,$b): Will compare the numbers or numerical expressions $a and $b and mark the question correct if they are equivalent. Can set $reltolerance or $abstolerance as needed, like with Number/Calculated type questions
Multiple comparisons: You can mix the two types above by creating an array of comparions. All must be true for the question to be marked correct.
Example: $answer = array($a>3, array('function',$b,c), array('number',evalfunc($b,$a),5))

Question part variables

For each question part, you will need to define the variables (like $questions, etc.) you would normally need to define, except you should not define an $answer. However, you will need to suffix the variable with a part designator. For example, based on $anstypes above, the first answer is a number. Instead of $displayformat = "select", enter $displayformat[0] = "select". This designates that this setting belongs to the first element of $anstypes.

$answerbox[partnum] (In Question Text)

Optional Variables

Question part options: You can define any optional variable for each question part. Like above, suffix the variable with the part designator. Note that $variables, $domain, $reltolerance, and $abstolerance may be used for the comparison, and should not be set for individual parts.
$showanswer: By default the $showanswer for conditional types is "Answers may vary". Set $showanswer to override this.

iMathLync Help Documentation

Hints

Help references

Referencing Student Answers

Other Reference Variables

Reusing Code