Require students to enter units

Updated 29 Aug 2024

Some publisher-provided items let you require that students enter the units portion of an answer, like 120kg. By default, students must enter the numeric value AND the units for such assignment items.

Mastering accepts as correct any student answer that is equivalent to the correct answer. For example, if the correct answer is 2V and a student submits 2000mV, the student receives full credit.

If your textbook doesn't contain questions that require students to enter numbers and units, you can create your own questions using the numeric with units of measurement answer type in the Simple Editor.

  • From the assignment creation/edit process:
    Items that can require students to enter units contain a check mark in the Require Units column on the 3 Organization page.
  • When you browse items in Standard View:
    Items that require students to enter units contain both a Value and Units prompt in the answer box. To enter each part of the answer, students click in the respective box.

    This answer box contains two input prompts. The input prompt on the left says "Value." The input prompt next to that on the right says "Units."

    If you don't require students to enter units, units automatically appear next to the Value prompt.

    For assignable items that do not allow you to control whether units are required, students always see the unit next to the Value prompt in the answer box.

  • Each unit must be entered as an abbreviation, without a period. Acceptable units are case-sensitive. List of recognized units
  • Students will lose credit if they enter a recognized unit that is incorrect for the item. However, students will not lose an answer attempt if they enter a unit that is not recognized. More on how to enter numeric values with units
  • Re-assign the Numeric Answers with Units item from the Introduction to Mastering assignment so students can practice answering this type of question.
  • Remind students that they can always click help or shortcuts above the answer box as they work on items that require units.