Define algebraic answers

Updated 28 Aug 2023

Examples of algebraic answers include x+2, 4y-9z, and 5 sinx.

When you enter an algebraic answer in the Edit Answer Definition wizard, you need to select an answer rule based on the type of equivalent answers you want the player to accept as correct.

Table — Answer rules appropriate for different kinds of answers

Answer rule	Solution value	Equivalent answers that are correct	Equivalent answers that are incorrect
Accept any unsimplified or simplified equivalent answers (the default)	2x+4	2x+4 4+2x 2x+4 x2+4 4+x*2 2(x+2) 2x+3+1 x+x+4	N/A
When the answer is algebraic or an ordered pair with algebraic coordinates, Accept similar answer or algebraic function	2x+4	2x+4 4+2x 2x+4 x2+4 4+x*2	2(x+2) 2x+3+1 x+x+4
	x+1/2	x+1/2 1/2+x	x+0.5
Accept only the exact answer you define	2x+4	2x+4 2*x+4	4+2x x2+4 4+x2 2(x+2) 2x+3+1 x+x+4

Hints for entering algebraic answers in the Edit Answer Definition wizard

Answer rules do not automatically simplify answer values. To ensure that answer values appear in simplified form, use algorithmic values to perform interim calculations required for the answer. For example, if the answer is the equivalent of ~v1x+~v2x where ~v1 and ~v2 are numeric algorithmic values, first define another algorithmic value, ~v3, equal to ~v1 + ~v2 and define the answer as: ~v3*x.
If you want to accept alternate factored or expanded forms of an answer, such as 2x+4 and 2(x+2), list each acceptable answer form on a separate line in the Values area of the Define Answers step.