Example: Use the Equation Editor in a math question

Updated 28 Aug 2023

In this example, you create a short-answer question using fractions. You have already defined your algorithmic values as shown in this Algorithmic Values List:

To create your question using the Equation Editor:

1. When you open the Create Custom Question wizard, choose to start with an empty template.
2. Select Top/Bottom as the format and click Next.
3. In the problem statement area, enter:

   Identify the numerator and the denominator of the fraction

4. Enter a space and click Equation Editor in the left menu.

   The Equation Editor window opens.

5. Position your cursor in the box at the bottom of the window.
6. Click the icon above the box to insert a fraction template.
7. Select the icon in the top-left corner of the template window.

   A template for a built-up fraction displays in the box.

8. Position your cursor in the top area of the built-up fraction and click to get a list of your algorithmic values.
9. Select num from the list of algorithmic values.
10. Position your cursor in the bottom area of the built-up fraction and enter:

    ~den

    Your fraction looks like this:

    

11. Click OK to save your fraction and enter it in the question section.
12. In the answer section, enter:

    Numerator=

    Denominator=

13. Position your cursor at the end of the first line and click Short Answer. Use the Edit Answer Definition window to define ~num as the first answer.
14. Position your cursor at the end of the second line, click Short Answer, and use the Edit Answer Definition window to define ~den as the second answer.

    Your question looks like this:

    

15. Click Regenerate Values in the algorithmic values toolbar to make sure that your question works properly.
16. Click Preview Exercise in the formatting toolbar to see how the question looks to your students.
17. When you are satisfied with your question, dismiss the Preview window and click Save.