Example: Use a graph in a math question

Updated 28 Aug 2023

This example creates a simple linear graph and asks students to identify the coordinates of the intercepts. The graph incorporates algorithmic values.

Your question looks like this:

You have already defined your algorithmic values as shown in this Algorithmic Values List:

To create your graph question:

1. When you open the Create Custom Question wizard, choose to start with an empty template.
2. Select Left/Right as the format and click Next.
3. Delete the placeholder text in the problem statement area on the left and click Graph in the left menu.

   The Edit Graph window opens.

4. On the Graph tab, choose Large as the graph size and keep all other default settings. Click Next.
5. On the X-Axis and Y-Axis tabs, make the following settings to create a 6 by 6 grid:
   • Minimum: Enter -6.
   • Maximum: Enter 6.
   • Select Label Minimum and Maximum to label only the minimum and maximum values.
6. On the Plots tab, click Add > Linear to graph a linear equation.

   The formula for your graph displays in the table.

7. Enter the values for the formula in the boxes below the table:

   

8. To make the line red, click on the Color box and select red from the left column (code ff0000).
9. On the Alt Text tab page, enter a brief description of the graph for students using screen readers.
10. The preview of your graph looks something like this:

    

11. Click Save to add your graph to the question.
12. In the interaction area on the right, delete the placeholder text and enter:

    Find the coordinates of the y-intercept and of the x-intercept of the line displayed on the left.

13. On a new line, enter:

    What is the y-intercept?

14. Put your cursor on the next line and click Short Answer to create the answer.
15. In the Edit Answer Definition window, do the following:
    1. Step 1: Select Specify a subset of equivalent answers to accept and Accept similar answer or algebraic function.
    2. Step 2: Click in the first row under Value and enter the coordinates: (0,~M). Select The correct answer(s) are ordered pairs.
    3. Step 3: Leave all settings as the defaults.
    4. Step 4: Enter the following incorrect answer feedback:

       To locate the y-intercept of the line, find the coordinates of the point where the line intersects the y-axis. To locate the x-intercept of the line, find the coordinates of the point where the line intersects the x-axis. Be sure to type the coordinates as ordered pairs.

    5. Click Save.
16. On a new line, enter:

    What is the x-intercept?

17. Put your cursor on the next line and click Short Answer to create the answer.
18. In the Edit Answer Definition window, do the following:
    1. Step 1: Select Specify a subset of equivalent answer to accept and Accept similar answer or algebraic function.
    2. Step 2: Click into the first row under Value and enter the coordinates: (~N,0). Select The correct answer(s) are ordered pairs.
    3. Step 3: Leave all settings as the defaults.
    4. Step 4: Enter the following incorrect answer feedback:
    5. To locate the x-intercept of the line, find the coordinates of the point where the line intersects the x-axis.
    6. Click Save.
19. Enter tips under each answer box to remind your students that the answers are ordered pairs:
    1. Under the first short answer box, enter:
    2. (Type an ordered pair.)
    3. Make the text gray by selecting the tip, clicking the text color icon (), and choosing dark gray from the palette.
    4. Highlight the tip, right-click on it, and select Copy from the menu.
    5. On a new line under the second answer, right-click and select Paste to copy the tip.
20. Click Regenerate Values in the algorithmic values toolbar to make sure that your question works properly.
21. Click Preview Exercise in the formatting toolbar to see how the question looks to your students.
22. When you are satisfied with your question, dismiss the Preview window and click Save.