Example: Use a number line in a math question

Updated 28 Aug 2023

In this example, you'll create a multiple-choice question that asks students to identify an inequality on a number line.

You want your question to look like this:

In this example, 7 is a generated by an algorithmic value that is defined as any integer between -2 and 8.

First enter the question and the algorithmic value:

  1. Open the Custom Question Builder.
  2. Select Start with an empty template and click Next.
  3. Select the format Full and click Next.
  4. In the Custom Question Builder, put your cursor in the question-and-answer section and enter:

    Which number line shows the following inequality?

    x >

  5. With your cursor after the greater-than sign, select Algorithmic Values > Add New Algorithmic Value.
  6. In the Edit Algorithmic Values window, define the algorithmic value A:
    1. Select Integer as the type of algorithmic value.
    2. For the first constraint, select the greater-than-or-equal symbol and enter -2 as the constraint value.
    3. For the second constraint, select the less-than-or-equal symbol and enter 8 as the constraint value.
    4. Click Next and then click Save.
  7. When you return to the Custom Question Builder, click Show Algorithmic Value Names. Your question looks like this:

  1. In the question-and-answer window, press Enter twice to start a new line.
  2. Click Multiple Choice in the left menu to insert a blank multiple-choice box.
  3. Enter the correct answer in choice A. Click into the answer box for choice A and then choose Number Line from the left menu to open the Edit Number Line window.
  4. On the Number Line tab, choose:
    • Minimum: -4
    • Maximum: 10
    • Tick Spacing: 2
    • Label Every 1 Ticks
  5. On the Plots tab, click Add and choose:
    • Minimum Value: Enter ~A (your algorithmic value)
    • Maximum: ;&inf
    • Color: Click the color box and choose blue from the left column (000ff).

    Do not include minimum and maximum values.

  6. Click Save to return to your question.
  7. Click into the answer box for choices B, C, and D. For each distractor answer, choose Number Line and create an incorrect number line.
  8. On the Number Line tab, all distractor answers have the same settings as choice A. On the Plots tabs, enter the following:

     

     Choice BChoice C.Choice D
    Minimum value-&inf;~A-&inf;
    Include minimum value? noyesno
    Maximum value~A&inf;~A
    Include maximum value?nonoyes
    Colorblue (000ff)blue (000ff)blue (000ff)
  1. Click Preview Exercise to see how your question looks for your students. Choose the correct answer and an incorrect answer to check the behavior.
  2. When you are satisfied with your question, dismiss the Preview window and click Save.