Enter math expressions

Updated 21 Aug 2024

You can insert templates or symbols for math expressions.

  1. Select the answer box to display the math palette.
  2. The math palette shows the templates or symbols you need to enter the correct answer.

    If you don't see the template you want, select More/Less to show or hide more choices.

  3. Select a template to enter it in your answer box.
  4. If your answer includes values, enter them in the shaded blue boxes in the template.

To move in and out of a template, use the arrow keys in the math palette.

  • If the cursor looks small, you're inside the template.
  • If the cursor looks big, you're outside the template.

Example: Enter a fraction followed by a variable

  1. With your cursor in the answer area, select the fraction template Fraction template.

    The template shows in the answer area and the cursor is small:

    The cursor is initially in the top (numerator) box of the fraction template.

  2. Enter 3 as the numerator and press the right arrow key.

    The cursor moves down to the denominator box:

    Select the right arrow key to move the cursor to the bottom (denominator) box of the fraction template.

  3. Enter 4 as the denominator and press the right arrow key.

    The cursor is big, so you're outside of the template.

    Selecting the right arrow from the denominator box moves the cursor to the right of the fraction, but still in the template.

  4. Enter the variable, a:

    An example fraction with the variable a to the right of the fraction

Use the symbols in the math palette to be sure your answer is marked correct.

  • Parentheses — be sure to enter both parentheses.
    The opening parenthesis shows in red until you enter the closing parenthesis:
    See the 2 x 3 example where the opening paren is shown in red and the finished example with both parentheses in black.
  • Commas — be sure to enter commas between sets of ordered pairs. For example, (1,-2),(-3,4),(5,6).
  • Multiplication symbol — do not use the letter x from your keyboard, a bullet, or small dot. You can type an * (asterisk).
  • Negative sign — do not accidentally enter an underscore (_). You can use the hyphen from your keyboard.
  • Equals sign — do not include an equals sign when it's not expected. For example, =4 instead of 4.
  • Spaces — do not enter spaces between the digits of a number. For example, enter 12 for the number twelve, not 1 2. The extra space makes the answer incorrect.

    If you enter a space between a number and a symbol, the spaces are ignored. For example, 2 + 3 (with spaces) is scored the same as 2+3 (without spaces).

  • Copied entries — do not copy and paste from other locations or you might introduce hidden symbols that result in an incorrect score.
  • Letters — do not substitute letters for numbers. For example, do not use lowercase L or uppercase i for the number 1.

To remove an entry in the answer box:

  • Select the undo icon in the math palette.
  • Use the backspace key on your keyboard.
  • Highlight the entry and select Delete on your keyboard.

To clear an entire answer, select Clear all.