Question type: Calculated Formula

There are three steps for adding a calculated question:

• Create the question and formula.
• Define values for the variables.
• Confirm the varibles and answers.

Create the Question and Formula

The question is the information or problem posed to the student, and the formula is the mathematical expression used to find the answer. The formula can contain variables, and these should be enclosed in brackets.

To create the question and formula:

1. From the pool canvas select Calculated Formula from the question type drop-down list. Click Go.
2. Enter the information (question and formula) that will display to students in the Question Text box. Surround any variables with square brackets. The value for this variable will be populated based ont he formula. In the example X+[y]=[z], y and z will be replaced with values when shown to students and they will be asked to solve for X.

   

3. Define the formula used to answer the question in the formula box. For example, x+y=z. Operations are selected from the buttons across the top of the formula box.
4. Set the Answer Range. This defines which submitted answers should be marked correct. If the exact value must be entered for credit, leave the default set to zero and Numeric selected from the drop-down list. If the answer can vary, enter a value that can be correct within a range of plus or minus the Answer Range from the exact answer. Select Numeric or Percent Numeric to mark answers correct that fall within a percentage of plus or minus the Answer Range. You may also choose to give partial credit for answers that are not exact. To do this, select the Allow Partial Credit checkbox to show to partial credit options.

   

5. Select Yes or No for Units Required. If Yes, you will need to check the checkbox and then the page will update so you can enter the appropriate unit designation.

   

6. When finished with the question, click Continue to proceed.

Define Variables

The second page of the process defines the variables in the formula.

1. For each variable included in the question text set a minimum and a maximum value.
2. In the Decimal Places column use the drop-down to define the decimal place for variables.
3. Under Answer Set Options, select the Decimal places for answer from the drop-down list. Users must provide the correct answer to the decimal place specified.
4. Next enter the number of Answer Sets you wish to include. The Answer Sets will be randomized so that different students will be presented with a different set of variables.
5. Click Calculate to review the answer sets.

Confirm the Variables and Answers

1. After clicking calculate a table will display of the different Answer sets. At this point, you can change numbers or remove sets from this screen. Click Calculate again to view changes.
2. Once you are satisfied with the answer sets, you can include feedback for the question as well as Categories and Keywords.
3. Click Submit once you are satisfied to add this question to the pool.