How do I add a calculated question?

This allows for a calculated question to be added to a new or existing assessment. A calculated question calculates new answers for every test, based on variables whose value changes each time. The answer is based on a formula, using those variables.

Go to Tests & Quizzes.

Select the Tests & Quizzes tool from the Tool Menu in your site.

Select an assessment.

A calculated question may be added to any assessment. Select an existing assessment or create a new one.

Note: You may also add a question directly to a question pool.

Create a New Assessment.

Create a New Assessment.

For more information on creating new assessments, see How do I create an assessment?

Or edit an existing assessment.

Or edit an existing assessment.

Select Calculated Question from drop-down menu.

Select Calculated Question from drop-down menu.

After selecting Calculated Question from the drop-down menu, the program will open options for the question.

Add an Answer Point Value.

Add an Answer Point Value.

This allows for the Answer Point Value to be manually inputted.

Add Question Text.

Add Question Text.

Type the Question Text into the text box provided. This is the information that the student will see, including the variable and formula placeholders (see examples below).

Variables: Define variables to use in this question below. Reference them in the question text by putting them in single curly braces eg. {x}. Variable names are alpha-numeric but must begin with an alpha character.

Example: Kevin has {x} apples. Jane eats {y}. How many does Kevin have now? {{z}}

Formulas: Place double curly braces (e.g. {{y}} around a formula name, to define where the student's input box will display. Formula names are alpha-numeric but must begin with an alpha character.

Example: Solve: COS({a}) * ({c} - {b}) = {{z}} Formula z would be COS({a}) * ({c}-{b})

Keep in mind the following:

  • You may define acceptable tolerance as a constant (0.01) or percentage (1.5%) of the answer. (Defaults to 0.01.)
  • Variables and formulas support decimals. Default is 3.
  • Valid Operators: + - * / ^ ()
  • You can use the following math functions: SIN, COS, TAN, ASIN, ACOS, ATAN, ABS, EXP, SIGN, SQRT, FACTORIAL, LOG10, LOG, and LN.
  • There are two built-in constants, PI(3.14...) and e(2.718...). Use them in your answer expression.
  • Variables and Formulas cannot have the same name.

Note: To edit with Rich-Text Editor, click the hyperlink to open the full menu.

Click Extract Variables and Formulas.

Click Extract Variables and Formulas.

Click the Extract Variables and Formulas button to create the variables and formulas.

Define ranges of variable values.

Define ranges of variable values.

Change the Min, Max, and Decimal Places for all of the variables to define their ranges of valid values.

Enter the formula.

Enter the formula.

Enter the mathematical expression for each Formula, inserting the Variables where needed.

Add Attachment. (Optional)

Add Attachment. (Optional)

Click Add Attachments to browse for and select a file attachment if desired.

Assign the question to a portion of the assessment and/or a Question Pool. (Optional)

Assign the question to a portion of the assessment and/or a Question Pool. (Optional)

1. The question can be added to a specific portion of the assessment, such as Part 1 or Part 2 (depending on how many parts exist). Part 1 is the default location.

2. The question may also be added to a Question Pool, if desired.

Add feedback for correct answer and/or incorrect answer. (Optional)

Add feedback for correct answer and/or incorrect answer. (Optional)

Feedback is optional text available for the student to review after the particular question is graded. For numeric response questions, the feedback option is offered for correct and/or incorrect answers, if desired.

Note: To edit with Rich-Text Editor, click the hyperlink to open the full menu.

Click Save.

Click Save.

Click Save to save the question (or Cancel to exit).