In this section, define the parameters that are required for the question.

NOTE: There is always a pre populated parameter, as math question generator requires at least one to operate.

Once the parameter name has been defined, value settings are applied for the parameters. There are two options for setting parameter values, list and range. Each option will accept positive, negative and decimal values to three decimal places.

In this section the expression that defines the question is set including the parameters created previously. This expression is the basis for the validation setting (the correct answer) that is returned by Math question generator. It can also be used within the question content itself. See the headings 'Adding Parameters within an expression' and 'Adding Parameters inline with text' on this page for examples.

Let’s take the example of factorizing a quadratic expression to demonstrate this use case.

Our constants are a, b and c and will become the parameters we set for generation of math question generator content.

As per Create parameters and set their values enter these parameters with the following values:
a - set a range 1 to 5
b - set a list containing 2,4,6
c - set a list containing 1,3,5

Now move to the Expression & question section and using the keypad add a mathematical expression that will form the basis of your question. This expression will be evaluated when generating the correct answer forms. The parameters can be inserted within the expression using the Data dropdown.

In this example it will be the factored form of the expression, it should look like this:

Moving to the field below the keypad, this is where the question stem is added. This offers the same rich text options of a regular math question stimulus. Additionally, in math question generator, there is the 'use expression' option to place a copy of the expression into the question stem if required.

Below is how this example may be authored.

❗ Note: you must ensure that there is a ‘Response’ box included in the question text. This is the field that the user will enter their answer in, and where the Learnosity math engine will process the answer from. You can only add one ‘response’ area as we do not handle multiple responses with math question generator content.

The default size is 25px square to accommodate its use inline within text. If an alternate size is required this can be adjusted under the Layout section once math question generator content is set and you are back in the question editor. Select preview to see the result as it will be rendered.

Math question generator parameters can also be used within text to add the parameter values to the question stem itself.

Let's take the example of numbers of fruit. We will ask the user to calculate the final number of fruit a group of people have combined.

First, we need to define the fruit. On the first screen of the wizard we enter all the fruit parameters, we add ‘apples’, ‘bananas’ and ‘pears’ and set each parameter range to the desired amount. In this case, we set ranges of 1 to 5.

On the next screen we can define our expression and our question, the order does not matter. For this example we will set the question first, remember the parameters are available in the ‘data dropdown' button within the text editor toolbar. Don’t forget you need to have one response box in this section for the user to enter their answer.

See below:

Next, we will need to define an expression that represents this question. In the same way as the factored example, this expression will be used by math question generator to calculate the correct answer in all adaptations.

In this case we need to add apples, bananas and pears and then subtract three.

So, we would enter the following:

Moving to the next section of the wizard, math question generator will process the expression and parameter settings and present you with all mathematical forms that represent a possible answer the Learnosity Math engine will accept. It will also offer any further settings that may be relevant to the form of the correct response. For example, if there are decimals or thousandths in the valid answers, configuration options are displayed to set the accepted forms of the decimal and thousandths separators.

❗ Note: In some cases, only the original expression will be available to select. In this case it's recommended to check the original expression and the expected answer. Where this could be relevant for the intended use case, in most cases it signals that the original expression is invalid.

Behind the scenes, math question generator will automatically set the Learnosity math scoring method(s) for the question. Multiple forms of the solution can be selected and where relevant, alternate responses are set automatically, as well. Because setting the validation is handled automatically, the existing math question validation interface is not displayed in the math question generator.

The next section of the wizard will allow us to generate the possible variations for this expression. This is based on the ranges for each parameter, and the particular form of the correct answer(s).