Math Formula Input Tips for Online Assessments | Assignments Pre-Calculus

You enter formulas using standard mathematical notation similar to that used in a graphing calculator, following the

rules for standard order of operations. Some helpful tips follow for entering responses. The most common mistake

is parentheses (#2 on the list below) and variable names (#3 below).

Avoiding Common Math Errors

1. Exponents: Use the caret, ^, for exponentiation, and the letter e for 2.718...

2. Parentheses: As on a graphing calculator, you must use parentheses.

When in doubt, you can use the Preview option to see it look the way it would in a math text.

Examples:

For /13

2x, you must type 2^(x/13)

not 2^x/13 . . . which would be interpreted as 2

For 4( 2)

−, you must type y = x/(4(x-2))

not y = x/4(x-2) . . . which would be interpreted as 4(2)

−

3. Variable Names: You can use any letter for a variable name, but you should always use the same

letter that is used in the question. If the question asks you for (t+1)^2 then the answer (x+1)^2

will be graded wrong. Also, the system is case sensitive. So, if instead of typing (t+1)^2 you enter

(T+1)^2 , your answer will be graded wrong.

4. Multiplication: You can type an asterisk (i.e. *) for multiplication, or just type a letter and a number

together (i.e. 2x).

5. Square Roots: The square root function is sqrt(x)or you can just type x^(1/2)or x^0.5 instead.

Note again that, like on a graphing calculator, x^1/2 means 1

6. Absolute Value: The absolute value function is abs(x), so something like 2| 1| 3x+− would be

typed as 2abs(x+1)-3.

7. Argument of Functions: You should always place the argument of a function in parentheses. For

example, for 3

you must type sqrt(3x),

not sqrt 3x which would be interpreted as 3

⋅

Note: The lower level TI calculators (85, 82, and 81) will allow you to enter sqrt 3x and log x/2 without

parentheses. Both eHW and the higher level TI calculators use the standard convention and require you to put

the argument of the function in parentheses in order for your answer to be correctly interpreted.

For MA 159 or MA 154 students especially:

8. π: Simply type Pi or pi. (However, not PI.)

9. Trigonometric Functions: The names for common mathematical functions (sin, cos, etc.) are just

what you would expect. The inverse trig functions are arcsin(x), arccos(x), and arctan(x). Also,

trigonometric functions are all set to work in radians.

Working with Math in Responses

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You enter formulas using standard mathematical notation similar to that used in a graphing calculator, following the rules for standard order of operations. Some helpful tips follow for entering responses. The most common mistake is parentheses (#2 on the list below) and variable names (#3 below).

Avoiding Common Math Errors

Exponents: Use the caret, ^, for exponentiation, and the letter e for 2.718...
Parentheses: As on a graphing calculator, you must use parentheses. When in doubt, you can use the Preview option to see it look the way it would in a math text. Examples:

For 2 x^ /13, you must type 2^(x/13)

not 2^x/13... which would be interpreted as

For 4( 2)

x y x

, you must type y = x/(4(x-2))

not y = x/4(x-2)... which would be interpreted as 4 x^ ( x −2)

Variable Names: You can use any letter for a variable name, but you should always use the same letter that is used in the question. If the question asks you for (t+1)^2 then the answer (x+1)^ will be graded wrong. Also, the system is case sensitive. So, if instead of typing (t+1)^2 you enter (T+1)^2 , your answer will be graded wrong.
Multiplication: You can type an asterisk (i.e. *) for multiplication, or just type a letter and a number together (i.e. 2x).
Square Roots: The square root function is sqrt(x)or you can just type x^(1/2)or x^0.5 instead. Note again that, like on a graphing calculator, x^1/2 means

1 2

x (^).

Absolute Value: The absolute value function is abs(x), so something like 2 | x +1| − 3 would be typed as 2abs(x+1)-3.
Argument of Functions: You should always place the argument of a function in parentheses. For

example, for 3 x you must type sqrt(3x),

not sqrt 3x which would be interpreted as 3 ⋅ x

Note : The lower level TI calculators (85, 82, and 81) will allow you to enter sqrt 3x and log x/2 without parentheses. Both eHW and the higher level TI calculators use the standard convention and require you to put the argument of the function in parentheses in order for your answer to be correctly interpreted.

For MA 159 or MA 154 students especially:

8. π : Simply type Pi or pi. (However, not PI.)

Trigonometric Functions: The names for common mathematical functions (sin, cos, etc.) are just what you would expect. The inverse trig functions are arcsin(x), arccos(x), and arctan(x). Also, trigonometric functions are all set to work in radians.

Working with Math in Responses

Math Formula Input Tips for Online Assessments, Assignments of Pre-Calculus

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