$\simplify{ unit:v:x }$
Question Authoring Cheat Sheet
Command
Output
x \lt y \gt z
Editor: numbas.mathcentre.ac.uk.
x < y > z
A_{x} A^{y}
Documentation: bit.ly/numbasdocs.
a = b \neq c
a = b ≠ c
\frac{x}{y}
Part Types
Information
x \times y \cdot z
Normally used in Steps; no student input.
only
fill
Gap-
Place multiple inputs inside the prompt text.
Mathematical
Algebraic answer; instant rendering of input.
expression
certain number of sig.
\alpha, \beta, \dots
α, β, …
\left( \sum_{x=1}^{\infty} x^2 \right)
(
)
marked like number entry.
Match text
Free text input. Must match given regular
pattern
expression.
Choose one
Student picks any number of answers from a
several from a
Output
verb:pi
π
op:x
x
Operator name
v:x
x
Vector
Match choices
2D grid; match items from two lists. Can allow
with answers
one answer per choice or many.
Unit vector
dot:x
Dot on top
matrix:A
Simpli
A
extra hints, or break the question into smaller steps.
fication rules
Usage:
$\simplify[rule1,rule2,...]{ expression }$
Cancel exponents of 1.
Cancel fractions with denominator 1.
zeroFactor
Cancel products of 0 to 0.
zeroTerm
Omit zero terms.
address bar. In the editor, click Insert video and paste in the URL.
zeroPower
Cancel exponents of 0 to 1.
To insert an image
noLeadingMinus
Rearrange expressions so they don't start
Click Insert image. Click Upload an image and select the image.
collectNumber
Collect together numerical products and
produces output like
My name is Bob
To substitute a simple number in maths, use the
LaTeX:
LaTeX is only used to render maths, not for text or layout.
fined using JME syntax, not LaTeX.
Variables and correct answers are de
Inline maths is enclosed in dollar signs:
Display maths is enclosed in
To substitute text, wrap a variable name in curly braces:
My name is {name}
Displaying Maths
\[
and
$x^2 + 1$
\]
2
produces x
+ 1.
2
x
$x + \var{a}$
\var
.
command in
produces x + 2 .
\simplify . Expressions inside curly braces are evaluated:
$\simplify{ {a}x + {b}x + {c} }$ produces 2x − 3 when
+ 1
Online resources
Test commands with instant rendering: bit.ly/biglatex.
Draw symbols and get the corresponding commands: bit.ly/detexify.
sums.
Cancel fractions to lowest form.
zeroBase
Cancel any power of zero.
constantsFirst
Numbers go to the left of multiplications.
sqrtProduct
Collect products of square roots.
sqrtDivision
Collect fractions of square roots.
sqrtSquare
For randomised expressions which might need simplifying, use
with a minus.
simplifyFractions
Cancel square roots of squares, and
squares of square roots.
trig
Apply some trigonometric identities.
otherNumbers
Evaluate powers of numbers.
a = 2, b = 0, c = −3 .
all
Apply all of the above rules, but not the
Variable annotations
fractionNumbers
Numbers are displayed as fractions
rowVector
Vectors are displayed as rows instead of
, and displayed on its own line.
produces:
Matrix
unitDenominator
Content
Randomised content
You can add additional Step parts to any part. These should provide
.
unit:x
list; can specify max. and min. choices.
list
Meaning
Verbatim - overrides built-in constants e, π, i
Cancel products of 1.
Go to the YouTube / Vimeo page for the video. Copy the URL in the
choice list.
Choose
Annotation
unitPower
To insert a video
Student picks one answer from a multiple
from a list
.
unitFactor
fig.s or d.p.
Answer is a matrix of numbers; individual cells
Matrix entry
\[ x^2 + 1 \]
x × y ⋅ z
Accept a number within a range; can require
Number entry
produces
LaTeX commands
Use annotations to display variable names di
expression. For example,
fferently inside a simplified
$\simplify{ vector:x }$
produces x .
two display rules below.
instead of decimals.
columns.
Any LaTeX command can be used as an annotation for notation which is
not built-in, e.g.
$\simplify{ vec:x }$
produces
.
Annotations can be chained together. For example,
More LaTeX commands: bit.ly/latexcommands.
© Newcastle University 2015