How do I use the isExpanded mathematical scoring method when creating a math item?

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When you create a math item in Mastery Connect, you can select one of the available mathematical scoring methods. The isExpanded scoring method checks that the expression entered by a student is in its most expanded form. For example, if a student's response is 2(x+y), it is scored as incorrect because the expression is not in an expanded form of 2x+2y. Refer to additional examples below.

Notes:

• The isExpanded scoring method works with polynomials up to the second degree.
• The isExpanded scoring method works with decimals and variables.
• You can combine the isExpanded scoring method with other scoring methods, such as the equivSymbolic scoring method.

Create Math Item

Create or edit a math item. Learn more about creating a math formula item, image cloze math formula item, or cloze math formula item.

Enter a question stem in the Compose question field [1]. You can also enter a formula template [2].

Select Method

Enter a point value for the item in the Point(s) text box [1].

In the Set correct answer(s) section, click the Method drop-down menu, and select the isExpanded option [2].

Note: To view the Method drop-down menu, you may need to click the response Expand icon [3].

Allow Different Separators

By default, a dot is allowed as a decimal value separator and a comma is allowed as a thousands separator. To allow different separators in student responses, click the Allow decimal marks checkbox [1].

To specify a decimal separator, click the Decimal separator menu [2], and select the Dot or Comma option.

To specify a type of separator for thousands, click the Thousands separator drop-down menu [3], and select the Dot, Comma, or Space option.

Note: You cannot select the same option for both the Decimal separator and the Thousands separator. For example, you cannot select Dot for both.

Examples

Any student response that is in factored form is scored as correct. Otherwise, it is scored as incorrect.

• A student response of 3x is scored as correct with the isExpanded scoring method.
• A student response of 34 is scored as correct with the isExpanded scoring method.
• A student response of x²-3x-10 is scored as correct with the isExpanded scoring method.
• A student response of 3+5 is scored as incorrect with the isExpanded scoring method.
• A student response of (x-5)(x+2) is scored as incorrect with the isExpanded scoring method.

You can combine the isExpanded scoring method with the equivSymbolic scoring method. For example, if you set the correct answer to x²-3x+2 using the equivSymbolic method, and then add the isExpanded method, a student response of (x-1)(x-2) is scored as incorrect. Although it is symbolically equivalent to the correct answer, it is not in expanded form.

Validate Answers

You can check whether student answers will be scored as correct or incorrect. Enter an answer into the sample answer field [1]. Correct answers receive the full number of points [2].

Incorrect answers receive 0 points.