When you create a math item in Mastery Connect, you can select one of the available mathematical scoring methods. The isSimplified scoring method checks that the expression entered by a student is in its simplest form. For example, if a student's response is 2x+3x, it is scored as incorrect because the expression is not in its simplest form. Refer to additional examples below.
Notes:
- The isSimplified scoring method works with decimals, fractions, variables, and percentages.
- The isSimplified scoring method works with trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential expressions.
- You can combine the isSimplified 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
In the Set correct answer(s) section, enter a point value for the item in the Point(s) text box [1].
Click the Method drop-down menu, and select the isSimplified 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 its simplest form is scored as correct. Otherwise, it is scored as incorrect.
- A student response of 3-2+7 is scored as incorrect with the isSimplified scoring method.
- A student response of 4x+5x+6 is scored as incorrect with the isSimplified scoring method.
- A student response of 2x+3y+6 is scored as correct with the isSimplified scoring method.
- A student response of 3,422 is scored as correct with the isSimplified scoring method.
You can combine the isSimplified scoring method with the equivSymbolic scoring method. For example, if you set the correct answer to 3x using the equivSymbolic method. and then add the isSimplified method, a student response of 2x+x is scored as incorrect. Although the response is symbolically equivalent to the correct answer, it is not in its simplest 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.
