Adding a Numerical Input Problem#

Tags: educator how-to

You add numerical input problems in Studio by selecting the Problem component. In the problem editor, select the Numerical Input option. Fill in the fields on this screen to create your problem.

An example numerical input problem in the problem editor with number indicators labeling the various features.

Creating a numerical input problem is as simple as:

  1. Editing the Display Name. Click the pen symbol to edit.

  2. Filling in the Question field.

  3. Filling in the Explanation field. When this is shown to learners is based on the selection in the Show answer panel on the right.

  4. Filling in the Answer fields. For numerical input problems, only correct answers can be added here. Additional answers can be added by clicking the Add answer button. Answers can be deleted by clicking the trash can icon. Feedback can be provided for each answer. More information on feedback can be found in the following section.

  5. Selecting and filling in any desired settings on the right.

Note

Only correct answers can be added to a numerical input problem.

If you have any questions on the specifics of using the simple editor, please check out The Simple Editor and Defining Settings for Problem Components.

Adding a Tolerance or a Range#

To give learners the option to receive full credit for a close approximation of the correct answer, and to support a wide range of possible correct numerical answers, you can specify a tolerance for the correct answer or a range of values to mark as correct for the numerical input problem type.

Note

You can either have a tolerance or an answer range for a numerical input problem. You cannot add both.

Adding a Tolerance#

You can specify a margin of error or tolerance for learner responses. You can specify a percentage or number. The tolerance settings panel can be found to the right of the editor.

An example tolerance setting set to 5%.

Specifying an Answer Range#

You can specify an answer range so that any learner response within that range is marked correct.

Add an answer range by selecting the Add answer range button from the Add answer dropdown. This option can only be selected if you only have one answer. This will replace your answer field with an answer range field.

An example answer range set from 1 to 10. This includes 1 but not 10.

To format an answer range, you provide the starting and ending values and then separate them with a comma character (,). You then surround the range with bracket ([ ]) or parentheses characters (( )), or a combination of one bracket and one parenthesis.

  • Use a bracket to include the number next to it in the range, as in a less than or equal to, or greater than or equal to, inequality.

  • Use a parenthesis to exclude the number from the range, as in a less than or greater than inequality.

For example, to identify the correct answers as 5, 6, or 7, but not 8, specify [5,8). To identify the correct answers as 6, 7, and 8, but not 5, specify (5,8]. .. :diataxis-type: how-to .. _Use Feedback in a Numerical Input Problems:

Adding Feedback#

For an overview of feedback in problems, see Adding Feedback and Hints to a Problem. In numerical input problems, you can provide feedback for correct responses. If you define multiple correct responses, you can define feedback for each response. In numerical input problems, use feedback to reinforce the process used to arrive at the correct answer.

You can add answer-specific feedback for each answer in a numerical input problem. You can access the feedback panel shown below by clicking the button to the right of the answer text.

An example of an expanded feedback section for dropdown problems showing the 'is selected' feedback field.

Simply enter your feedback message in this text field. It will display when the learner submits this answer.

Note

You cannot add feedback for an incorrect answer in numerical input problems. Add hints to guide the learners in the correct direction instead.

Adding Hints#

You can add hints to a numerical input problem using the simple editor or the advanced editor. For an overview of hints in problems, see Adding Feedback and Hints to a Problem.