Math syntax for question authoring

Proper mathematical syntax is required while defining the correct answer of a question during Möbius question authoring.

The following types of mathematical entries require particular syntax styling in order for Möbius to correctly interpret your defined correct answer:

Mathematical expressions
Variable names
Function and operator syntax

Some notation applies to all of Möbius, while others apply specifically to Maple Syntax.

Maple Syntax — The language that the Maple™ math engine uses to interpret mathematical expressions.

Mathematical expression syntax

When entering formulas and expressions as the correct answer to a question, use standard mathematical notation that's similar to that used by a graphing calculator (Example — (x^2-2*x+1)*2*sin(x)*(x^2+1)*e^(-x^2) is accepted).

Here are some notes on using mathematical expression syntax when defining your correct answer:

Always use an asterisk * for multiplication when a product includes one or more variables (Example — 2*x*y).
Always use an asterisk * for multiplication in Maple Syntax questions (Example — (x^2-2*x+1)*2*sin(x)*(x^2+1)*e^(-x^2)).
Place the argument of a function in parentheses () (Example — enter sqrt(3x) not sqrt 3x, which is interpreted as (sqrt(3))*x).
Be sure to include parentheses () (Example — the expression 1/(x+1) is different from 1/x+1, which Möbius interprets as (1/x)+1).

Variable name syntax

The variable(s) in your defined correct answer must be identical—this includes case sensitivity—to the variable(s) used in the question statement.

If these don't match, your students will be confused on how to enter the correct response. Example — If the question uses the variable t, but you've defined the correct answer using T, students who use t in their response will be graded as incorrect.

Function and operator syntax

Functions and operators require specific syntax when they're used while defining the correct answer.

The required syntax varies depending on whether you're authoring with Möbius syntax or using Maple syntax.

Arithmetic

Arithmetic	Syntax for Möbius or Maple
Addition	+
Subtraction	-
Multiplication	*
Division	/
Exponentiation	^

Trigonometric functions

Function	Syntax for Möbius or Maple
Sine	sin
Cosine	cos
Tangent	tan
Inverse sine	arcsin
Inverse cosine	arccos
Inverse tangent	arctan
Secant	sec
Cosecant	csc
Cotangent	cot

Hyperbolic trigonometric functions

Function	Möbius syntax	Maple syntax
Hyperbolic sine	hypsin	sinh
Hyperbolic cosine	hypcos	cosh
Hyperbolic tangent	hyptan	tanh
Hyperbolic secant	hypsec	sech
Hyperbolic cosecant	hypcsc	csch
Hyperbolic cotangent	hypcot	coth
Inverse hyperbolic sine	archypsin	arcsinh
Inverse hyperbolic secant	archypsec	arcsech
Inverse hyperbolic cosecant	archypcsc	archcsch
Inverse hyperbolic cotangent	archypcot	arccoth

Numbers and constants

Number or constant	Möbius syntax	Maple syntax
2.71828...	e	exp(1)
3.14159...	Pi	Pi
Scientific notation	E	E
√-1	N/A*	I

N/A* — Not available

Functions

Function	Möbius syntax	Maple syntax
Limit of a function ƒ	N/A*	limit(f, x=a)
Derivative or partial derivative of a function ƒ	N/A*	diff(f, x)
Integral of a function ƒ	N/A*	int(f, x)
Absolute value	abs(x)	abs(x)
Square root	sqrt(x) or x^(1/2)	sqrt(x) or x^(1/2)
Exponential	e^x	exp(x)
Logarithm base b	N/A*	log[b](x)
Logarithm base 10	log(x)	log10(x)
Natural logarithm (base e)	ln(x)	log(x) or ln(x)

N/A* — Not available