Work with the Equation Editor (instructor)

Work with the Equation Editor (instructor)

The Equation Editor contains a series of symbol palettes that can be used to create formatted mathematical expressions and chemical equations.

Instructors have access to a diverse Equation Editor to add symbols, functions, and operators to items being authored.

The Equation Editor is organized into two palette groups, each with their own unique set of palettes:

• Default

• Chemistry

You can access the Equation Editor from most authoring areas of Möbius where the Visual Editor is found while authoring items such as:

• Question statements

• Correct answers for certain question types

• Hints

• Feedback

• Lesson content blocks

• Class message

The item that you select from a palette is entered as a template with placeholders that you can replace with your own custom values, if needed.

You can also use MathML or LaTeX to enter symbolic math expressions instead of using palettes.

Available palettes

Use the Palette drop-down list to select the palette group — Default or Chemistry — that you want to use.

The Chemistry palette group has all of the same palettes as the Default palette group, with two exceptions: it adds a dedicated palette for chemical formula subscripts/superscripts and reaction arrows, and it excludes the matrix palette (used to insert a matrix by specifying rows and columns), which isn't relevant to chemical equations.

Use the Equation Editor

To use the Equation Editor to insert symbols, functions, or operators:

1. Click Equation Editor from the Visual Editor that you're working with. Example — You might be authoring a question from the Question Editor.

2. Select the palette group that you want to use from the Palette drop-down list.

3. Click on a palette from the selected palette group to reveal the available symbols, functions, and operators.

4. Click on the symbol, function, or operator that you want to use.

5. Your selection is inserted into the Equation Editor entry field. Replace the template placeholder values with your custom values as needed to complete your mathematical expression or chemical equation.

6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 as many times as needed.

7. Click Done to insert your formatted expression or equation into the content being authored.

8. Continue working on the item you're authoring with your symbolic expression or equation inserted.

Shortcuts

You can use the following keyboard shortcuts while working with the Equation Editor:

Enter MathML or LaTeX

You also have the option to enter symbolic math expressions using MathML or LaTeX.

To enter MathML or LaTeX:

1. Click the MathML/LaTeX tab within the Equation Editor.

2. Enter your MathML or LaTeX code into the text field.

3. Click Done to insert your formatted symbolic expression into the item being authored.

Your students and the Equation Editor

A simplified Equation Editor is also available to your students while they're attempting the following question types:

• Mathematical formula authored as one of the following sub-types:

  • Formula

  • Formula without logs and trig

  • Formula that matches response to within +C

  • Formula without simplification

  • Equation

  • Chemical equation

• Maple-graded authored as one of the following sub-types:

  • Formula where student can choose entry

  • Maple syntax with symbolic entry only

Students can click the change entry mode icon during their question attempt to toggle between Symbol Mode and Text Mode.

In Symbol Mode, students can access the Equation Editor to enter their response in symbolic form.

In Text Mode, students can enter expressions in a single line using their keyboard.

Students can also click the preview icon to view their Text Mode response as a typeset mathematical expression to ensure that their syntax is being properly interpreted by Möbius.