There are a variety of questions in Möbius. Some questions are more simple in design, such as multiple choice or matching type questions. Others may require you enter a mathematical expression or manipulate an interactive diagram. Some of the more complex response types are described here.
Entering Math Expressions
There are two ways to enter symbolic or numeric math expressions as part of your responses to questions.
- The system default mode is Text Mode, in which you enter symbolic or numeric math expressions in a simple keyboard notation, much like a graphing calculator.
- You can also use the Symbol Mode, which allows you to enter formulas in the Equation Editor, pick algebraic symbols and operators from a palette, and see your expressions
Depending on how the question was created, you may be required to enter your response in a specific mode. When the option to switch between modes exists, you can click
to change your entry mode.
Text Mode
In Text Mode, you can enter formulas using standard mathematical notation, similar to that used in a graphing calculator; +, -, *, /, and ^ are used for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and exponentiation respectively. Parentheses () are used to ensure the correct order of operations. For example, 1/(x+1) is different from 1/x+1. If available, you can see a preview by clicking
, which will show you your expression in a Symbol Mode like display; use this to determine if your expression was interpreted correctly by Möbius.
Text mode also has several functions that can be used, such as sin, cos, tan, log, sqrt, etc. Functions are applied by writing the function name followed by the argument in parentheses. For example, sin(pi) would be calculated as the value 0 in your answer.
A full list of Mathematical Functions and Operations can be found on the Möbius Courseware Online Help site.
Important Notes about Text Mode
- Always use an asterisk * for multiplication. For example, specify 2*x*y. This will ensure that Möbius does not confuse your multiplication with a multiple letter variable (e.g., if myvar was used for a single variable) or with function notation (e.g., f(x) versus f*x).
- If you need to use Euler's constant e, use the function exp(x), which is interpreted as ex.
Symbol Mode
The Symbol Mode for entering math expressions allows you to enter formulas in the Equation Editor. You can see your expressions appear in standard mathematical layout as you type.
For example, typing x/y would immediately be shown as
, with the / key being used as a shortcut to start a fraction. However, the primary way to enter a mathematical expression in Symbol Mode is to select symbols and operators from palettes.
As an example, say we've just inserted the nth root symbol.
Placeholder letters n and a are placed on top of the root symbol and below the root symbol respectively, and can easily be replaced by specific numerical values. Navigate to the desired area you wish to enter math using the keyboard or mouse, delete the placeholder and type your expression. Any empty fields in an expression will be highlighted to indicate to the user that something still needs to be filled in.
The palettes available and the symbols and expressions they offer are described below.
| Palette | Category | Description of symbols, operators, and expressions |
|---|---|---|
 |
Layout | fractions, exponents, subscripts, superscripts, radicals |
 |
Trigonometry | sin, cos, tan, inverse functions, reciprocal functions |
 |
Calculus | derivitives, integrals |
 |
Matrix | form can be used to create any size matrix |
 |
Symbols | pi, infinity |
 |
Lowercase Greek | commonly used letters |
 |
Uppercase Greek | commonly used letters |