How do I create Working Formula questions?

Working Formula questions are often used in Maths and Science for advanced formula writing. Students need to write something that matches one of the steps you have written in order to get a tick or be marked correct. 

To create a question containing a Working Formula component, add an Extended Response question and select the Blank slide option.

Drag the Working Formula component into the workspace.

In the new window that opens, write the starting formula in the box under Add explanation. You can add additional steps by pressing enter or the New step option.

You can use variables when creating Working Formula questions. See our guide here.

Ticking the Marked box will force that line of working to be a marked step, for a student attempt. You can select multiple steps to require marking.

Students will need to get all of the steps that have been ticked Marked correct before they are able to move on to the next question.

If there are multiple ways to solve the formula, you can add an additional method by selecting the New method option.

Different methods will have different answers. You will need to ensure that these match up.

To add variations to specific steps, click the Advanced button. Then, add variations to steps using the New step variation button. These variations are counted as the same step.

Your students' answers will have to match one of these variations. It is best to add as many variations as possible to account for the different lines of thinking for your students.

Any variations with multiple = symbols will not work.

The Working Formula process is complex. We recommend previewing questions before assigning the lesson to your students. This will help you troubleshoot, and ensure that there are no unexpected complications to the question.

EP Studio also includes parameters that help make the Working Formula questions smarter. Parameters are commands for the question to process before checking whether the given answer is correct or not. 

Hover over a parameter name to reveal the underlying LaTeX representation of the working.

It is recommended that you have a demo with one of our Teacher Consultants before using parameters in your questions. Get in touch with us!