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WeBWorK Mathematical Symbols Guide

The document provides guidelines for using mathematical symbols, syntax, constants, and functions in WeBWorK, emphasizing the importance of correct notation and grouping. It outlines how to enter expressions clearly, the correct usage of functions, and the significance of using parentheses to avoid errors. Additionally, it includes information on scientific notation and common mathematical constants available in WeBWorK.

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mbalijealian
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9 views3 pages

WeBWorK Mathematical Symbols Guide

The document provides guidelines for using mathematical symbols, syntax, constants, and functions in WeBWorK, emphasizing the importance of correct notation and grouping. It outlines how to enter expressions clearly, the correct usage of functions, and the significance of using parentheses to avoid errors. Additionally, it includes information on scientific notation and common mathematical constants available in WeBWorK.

Uploaded by

mbalijealian
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Suggestion: Print out this page and keep the hard copy handy while doing WeBWorK.

Mathematical Symbols Available In WeBWorK

 + Addition
 - Subtraction
 * Multiplication can also be indicated by a space or jutaposition,
e.g., 2x, 2 x or 2*x, also 2(3+4).
 / Division
 ^ or ** You can use either ^ or ** for exponentiation, e.g., 3^2 or 3**2
 Parentheses and brackets for grouping: ( ). You can also use square
brackets, [ ], and braces, { }, for grouping, e.g., [1+2]/[3(4+5)]
 WeBWorK is case sensitive. Do NOT write "X" when you really intend
"x".

Syntax for entering expressions

 Be careful entering mathematical expressions just as you would with a


calculator.
 Sometimes using the * symbol to indicate mutiplication makes things
easier to read. For example (1+2)*(3+4) and (1+2)(3+4) are both valid.
So are 3*4 and 3 4 (3 space 4, not 34) but using a * makes things clearer.
 Use parentheses ( ) to make your meaning clear. You can also use
brackets [ ] and braces { }. For example
o Don't enter 2/4+5 (which is 5.5) when you really
want 2/(4+5) (which is 2/9).
o Don't enter 2/3*4 (which is 8/3) when you really
want 2/(3*4) (which is 2/12).
o Entering big quotients with square brackets,
e.g., [1+2+3+4]/[5+6+7+8], is a good practice.
 Be careful when entering functions. It's always good practice to use
parentheses when entering functions. Write sin(t) instead of sint or sin
t. But WeBWorK is smart enought to accept sin t or even sint. But sin
2t is really sin(2)t, i.e., (sin(2))*t. Be careful!
 Do NOT use the notation sin^-1(x), tan^-1(x), etc. for inverse trig
functions -- WeBWorK does not understand it.
Use arcsin(x), arctan(x), etc., or the shorter forms of
this: asin(x), atan(x), etc. See the list below of function notations
understood by WeBWorK.
 Powers of trig functions. When we write sin^2t it is really shorthand
for (sin(t))^2 and it must be entered in the later way in WebWork.
Note: sin(t)^2 is also acceptable. For example, 2+3sin^2(4x) is wrong.
You need to enter it as: 2+3[sin(4x)]^2 or 2+3sin(4x)^2. Why does the
last expression work? Because things in parentheses are always done
first [i.e., (4x)], next all functions, such as sin, are evaluated [giving
sin(4x)], next all exponents are evaluated [giving sin(4x)^2], next all
multiplications and divisions are performed [giving 3sin(4x)^2], and
finally all additions and subtractions are performed [giving
2+3sin(4x)^2].
 The complete rules for the precedence of operations, in addition to the
above, are
o Multiplications and divisions are performed left to right: 2/3*4 =
(2/3)*4 = 8/3.
o Additions and subtractions are performed left to right: 1-2+3 = (1-
2)+3 = 2.
o Exponents are taken right to left: 2^3^4 = 2^(3^4) = 2^81 = a big
number.
 Use the "Preview Button" to see exactly how your entry looks. E.g. to
tell the difference between 1+2/3+4 and [1+2]/[3+4] click the "Preview
Button".
 NOTE: Many students who think WeBWorK is refusing a correct
answer are actually making algebra mistakes, sometimes minor,
sometimes serious. Please check your algebra and syntax before
submitting your answer.
 Do not use exclamation points to denote factorials. WeBWorK does not
understand things like 3! -- use fact(3) to denote 3 factorial.

Mathematical Constants Available In WeBWorK

 pi: This gives 3.14159265358979, e.g. cos(pi) is -1. Do NOT write Pi or


PI.
 e: This gives 2.71828182845905, e.g. ln(e*2) is 1 + ln(2). Do NOT write
E for e.

Mathematical Functions Available In WeBWorK


 abs( ) The absolute value
 cos( ) Note: cos( ) uses radian measure
 sin( ) Note: sin( ) uses radian measure
 tan( ) Note: tan( ) uses radian measure
 sec( ) Note: sec( ) uses radian measure
 exp( ) The same function as e^x
 log( ) The natural log. NOTE!!
 ln( ) Another name for the natural log
 logten( ) The log to the base 10
 arcsin( )
 asin( ) Another name for arcsin
 arccos( )
 acos( ) Another name for arccos
 arctan( )
 atan( ) Another name for arctan
 sinh( ) Hyperbolic sine
 cosh( ) Hyperbolic cosine
 tanh( ) Hyperbolic tangent
 sech( ) Hyperbolic secant
 sqrt( ) Square root
 sgn( ) The sign function, either -1, 0, or 1
 step( ) The step function (0 if x < 0, 1 if x >= 0)
 fact( ) The factorial function (defined only for non-negative integers)

Scientific Notation Available In WeBWorK

You will seldom need to use this, however

 2.1E2 gives 210


 2.1E-2 gives .021

Common questions

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Inverse trigonometric functions should be written as 'arcsin(x)', 'arctan(x)', etc., in WeBWorK, or using their shorthand forms like 'asin(x)', 'atan(x)'. This is recommended because WeBWorK does not recognize the traditional notation like 'sin^-1(x)' or 'tan^-1(x)'. Using the accepted notation avoids syntax errors and ensures correct evaluation of these functions .

In WeBWorK, 'pi' and 'e' should be used exclusively in lowercase to denote the mathematical constants π and the base of natural logarithms, respectively. Incorrect notations such as 'Pi' or 'PI' for π, and 'E' for e can lead to errors because WeBWorK is case-sensitive. Correct notation is crucial to avoid syntax errors and ensure that calculations involving these constants are evaluated correctly .

Understanding the order of operations and precedence rules significantly enhances students' ability to accurately input expressions in WeBWorK. It prevents errors due to misinterpretation of implied multiplications, exponentiations, and operations inside parentheses. For example, correctly interpreting '2^3^4' as '2^(3^4)' avoids miscalculating the result by following the right-to-left evaluation of exponents . This deepens students' conceptual math understanding and reduces frustration with incorrect submissions.

In WeBWorK, while 'sin(t)' and 'sin t' might both be accepted, it is good practice to use 'sin(t)' to ensure clarity. The notation 'sin t' could be misinterpreted, especially if multiplying the sine of t rather than taking the sine of a product is intended. This helps prevent confusion in complex expressions where implicit multiplication can lead to misinterpretation .

WeBWorK does not accept '!' for factorial expressions because it uses function syntax for clearer and more consistent expression entry. Instead of '3!', 'fact(3)' should be used. This format aligns with the functional style WeBWorK uses for other mathematical operations like 'sin(x)' or 'ln(x)', thereby avoiding ambiguity .

The correct syntax for entering the sum of two products in WeBWorK is to use explicit multiplication notation such as (2+3)*(4+5). Parentheses clearly group the sum of 2 and 3, and the sum of 4 and 5, with multiplication indicated by *. This ensures clarity and avoids syntax errors .

Incorrect algebra input often leads students to think WeBWorK is rejecting correct answers, which can be caused by syntax or precedence errors. Using the 'Preview' button helps students visually verify the accuracy of their input before submission, allowing them to spot misinterpretations such as misplaced parentheses or incorrect application of operations, thus ensuring the submission aligns with the intended mathematical expression .

In WeBWorK, the precedence rules follow a specific order: operations in parentheses are evaluated first, followed by functions, exponents, multiplication and division (left to right), and finally addition and subtraction (left to right). For example, entering the expression '2+3sin^2(4x)' should be written as '2+3[sin(4x)]^2' or '2+3sin(4x)^2' to ensure correct evaluation. This ensures exponentiation is calculated after the sine function and before multiplication, adhering to operation precedence .

Differentiating between explicit '*' multiplication and implicit multiplication is crucial in WeBWorK to avoid errors and ensure clarity, especially in complex expressions like '2*x' versus '2x'. While WeBWorK can parse implicit multiplication, explicit usage with '*' is recommended to prevent misinterpretation and ensure proper adherence to order of operations. Students should consistently use '*' for clarity, especially in formulas involving variables, to clearly signify intended multiplication .

WeBWorK supports scientific notation by using the 'E' notation, similar to what is used in spreadsheets or programming languages. For example, '2.1E2' represents 210, and '2.1E-2' represents 0.021. This notation is helpful for dealing with very large or small numbers in computations, maintaining clarity and precision in numerical entries .

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