Some WebAssign operators:
Available operators:
+ for addition
− for subtraction or for the
negative sign
* for multiplication
/ for division
** or
∧
(example)
Available operators:
(example)
x+1
sin, cos, tan, sec, csc, cot
asin, acos, atan functions
(angle x expressed in radians)
sin(2x)
sqrt() for square root of a number
sqrt(x/5)
pi for 3.14159...
2 pi x
e for scientific notation
1e3 = 1000
() where necessary to group terms
4/(x+1) or 3(x+1)
x∧ (1/n) for the nth root of a number
x∧ (1/3)
or (x − 3)∧ (1/5)
x−1, or −x
4*x, or 4x
x/4
for exponential
ln() for natural log
exp() for “e to the power of”
x**3 or x∧ 3
ln(x)
exp(x) =
ex
Some WebAssign rules:
1. Numerical answers within 2% of the actual answer are counted as correct. This feature is provided to account
for rounding errors in calculations. In general, enter three (3) significant figures for numerical answers.
2. Numbers may be entered in several formats - including scientific notation and numerical expressions, such as
fractions. Please note that WebAssign uses standard scientific or “E” notation for “times 10 raised to the
power” (1E3 is the scientific notation for 1000).
3. Numerical answers may not contain commas or equal signs. Entries must be only numbers and E for scientific
notation, or the mathematical operators −, +, *, and /.
For example, if your answer to a question is the fraction “one over sixty-four,” you may enter the response in
any of these formats:
1/64
0.015625
0.0156
.0156
1.5625E-2
Please note, however, that the following formats would be graded as incorrect on a numerical question:
O.015625
where the first character is the letter “O” not a numeral.
0. 015625
where there is an improper space included in the answer.
1.5625 E-2
where ther is an improper space using “e” notation.
l/64
where the first character is a lowercase letter “L” not a numeral.
0.0156 inches
where units are not allowed in numerical answers.
5,400
where there is a comma in the number.
1234.5=1230
where there is an equal sign.