The Maple-graded question type uses the Maple™ 9 computer algebra system to generate algorithmic variables in questions, generate plots and evaluate student responses. The Maple-graded question type gives you access to the computational power of Maple. It includes facilities for algebra, calculus, differential equations, discrete mathematics, graphics, numerical computation, and many other areas of mathematics.
Using the Maple-graded question type, you have access to many different kinds of mathematical objects, not just simple expressions. You can use Maple to create questions whose responses require sets, differential equations, unevaluated integrals, groups and many other types of mathematical data. The Maple-graded question type allows for questions with complicated answers, questions with different possible answers, and questions requiring a powerful answer-equivalence checker.
With the Maple-graded question type, you also have access to the plotting capabilities of Maple. You can use Maple to plot a student response (or a function derived from a student response, for example, the definite integral of the student response) for a Maple-graded question type or display a plot for any question type.
You can also use functions and routines that are contained in a separate Maple Repository (Maple Library). You can access your personal Maple library archives from within your Maple questions.
The Maple-graded question type has two subtypes:
Maple-graded Formula
Maple Syntax
Both the Maple-graded Formula and Maple Syntax subtypes allow you to use Maple functions and expressions, for example, trigonometric functions, log10, ln, abs, sqrt, diff, int, and LinearAlgebra[Determinant]. In addition to the full range of Maple functions, you can use programming constructs to evaluate responses.
Formula questions are very useful when the correct response is a straight-forward mathematical expression using standard common functions, and when the correct answer is easy to describe and easy to evaluate.
The Maple-graded Formula subtype differs from the Formula question type.
When writing a Maple-graded Formula question, you can use Maple functions and expressions.
When writing a Formula question type, you cannot use Maple code in the evaluation of the student response.
Viewing your source code reveals that for Maple-graded questions (both Maple Formula and Maple Syntax subtypes) mode=Maple@, while for Formula question types mode=formula@.
Note: There is no difference for the student in syntax or range of expressions.
The two subtypes are distinguished by a student's response.
A student should not use Maple commands and expressions in a response to a question generated using Maple-graded Formula. For details, see Maple-graded Formula. The student responds using other Maple T.A. formula question syntax.
A student is required to use Maple commands and expressions in a response to question generated using Maple Syntax . For details, see Maple Syntax.
The two subtypes are distinguished by syntax checking of the student response.
The system verifies the syntax of a student response for a Maple-graded Formula question using a basic syntax checker. For details, see Maple-graded Formula.
The system does not verify the syntax of a student response for a Maple Syntax question. As the author, you can verify whether the student is using a Maple command to calculate the answer. For details, see Maple Syntax.
A Maple-graded question must use valid Maple code to evaluate the answer. Complete each line of code with a semicolon.
The last line of your question code must evaluate to a Boolean value, that is, true or false. In many cases, it is recommended that you use the Maple evalb command.
Use the long form name for all package functions, for example, VectorCalculus[ArcLength].
It is recommended that you include a comment for a graded response; otherwise, no comment is displayed as feedback to the student if the response is incorrect. Comments are entered in the Question Bank Editor/ Question Name and Type screen.
To display the correct answer as feedback for a student response, you must calculate the answer using the Algorithm Designer in the Question Bank Editor/Question Name & Type screen.
Maple-graded Question Type Help Pages
Creating Maple-graded Questions in the Question Bank Editor
Maple-graded Formula Example Script
Maple Syntax
Math Question Types Comparison Table
Mathematical Functions and Operations
Tutorial: Maple Algorithmic Question Authoring
Using Maple Code to Prevent Cheating in Maple Syntax Questions
Using the comment Field in a Maple Question