Enter my response with proper math syntax

Proper mathematical syntax is required while entering your response to questions whether you're using Text Mode or Symbol Mode for your responses.

TIP: Check out Choose a math entry mode to learn about the differences between Text Mode or Symbol Mode for math entry.

To see how to enter proper math syntax in Möbius:

NOTE: When using Symbol Mode, the Equation Editor employs a Syntax Checker to support you in entering proper math syntax.

The example of COS entered in all uppercase letters and an extra parenthesis are highlighted by the Syntax Checker in the Equation Editor.

Check out Work with the Syntax Checker to learn how to make the most of this tool.

NOTE: You can preview your Text Mode response by clicking the preview iconThe "preview" icon is a magnifying glass on a piece of paper..

The "preview" icon is located immediately to the right of the response area entry field.

Using the preview ensures that your entry is being properly interpreted by Möbius. If your preview is blank or doesn't appear as expected, it may be because you aren't using the correct syntax.

An empty reponse preview modal.

Mathematical expression syntax

When entering formulas and expressions as your response, use standard mathematical notation that's similar to that used by a graphing calculator (Example(x^2-2*x+1)*2*sin(x)*(x^2+1)*e^(-x^2) is accepted).

Here are some notes on using mathematical expression syntax when entering your response:

  • Place the argument of a function in parentheses () (Example — enter sqrt(3x) not sqrt 3x, which is interpreted as (sqrt(3))*x)
  • Be sure to include parentheses () (Example — the expression 1/(x+1) is different from 1/x+1 which Möbius interprets asThe interpretation by Möbius is shown as 1 over x plus 1.)

TIP: Remember to preview your response whenever possible using the preview iconThe "preview" icon is a magnifying glass on a piece of paper.to ensure that the syntax that you're using is properly interpreted by Möbius.

Variable name syntax

The variable(s) in your response must be identical—this includes case sensitivity—to the variable(s) used in the question statement.

If these don't match, your response will be graded as incorrect (Example — if the question uses the variable t, but you've entered a response that uses T, your response won't match the defined correct answer and will be graded as incorrect).

Function and operator syntax

Functions and operators require specific syntax and notation when they're used within your response.

Some notation applies to all of Möbius, while others apply specifically to questions that require you to respond with Maple Syntax.

Maple Syntax — The language that the MapleTM math engine uses to interpret mathematical expressions.

NOTE: In general, you can assume that you should be using Möbius syntax unless your instructor has provided specific instructions that you're required to respond using Maple syntax.

Arithmetic

ArithmeticSyntax for Möbius or Maple
Addition+
Subtraction-
Multiplication*
Division/
Exponentiation^

TIP: Alternatively, for multiplication with Möbius syntax, you can use:

  • Two letters with a space (Examplex y)
  • A letter and a number with or without a space (Example2x or 2 x)

However, for multiplication with Maple syntax, you must include an asterisk (*) (Example2*x and not 2x; x*y and not xy; x*y and not x y).

Trigonometric functions

FunctionSyntax for Möbius or Maple
Sinesin
Cosinecos
Tangenttan
Inverse sinearcsin
Inverse cosinearccos
Inverse tangentarctan
Secantsec
Cosecantcsc
Cotangentcot

NOTE: Arguments of trigonometric functions are evaluated in radians. The results of the inverse trigonometric functions are evaluated in radians.

Hyperbolic trigonometric functions

FunctionMöbius syntaxMaple syntax
Hyperbolic sinehypsinsinh
Hyperbolic cosinehypcoscosh
Hyperbolic tangenthyptantanh
Hyperbolic secanthypsecsech
Hyperbolic cosecanthypcsccsch
Hyperbolic cotangenthypcotcoth
Inverse hyperbolic sinearchypsinarcsinh
Inverse hyperbolic secantarchypsecarcsech
Inverse hyperbolic cosecantarchypcscarchcsch
Inverse hyperbolic cotangentarchypcotarccoth

NOTE: Arguments of trigonometric functions are evaluated in radians. The results of the inverse trigonometric functions are evaluated in radians.

Numbers and constants

N/A* — Not available
Number or constantMöbius syntaxMaple syntax
2.71828...eexp(1)
3.14159...PiPi
Scientific notationEE
Square root of negative 1N/A*I
Infinity (∞)infinityinfinity

TIP: The E for scientific notation is entered between the coefficient and the order of magnitude (Example290,000,000 would be 2.9E8).

NOTE: For the square root of -1, it's a capital letter i.

Functions

N/A* — Not available
FunctionMöbius syntaxMaple syntax
Limit of a function ƒN/A*limit(f, x=a)
Derivative or partial derivative of a function ƒN/A*diff(f, x)
Integral of a function ƒN/A*int(f, x)
Absolute valueabs(x)abs(x)
Square rootsqrt(x) or x^(1/2)sqrt(x) or x^(1/2)
Exponentiale^xexp(x)
Logarithm base bN/A*log[b](x)
Logarithm base 10log(x)log10(x)
Natural logarithm (base e)ln(x)log(x) or ln(x)

IMPORTANT: When you're required to respond using Maple syntax, your instructor should indicate in their question statement that:

  • log[10] in Maple is interpreted as log base 10
  • log in Maple is interpreted as log base e