Working with Variables

You can insert a variable into questions, answers, feedback, rationale, graphs, and equations.  

To create, edit, or duplicate a variable:

1. Create or edit the question or preface to which you want to add algorithmic content.

2. Choose Variable Definitions from the Tools menu.

3. To create a new variable, click Add Variable. To edit an existing variable, click the Edit link for that variable. To duplicate an existing variable, click the Duplicate link for that variable.

4. Select Variable from the Type drop-down menu. You may also create conditions and functions.

5. Enter a name for your variable in the Name field.
   
   The variable name must be unique for the current question. Variable names may be up to 32 characters and should contain only letters, numbers, and the underscore character. Variable names must begin with a letter. Built-in function and constant names are reserved and may not be used as variable names.

6. (Optional) Enter a description of your variable in the Description field. For example, a description might be a random number between 10 and 100.

7. Enter your variable expression in the Expression field. For example, an expression might be range(10, 100). Use the list of available functions to help you create your variable expression.

8. Select a variable type from the Return type drop-down menu.

   • Use General for numeric or string variables.

   • Use Number for numeric variables.

   • Use Number (x,xxx,xxx) for to format numbers 1000 or greater with commas.

   • Use Scientific Notation for numbers formatted in scientific notation.

   • Use Coefficient and Coefficient (1st) to format numbers for use in polynomials.

   • Use Metric to format numbers 1000 or greater with spaces.

9. (Optional) If you selected a numeric return type, set the number of Decimal places and determine if you want to Hide leading zeroes for decimal values less than 1.

10. Click Test to calculate a value, which is returned in the Calculated value field, for your variable.

11. Click OK to record your variable.

To insert a variable into a question, answer, feedback, or rationale by typing the variable:

1. Create or edit the question to which you want to add a variable.

2. Click to position the cursor in the location you want the variable inserted.

3. Type the variable name in the text surrounded by two number signs on either side of it (e.g., ##VAR1##).

4. To view the current value of the variable, click the Preview tab.

5. To recalculate variables for the current question, select Recalculate Variables from the Tools menu.

To insert a variable into question, answer, feedback, or rationale using the menu option:

1. Create or edit the question to which you want to add a variable.

2. Click to position the cursor in the location you want the variable inserted.

3. Choose Insert Variable from the Insert menu.
   
   Note: You can also enter a variable by typing the variable name in the text of the question surrounded by two number signs on either side of it (e.g., ##VAR1##).

4. Click to highlight the variable you want to insert.

5. Click Insert. The variable is inserted into the word processor, and the variable name displays.

6. To view the current value of the variable, click the Preview tab.

7. To recalculate variables for the current question, select Recalculate Variables from the Tools menu.

To include a variable in an equation editor equation:

1. Create or edit the question to which you want to add the equation.

2. Click to position the cursor in the location you want the equation inserted.

3. Select Insert Equation from the Insert menu.

4. Create your equation as desired, using the various equation templates within the editor.

5. Click to position the cursor in the location you want the variable inserted.

6. Click the Normal text button .

7. Enter the variable name with two number signs on either side of it (e.g., ##VAR1##).

8. Click OK to record your equation.

9. Select Recalculate Variables from the Tools menu. The variables in your equation will be replaced by values.