This problem set demonstrates how you enter numerical answers into WeBWorK.

In these problems you need to enter a number, since we're checking whether you can does these calculations. Do the calculation, then enter the correct numerical result in the box provided.

Warning: While you might use a calculator here, you may not be allowed a calculator on some of your tests.

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Evaluate the expression $0(-8)(-2(9 ))$:

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Evaluate the expression $-8 (7 )(3 + 9)$:

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Evaluate the expression $(-8 + 7 )(3 + 12 (9))$:

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For some problems, you will be able to get WeBWorK to do some of the work for you.

For example, calculate (-8) * (7):

The asterisk is how most calculators and computers show multiplication and you can use this with WeBWorK. But WeBWorK will also allow you to use a space to show multiplication. You can either $-8 * 7$ or -56. All will work. Try them.

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Now try calculating   $\sqrt{7}$ , the square root of 7.

You can enter this as sqrt(7), or as 7^(1/2). This is because WeBWorK knows about standard calculations like square root, and that roots can be represented using fractional exponents. You'll study this in detail very shortly.

Note, exponents can be entered with either a ^ (caret) or ** (two asterisks). Try it in the box below.

$\sqrt{7} =$

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When it is very clear that only multiplication is involved, you can simpley write two characters together

E.g., enter the square root of 5 divided 3. You can enter this as 2*sqrt(5/3) or more simply as 2sqrt(5/3). Try it:

$2\sqrt{5/3} =$

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Think about the problem above. How sure are you that we should divide 5 by 3 then take the square root. If we are verablizing the process, we could say "divide 5 by 3 then take the square root of the result." It is a little longer to say, but very clear. In written math (symbology) sometimes you need to use ( )'s to make your meaning clear.

E.g. 1/2+3 is 3.5, but 1/(2+3) is .2 Why? Try entering both and use the "Preview" button below to see the difference. In addition to ( )'s, you can also use [ ]'s and $\lbrace \rbrace$.

$(1/2) + 3 =$

Now go back to the previous problem and enter 2sqrt5/3 instead of 2sqrt(5/3). Use the "Preview" button to see how WeBWorK interprets the symbology.

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When entering numbers, leave off units (or dollar signs for money) unless the problem directs you to do otherwise.

For example, if we want to know how much money you will have if you collect $ 100 from 200 people, the answer is $ 20,000.

When entering this value, you should just give 20000 (or 100*200).

When doing WeBWorK problems alsways look "outside the (answer) box." If the problems has units associated, they are usually provided. Don't include the stuff already provided outside the box!

$ 100 from 200 people yields $

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You can always try to enter answers and let WeBWorK do the calculating. After a little experience, you may find that the WeBWorK preview lets you "see" the answer you would type into your calculator in the same form as a textbook or a correctly expression. It is a great way to find mistakes like omitted parentheses or incorrect grouping.

Or, if you have trouble with the syntax while entering expressions, you can compute most answers on yourself then type the answer into WeBWorK. If you do, just be sure to include lots of decimal places (including the first 5 non-zero places should be safe).

In general, there is no penalty for getting an answer wrong. If you are limited in the number of attempts you get for a problem, you will be warned by the problem itself (this could happen, for example, on a true/false question). What counts is that you get the answer right before the due date.

However, even though you get a "correct" from WeBWorK, if that answer comes from an invalid mathematical process (in relation to your problem), your instructor will almost certainly catch it in written work! Be certain you understand the process and can write the steps for each problem answered in correctly.

Remember: For complicated answers you should use the "Preview" button to check for syntax errors and also to check that the answer you enter is really what you think it is.