order of operations for computation in relation to quiz formula answers

unknown

I recently gave a quiz question that required computation of the negative of the square of a number. For example, the formula I entered was -b^2. The normal protocol is to perform the power operation first, and then make the result a negative. Canvas did the opposite. In the above example the Canvas answer was b^2. [As if this wasn't bizarre enough, I then tried -(b^2) and Canvas gave the error 'expecting a number at 6'.

I have begun giving quizzes only this semester. At this point I am ready to discontinue using Canvas. Period. Please advise.

NicoletteStaley

The issue you are having with negating an expression in Formula Questions is caused by the variability of the "-" in a text-based interface.  If you are wanting to negate an expression, like: -b^2, then you need to multiply the expression by negative one.  You would enter this formula as -1*b^2.  I recommend that you refer to the Canvas Formula Quiz Question Helper Functions document when creating Formula Quiz Questions.