How to format a formula question when using fractions and you want the outcome to be a fraction

BrettCutler

Anyone ever use a formula question to create a fraction math problem with variables for the fractions? I'd like the answers produced to be in fraction form as well. I'm able to create it using the equation editor for the question stem, but the actual formula does not have this ability to create mixed number formulas and produce a fraction or mixed number answer that I can seem to find.
Thanks for any help!

Jeff_F

@BrettCutler

In Canvas formula questions, there is currently no built-in way to force the answer to display as a fraction or mixed number. Formula questions always evaluate to a decimal internally, even if the question stem is written using the equation editor with fractions. The equation editor only controls how the problem looks to students, not how the answer is calculated or displayed.

That means a formula like (a ÷ b) will always result in a decimal value for auto grading. There is no syntax in the formula question type that will output something like 3/4 or 1 1/2 as the final answer. Mixed numbers are also not supported as evaluated outputs.

Common workarounds include:

• Ask students to enter decimals and clearly state rounding rules in the prompt
• Convert the problem into a fill in the blank or essay question and grade manually
• Use multiple short answer blanks, one for the numerator and one for the denominator
• Provide choices using a multiple-choice question where each option is a fraction
• Use an external tool or LTI that supports symbolic math and fraction-based answers

If fractional output is a hard requirement, Canvas formula questions are unfortunately the wrong question type at this time. Note that you can submit an idea contribution to the Canvas roadmap - Canvas Collaborative Roadmap - Instructure Community

References -

https://community.instructure.com/en/kb/articles/661055-how-do-i-create-a-formula-question-in-new-quizzes

https://community.instructure.com/en/kb/articles/387062-canvas-formula-quiz-question-helper-functions

Answering quizzes in fractions - Instructure Community