fractions in quizzes

[SWANSSE]

I'm building a quiz on the topic of fractions. I don't want to use multiple choice, so students have to enter the exact numeric answer. However, the builder does not have a fraction tool nor will it accept "1/4" as a number. Is there anything that can be done about this? My school requires us to use Canvas, and I'm a math teacher. 

[KristinL]

Hi @SWANSSE - Do you use Classic Quizzes or New Quizzes?

• Quizzes Overview (Instructors) - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)
• New Quizzes Overview (Instructors) - Instructure Community (canvaslms.com)

[SWANSSE]

@KristinL That video does not have the solution to my problem. I want to be able to have a fraction as the answer (in the answer key) for the numeric answer format. However, it doesn't allow fractions.

[Chris_Hofer · Accepted solution]

Hello @SWANSSE ...

My guess is that @KristinL wanted to know which version of the Canvas quizzing engine you were using so that she could provide the best solution for you.  I don't think she was trying to avoid answering your question.

I do have a possible solution for you, however.  Thanks for sharing your screenshot in a separate reply.  This helps us know that you are using New Quizzes instead of Classic Quizzes.  Rather than using a "Numeric" question type, I would like you to try using a "Fill in the Blank" question type instead.  (I know it may sound weird...but just hang with me here.)  How do I create a Fill in the Blank question in New Quizzes?

I created a question similar to yours in my own sandbox course.  It looks like this:

Notice that I added an additional line in the question for "Your answer" ... which is what students would see.  Then, I put the fraction in backticks (the character just to the left of the number 1 key on your top row of numbers on your keyboard).  Then, I selected the "Text Match" option to "Exact Match".  This means that students would have to type in:

1/4

In this next screen shot, this is what it looks like once you are finished editing the question in your New Quiz:

And this is what the question would look like from a student perspective:

What do you think of this option?  Would it meet your needs?  It accomplishes exactly what you are looking for...but it's just not using the "Numeric" question type...since those do not appear to accept fractions as possible answers.

Hope this will help!  Let Community members know if you have any other questions about this...thanks!

[SWANSSE]

@Chris_Hofer This will work perfectly! Thank you so much for your help!

[andersonChris]

I have created a way to display fractions using the Formula question type but I cannot find a way for students to enter a fractional answer with that type.  It only seems to work if I have them convert to a decimal, however, this often defeats the purpose of the question.

Is there any way to accomplish this?  Any plans for allowing 2 answer boxes in a single formula question?

I added 2 pictures to demonstrate how to display fractions in a Formula question that gives random values in the fraction.

One of the pictures shows the table selected so you can see the otherwise invisible cell boarders.

[SWANSSE]

@KristinL