For assessment authors that wish to create questions that contain math equations, it has historically been challenging. Authors of these types of assessments often resort to using images to display complicated equations. But this makes it difficult to both author and maintain content.
MathJax is a project focused on developing a state-of-the-art, open-source, JavaScript platform for the display of mathematics. Among other goals, it makes high-quality display of mathematics notation available to all browsers and requires no special browser setup.
Brillium's MathJax support allows assessment authors to create questions and distractors (answer choices) that include math equations.
| Note: MathJax support can be enabled for any of the availabel Brillium subscription plans. |
How to Use MathJax in Brillium
To start using MathJax in Brillium assessments, it needs to be enabled, and new users should familiarize themselves with the notation to construct math equations.
For Brillium authors interested in using this functionality, follow these steps:
- Contact Brillium Support and request MathJax to be enabled for your account (it is not enabled by default).
- Review the LaTeX WikiBook web page for information on how to construct equations. Specifically, the LaTeX/Mathematics section will be helpful to most users.
- Review the MathJax documentation for specific LaTeX input considerations.
MathJax LaTeX Syntax and Examples
MathJax allows for mathematical equations to be placed inline (within the context of a sentence) or on their own line (as a separate paragraph). Each method requires a different type of notational syntax.
To display an equation inline, use a backslash and& parenthesis in the form: \(...\) with the equation placed between the \(and the \)backslash and parenthesis.
To display an equation on its own line, use backslash and brackets in the form: \[...\] with the equation placed between the \( and the \] backslash and brackets.
EXAMPLE: Displaying Equations Inline
This is an example of the inline mathematical equation:
\(x=\frac{-b\pm\sqrt{b^2-4ac}}{2a}\)EXAMPLE: Displaying Equations on a Separate Line
This is an example of the mathematical equation displayed on its own line:
\[\int_0^\infty\frac{x^3}{e^x-1}\,dx = \frac{\pi^4}{15}\]| Note: Brillium Assessment Builder supports only MathJax LaTeX-formatted equations. The current implementation does not support MathML input. |
Helpful Third-Party Resources
There are many LaTeX mathematical symbol resources across the web. To help those that may be new to LaTeX, we have provided a few helpful references below. NOTE: These are third-party websites that are not affiliated with or created by Brillium, and are provided here only as a convenience.
- LaTeX/Mathematics on wilkibooks.org
- MathJax Website
- Test your equations with MathJax Inline TeX Example on CodePen (by Dean - @josdea)
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING MATHJAX UPDATES
Brillium's MathJax implementation references the current MathJax general release directly from MathJax. This means that as MathJax releases updates, Brillium will automatically incorporate those updates. The Brillium support staff may not know when an update will occur and whether that update could affect the display of any equations within Brillium. As such, Brillium staff will not announce MathJax changes prior to their release.
It is highly recommended that you monitor MathJax news for announcements regarding updates, new features, and deprecated features.
Comments
0 comments
Article is closed for comments.