To start entering a math expression into the worksheet, click on the dotted box. For simple expressions, you can type in the expression and press the Enter key on your keyboard.  More complex expressions may require that you use the buttons that appear just below the cursor after clicking on the dotted box.

The worksheet will help you to avoid basic errors like entering an expression that is not syntactically correct. You must correct these popup errors before your answer will be accepted into the worksheet. The third video below shows some examples of syntax errors and how to correct them.

Here are some videos demonstrating the basic worksheet functionality:

Entering an expression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_2pwS_MpqU

Editing an existing expression: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE_hYPVQ248

Fixing common errors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFD5JFDgt6g

Symbols and Functions

In addition to the basic operation symbols (add, subtract, multiply, divide), other operations available in the worksheet include the following:

• Brackets and parentheses: ( ) [ ] { }.  Round parentheses are always allowed, but brackets and braces may only be available for certain answers like intervals and sets.
• Exponents: You can either use the exponent button or use ^ notation. If using the ^ symbol, you may need brackets around the base or exponent to correctly represent the answer.
• Absolute Value: Use the vertical bar on your keyboard, such as |x| .
• Trigonometry and Logarithms: cos, sin, tan, log, ln ...  These should be entered as you would normally write them, such as "sin(x)".  Be careful with inverses as to where you place the -1 exponent.
• Constants and Greek letters: pi, theta ... These are available as buttons that appear when you are editing the expression.

IMPORTANT NOTE: All worksheets will let you perform basic operations like add, subtract, multiply, divide, and exponents.  However, in general only the variables, functions, and symbols that are actually needed to answer the question will be available. For example, if you try to enter "y" as a variable and it is not accepted by the editor then you don't need to use y in the correct answer.  This also goes for functions like "sin" or "log" and for symbols like PI.  If you think you need a function or symbol and it is not accepted, then you should reconsider your answer.