Math Keyboard in ASSISTments

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The Math Keyboard displays on fill-in problems and allows students to access math symbols and formatting options in addition to options on their standard keyboard.

Note: The Math Keyboard appears only on fill-in problems and requires no teacher setup.

Math Keyboard by Grade Level

Buttons on the Math Keyboard align with the grade-level standard asked in the problem, providing students with options appropriate for the content they are interacting with.

Elementary (K–5): Basic fractions, operations (+, −, ×, ÷), and simplified symbols.

Middle School (6–8): Adds square roots, exponents, and additional operators.

High School (9–12): Includes advanced symbols such as the dot for multiplication (·) and imaginary numbers (i).

The Student Experience with Math Keyboard

When a fill-in answer is required, the Math Keyboard appears below the answer box as a student enters an answer.

How students enter answers using the Math Keyboard

• Students click on-screen symbols to build their answer.

Common Math Problems:

• Fractions/Mixed numbers: Tap the fraction key, enter the numerator, then select the gray denominator box and type the denominator.

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• Exponents: enter the base, tap the exponent key, then enter the exponent.

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• Square roots: tap √, then enter the value under the radical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does the Math Keyboard appear?

A: The Math Keyboard appears below the answer box whenever students are asked to enter a numeric or algebraic response in a fill-in problem.

Q: Do students have to use the Math Keyboard?

A: No. Students may type their answers using their keyboard or click on-screen symbols. The Math Keyboard is designed to make entering math easier, but it is optional. For example, students can type 3/4 instead of using the fraction key, or x^2 instead of using the exponent key.

Q: Does the Math Keyboard look the same for all students?

A: No. The Math Keyboard adjusts by grade level: elementary, middle, and high school students each see different symbols aligned with the math they are learning. Refer to Math Keyboard by Grade Level. 

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