Questions with randomly generated values

The Formula Question type in Canvas can be used to generate questions for tests, exams or practice where different number values are inserted into a formula every time the question is accessed. These could be used in subjects such as mathematics and physics but there are also other subject areas as the examples below show.

For guidelines on setting up a simple formula with one random value go straight to How do I create a Simple Formula Question? For more advanced examples read on further below.

To set up a formula question with a variable

Start by choosing the Formula Question when setting up a new question.
Next, add the question text and the formula with variable denoted by square brackets.
- An example: Calculate the area of a square with each side [width]cm in length?
As soon as you click the Update Question button, the Variable Definitions and Formula Definitions appear. You can set minimum and maximum value ranges for the variable(s). (See example below)
- For the "area of a square" example below:
  - Enter the formula as width * width based on (area of a square = width x width).
  - Click Recompute to generate a new random value for width.
  - A Result immediately shows the answer to your formula.
When attempting the question, the formula tends to add multiple zeros to the answer. Make sure you ask for the appropriate number of decimal places in the answer to suit the values generated.

Example use cases of questions with one variable

Example 1: Calculate the area of a circle with radius [r]m. You can use pi instead of 3.14... in the formula.
Example 2: Find the force on a pulley system shown in the diagram where the force shown is [n] Newtons
Example 3: How much tax needs to be paid by a worker in Australia who has earned $[S] in the 2017-18 financial year?
Example 4: What is the missing value in the Cash Ledger shown ?
(*each time only one value changes)

Example 1 - Mathematics

In this example, the value for r will be different every time the quiz is taken. The Area is based on a formula involving this variable.

Example 2 - Physics

In this example, the value for x will be different every time the quiz is taken. The force F, is based on a formula involving this variable.

Example 3 - Accounting

In this example, the value for S will be different every time the quiz is taken. The tax payable is based on a formula involving this variable. In this example, setting the minimum and maximum cut-offs for the variable is essential due to tax bracketing rules.

Example 4 - Accounting

In this example, the value for x will be different every time the quiz is taken. The missing value, is based on a formula involving this variable and just one of the fixed values.

formula 4

Example use cases of formula questions with multiple variables.

Other examples include:

Example 5: Calculate the new Amount if $[P] is invested for [t] years at an interest rate of [r] % per annum.
Example 6: Calculate the amount of fertiliser needed to fertilise a paddock.
Example 7: Calculate the unknown resistance in a Wheatstone Bridge?
Example 8: Calculate the Basal Metabolic Rate in a human. (Attached Instruction Steps)

Example 5 - Accounting

In this example, the values for P, t and r will be different every time the quiz is taken. The Area is based on a formula involving all of these variables.

Example 6 - Agriculture - Mathematics

In this example, the values for a, b, c and d will be different every time the quiz is taken. The Area is based on a formula involving all of these variables.

Example 7 - Engineering (Electrical)

In this example, the values for R1, R2 and R3 will be different every time the quiz is taken. RX is based on a formula involving all of these variables.

Example 8 - Basal Metabolic Rate calculation

In this example the weight, height and age are different every time a student does the question.

BMR question

For more information on using a formula in quizzes look up the term formula in the Canvas Guides.