Custom Word Problem Templates

Under Review

The Custom Word Problem Templates editor provides a way to add, edit and organize custom word problem templates for both single-operation and multi-step word problems.

Depending on how you like to organize your material, build one large collection of custom word problem templates, or build a variety of collections that can be selected as needed.

Tip

If you want to create simple single-operation word problems, you may want to consider working with the basic word problem templates for , , and . There are more solution controls built-into these word problems for developing basic operations skill development.

Tip

Enter the text of a word problem in the Question Template box, but don't worry about tags at this point. Once you are happy with the text, grammar and punctuation of the word problem, then start entering number, object and name tags by selecting the number or name or object in the word problem text and then pressing the appropriate tag to replace it.

1. To create new a new collection of word problem templates, or to add & edit custom word problem templates to the current collection, select the Edit Problem Templates option in the options pane and press the ellipsis button. When the Custom Word Problems Templates editor appears you can begin adding a new word problem to the current collection, or select New to open a new blank collection.

2. Enter word problem text to the Question Template box. Then use the tag buttons below the Question Template box to replace the problem numbers, names or objects.

   Note

   It is not necessary to place name and object tags in a word problem template if you would prefer that names or objects are not randomly filled from the Problem Names and Problem Objects collections.

3. As number tags are placed in the Template box, those tags will automatically be placed in the Answer Formula box. In the Answer Formula box you will set up the formula for the word problem template using the equation symbols located below the box (you can also enter equation symbols using the keyboard if you prefer).

4. Once the answer formula is complete, you can customize the Answer Template. This template provides a way to customize how the answer is displayed. By default a basic answer tag is provided. The decimal range for the answer tag can be customized, and text - including object and name tags - can be placed before and after the answer tag.

5. When the word problem template is complete, select the green Check button below the Answer Template box. A sample problem will appear, giving you an opportunity to ensure the word problem appears and performs as you expect. Make any additional edits to the question and answer templates as needed.

6. Finally click the green Add (+) button to add the word problem template to the grid.

7. To use a template for an exercise set, ensure the Active indicator by the template is green. Green is active; red is inactive. Click the Active indicator just above the grid to change all of the templates to active (green) or inactive (red).

8. To edit a question template or answer formula and answer template already added to the grid click in the appropriate box and edit. When the editing is complete, click the green Check mark by the template row to see a sample of the edited word problem.

9. Finally use Save or Save As to save all changes, and then click OK to add the word problems to the math document.

Template tags and answer formula equation symbols

A variety of tags and equation symbols are provided to turn a word problem, answer formula and answer format into a template. If you are unsure what a tag stands for, hover your mouse over the tag to display a tool tip.

The number tags that are placed in the Answer Formula box do not require the number range that is entered in the Question Template box. For example, you may have a number tag in the Question Template box that looks like this - <num1(2:15)>; in the Answer Formula box only the tag <num1> is required for the formula to be set up.

Note

It is possible that as you edit the word problem template you may add too many number tags to the Answer Formula box. You can delete and edit any of the tags in the formula box to ensure they match-up correctly with the word problem.

Remove a template and answer formula

Use the red X by a template in the grid to remove a question and answer template row from the collection. A warning will appear before the question and answer template row are removed as this removal action is final and cannot be undone.

New

Opens a new blank collection of custom word problems.

Open

Use Open to locate and open a saved collection of custom word problems. You can make one large collection of custom word problems, or create multiple collections.

Save and Save As

Use Save or Save As to save the current collection of custom word problems.

Reload Default

If you have deleted the included default word problems in error, use Reload Default to open a new blank collection and insert the default word problems. Ensure you save this collection before closing the editor.