Formatted as

Method overview

The "formatted as" (equivSyntax) scoring method checks whether a learner’s response is expressed in a specific format, rather than comparing it to a set correct answer. Since it’s a form-checking method, no sample answer is required—any response that matches the required structure is marked correct.

This method is especially useful when authors want to ensure learners present answers in a particular way, such as using fractions instead of decimals. When combined with the "numerically equal to" method, it becomes even more powerful—allowing authors to both validate numerical correctness and constrain how those answers must be expressed.

Demo 1: "Numerically equal to" and a fraction

This demo combines the "numerically equal to" and "formatted as" methods, which checks not only that the learner’s response is numerically equivalent, but also that it follows the required fraction syntax. This combination effectively accounts for the infinite number of possible correct solutions.

Demo 2: "Numerically equal to" and in scientific notation

This demo uses both the "numerically equal to" and "formatted as" methods to ensure that the calculation is performed correctly and expressed in proper scientific notation. To account for possible rounding errors, a tolerance of 1% has also been set.