If your answer contains one or more syntax errors that prevent WebAssign from being able to grade it, WebAssign displays the message Your answer cannot be understood or graded. If your assignment allows you to submit answers by question part, answers with syntax errors are not counted as incorrect submissions.
Often, the problem is a simple typographical error that is easy to spot and correct. After correcting the error, submit your answer again.
- If your answer is not counted as a submission, it is also not stored by WebAssign. This means that after certain actions, like closing and reopening the assignment or submitting an answer for a different question, your answers with syntax errors are no longer displayed in the assignment.
- Copying text from anywhere and pasting it in an answer box will result in an error. You must type your response using the keyboard or the tools provided.
Errors Specific to Numerical Questions
The following errors are common in questions that require you to enter a number with or without a unit.
| Problem | Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Misspelled unit. | 3456 met/sec | 3456 m/s |
| Specifying a unit when none is required.
Note If displayed, check the answer format tip to
see if units are required.
|
3 m | 3 |
| Numerical answers cannot contain variables. | 2*x+3 | 2*10+3 |
| Numerical answers cannot use implicit multiplication. | 3(14) | 3*14 |
| Numerical answers must use ** to specify exponents. | 2^3 | 2**3 |
Common Errors
Some of the most common errors are listed here.
| Problem | Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Unrecognized symbol. | $4.00
4&6 |
4.00
4+6 |
| Brackets or braces instead of parentheses. | 4*{x+3} | 4*(x+3) |
| Unpaired parentheses. | (1+2)+3) | ((1+2)+3) |
| Missing part of the expression. | 50* | 50*3 |
| Too many consecutive operators. | x++++2 | x+2 |