\var

Description

The \var can be used in two different ways. The simpler use is for referencing—that is, inserting the value of—an algorithmic variable in a question field other than the algorithm itself.

\var{variable-name}
variable-name
The name of the algorithmic variable, with no prefixed $ sign

\var can also be used to place an inline variable expression: a computed expression within a variable reference.

\var{expression}
expression
An expression whose value is to be computed; the result is used as the replacement for the variable reference

These inline variable expression are extremely useful, as they allow a question’s algorithm to be greatly simplified. Without inline variable expressions, every algorithmically-generated quantity in a question would require a separate variable definition in that question's \algorithm . Inline variable expressions allow for a minimum of variables. Not only does this benefit the author, but it reduces the load on the servers when students are taking assignments.

Inline variable expressions should also use \var to reference variables; that is, inline variable expressions are constructed from nested \var macros.

Notes

Example

\begin{question}{Formula}
\algorithm{$n = range(2,10);}
\qutext{What is the derivative of $x^{\var{n}}$?}
\answer{\var{n}x^\var{\var{n}-1}}
\end{question}

See Also