| Symbol | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| + | addition | |
| - | subtraction | |
| * | multiplication | can also be indicated by a space or jutaposition, e.g. 2x, 2 x or 2*x, also 2(3+4). |
| / | division | |
| ^ or ** | exponentiation | e.g. x^2 or x**2. |
| ( | left parenthesis | used for grouping expressions |
| ) | right parenthesis | used for grouping expressions |
| pi | The constant π &asypm; 3.1415 | e.g. cos(π) is -1. |
| e | The constant e &asypm; 2.71828 | e.g. ln(e) is 1. |
| E | scientific notation | e.g. 2.1E2 gives 2.1×102 = 210, and 2.1E-2 gives .021. |
| abs( ) | absolute value | |
| sqrt( ) | square root | Sometimes WeBWorK does not allow sqrt( ). In those cases, try ( )^(1/2). |
| exp( ) | natural (base e) exponential | exp(x) is the same as e^x |
| log( ) or ln( ) | natural (base e) logarithm | |
| logten( ) | logarithm base 10 | |
| fact( ) | factorial | e.g. fact(4)=4*3*2*1=24. Only non-negative integer input allowed. |
| cos( ) | cosine (uses radians). | |
| sin( ) | sine (uses radians). | |
| tan( ) | tangent (uses radians). | |
| sec( ) | secant (uses radians). | |
| csc( ) | cosecant (uses radians). | |
| cot( ) | cotangent (uses radians). | |
| arccos( ) or acos( ) | arc-cosine | This is the inverse function of cosine. |
| arcsin( ) or asin( ) | arc-sine | This is the inverse function of sine. |
| arctan( ) or atan( ) | arc-tangent | This is the inverse function of tangent. |