Introduction
Maple T.A. allows you to write questions which will involve random variables; that is, questions that will have the same form, but will contain different content (eg, numbers, functions, matrices) when taken by multiple users. The allowed values for these "Algorithmic Variables" can be set by clicking the Add button next to Algorithm, and then selecting Show Designer within the Question Editor. This brings up the following window.
Entering algorithmic variables
Fill in the first row by m a random whole number between 12 and 15 in steps of 1, and then press OK. The code for generating this random variable is producing in the box at the base of the picture.
If you add in another variable (such as m, a whole number between 7 and 10 in steps of 1) you can start to add conditions regarding both variables: for example, you can specify that both are different ("Ensure the variables always satisfy the condition m is not equal to n" within the designer).
This can useful is you wish to ensure that certain "edge cases" do not occur. For example, in solving a set of two linear equations in two variables, say ax+by=c and dx+ey=f you can set a,b,c,d to be generated algorithmically (say to random numbers between 5 and 10), and can ensure a unique answer to the problem by requiring that a*d is not equal to b*c. This can be achieved by using the line:
Ensure the variable always satisfy the condition $m*$p is not equal to $n*$o
Note that if the expression used is more complex than a simple variable name you need to specify the variables using a dollars sign. To separate the variable name from any surrounding context you can either use a space or (better) brackets. That is, use ${m} to refer to the variable m. The output box in the Designer window should now show
