User’s Guide

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Contents
Installation
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Install Algebra 2 Solved! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Start Algebra 2 Solved! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Getting Started
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Main Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Notebook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Bagatrix Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Notebook Explorer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Help Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Entering a Problem
Problem Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Automatic Topic Selector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Quick Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Creating a Graph
Graph Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The Graph Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Quick Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Graph Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Taking a Test
Test Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Creating a Document
Document Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Editing a Document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Student Data
Student Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Creating Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Viewing Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Options
Problem Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

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Graph Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Test Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Data Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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Installation
Before installing Algebra 2 Solved!, take a moment to review the system
requirements. It is always a good idea to make sure all other applications are
closed while installing new software.

System Requirements
To use Algebra 2 Solved!, your computer must have one of the following
Windows operating systems:

Windows 2000

Windows 2003

Windows XP Home or Professional Editions

Installation of Algebra 2 Solved! is not supported on Windows 95/NT 4.x,

Macintosh, or Linux computers.

Install Algebra 2 Solved!

You can install Algebra 2 Solved! from the CD or from the file that you
downloaded.

To install Algebra 2 Solved!

1. Do one of the following:

If you are installing from a CD, insert the CD into the CD-ROM
drive.

If you downloaded your copy of Algebra 2 Solved!, double-click the
file that you downloaded.

2. In the Algebra 2 Solved! Setup Wizard window, click Next to begin the
installation.

3. Read the License Agreement, select I Agree and click Next. If you
decline, you cannot continue with the installation.

4. Select a folder into which you want to install Algebra 2 Solved! and click
Next.

5. All steps have now been completed, click Next to confirm installation. The
progress bar tracks the progress of the installation.

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Sometimes a computer’s CD-ROM drive does not automatically run a CD.

To start the installation from the CD

1. On your desktop, double-click My Computer.

2. In the My Computer window, double-click the icon for your CD-
ROM drive.
3. In the list of files, double-click Setup.exe.

Start Algebra 2 Solved!

Once installed successfully, you can start Algebra 2 Solved! by double-clicking
the Algebra 2 Solved! icon on your desktop, or by clicking Start → All Programs
→ Bagatrix → Algebra 2 Solved!.

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Getting Started
This section contains information about starting Algebra 2 Solved! and the
features that are available in the main window.

Overview
Many Algebra 2 Solved! features can be accessed from the main window. This
is an overview of the basic setup:

Main Toolbar
The primary functions of Algebra 2 Solved! can be found on the Main Toolbar:

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Notebook – Creates a new Notebook, which will hold all of your problems,
graphs, tests, documents, and tutorials. When a Notebook is saved, all items in
the notebook are saved.

Problem – Enter in your own problems, or view example problems. The

problems are then solved with step-by-step explanations.

Graph – Create graphs of your problems.

Test – Create printable tests, and also interactive multiple choice tests.

Document – Create a document using math symbols. You can copy and paste
your problems and tests directly into the document.

Open – Open your saved Notebooks.

Save – Save the current Notebook, containing all your problems, graphs, tests,
documents, and tutorials. Settings are also saved in the Notebook.

Print – Prints the content of the current window.

Sign In – Multiple choice test data is saved when a student is signed in.

Data – View test data of the student that is currently signed in.

Web – Visit the Bagatrix website.

Notebook

When you open a new problem, graph, test, or document, you create a new
“notebook” to store everything in. You can store as many of each items as you

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want in a notebook, and save the contents of the entire notebook by clicking on
the Save icon on the Main Toolbar.

Bagatrix Assistant

The Bagatrix Assistant provides dynamic help topics, tutorials, and tips on the
tasks you perform. For example, the Assistant can explain why the input is
invalid while entering a problem, and explain what is needed to make it correct.
The Assistant also provides explanations on every step while solving problems,
and links glossary terms used in the explanations. You can hide/show the wizard
by going to the menu and selecting Tools → Bagatrix Assistant.

Notebook Explorer

The Notebook Explorer lets you navigate through the problems, graphs, tests,
and documents you currently have open. You can rename the objects in your
Notebook by clicking and highlighting them in the Notebook Explorer, then
clicking on them again. All items in the Notebook Explorer are saved when you
save a Notebook. You can hide/show the Notebook Explorer by going to the
menu and selecting Tools → Notebook Explorer.

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Help Contents
The Help Contents panel provides categorized help topics and can be displayed
on the left-hand side of the screen. You can hide/show the Help Contents by
going to the menu and selecting Help → Contents.

Glossary
The Glossary panel provides an alphabetized list of hundreds of mathematical
terms, and can be displayed on the left-hand side of the screen with the
Notebook Explorer and Help Topics. You can select a term by double-clicking a
word in the list, or typing it in by hand and pressing enter. You can hide/show the
Glossary by going to the menu and selecting Tools → Glossary.

Calculator

The Calculator can be displayed by going to the menu and selecting Tools →
Calculator. The Bagatrix Calculator only enables keys that can currently be
pressed, and displays the entire expression in the Calculator display window. To
copy the expression, right-click on the Calculator display window and select
Copy.

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Entering a Problem
Algebra 2 Solved! allows you to enter in your own problems, and provides step-
by-step solutions. To begin, click on the Problem icon on the Main Toolbar, or
go to the menu and select File → New → Problem.

Problem Toolbar

Answer – Generates the step-by-step answer to the problem entered on the

screen, using the method displayed in the Automatic Topic Selector.

Example – Enters an example problem onto the paper. After clicking Example, a
topic must be selected from the Select a Subject screen. You can select the
difficulty of the example problem on this screen as well. The default difficulty can
be set on the Options screen by right-clicking on the paper and selecting
Options → All Options.

Graph – When this icon is enabled, you can graph the solution to the problem.

Step – Displays the next step in the problem solving process. If the option Show
Step-by-Step is selected, the Step button will move one step at a time. If not, the
entire problem will be displayed when the Step button is clicked.

Note: When there are multiple papers on the screen, you can slide the pages by
clicking and dragging them with the mouse. You can quickly arrange the papers
by right-clicking on a page and selecting Arrange papers. You can also save a
page as an image by right-clicking on a page and selecting Export Page Image.

Insert – Launches Quick Insert, a tool to insert various mathematical symbols

and expressions into the problem.

Erase – Erases the problem and steps from the paper. If Leave original problem
is checked, only the steps are erased and the original problem is left on the
screen.

Automatic Topic Selector

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When entering a problem, the topics that can be used to solve your problem are
automatically displayed in the dropdown list. You can click on the Topic Selector
to select from the list of available topics.

Using the Keyboard

The following keys can be used to enter in your problems:

Numbers: 0-9
Letters (variables): a-z
Operators: + (add) – (subtract) * (multiply) / (divide)
Decimal Point: .
Parenthesis: ()
Brackets: []
Absolute Value: ||
Exponent: ^
Square Root: ~
Equal Sign: =
Inequality Signs: > (greater than) < (less than)
>= (greater than or equal to) <= (less than or equal to)

Some Input Notes

To group multiple terms (such as in the numerator and/or denominator of

a fraction), use parenthesis. For example, (x+2)/3 will keep x+2 in the
numerator, and ~(x+2) will keep x+2 under the square root symbol.

Outside parenthesis used to group multiple terms are not displayed on the
screen. For example, while you will need to input (x+2)/3 to keep x+2 in
the numerator, it will display on the screen without the outside ( ) since
they are not needed in the problem, and have no effect on the
calculations.

Exponents can be entered without using ^. Entering 5x2 is the same as
entering 5x^2.

To enter in a variable following a fraction that you do not want in the
denominator, use the multiplication symbol. For example: 1/2*x. Entering
1/2x will place the x in the denominator.

To enter in problems such as Systems of Equations and Evaluating
Variables, multiple lines of input are needed. To insert a new line, click on
Quick Insert followed by New Line, or use the shortcut key: _.

For example, to enter in a System of Equations, you can type:

x+y=14 <Quick Insert → New Line> 2x+3y=35

or
x+y=14_2x+3y=35

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 For an Evaluating problem, you can enter:

x+y+z <Quick Insert → New Line> x=2 <Quick Insert → New Line>
y=3 <Quick Insert → New Line> z=4
or
x+y+z_x=2_y=3_z=4

For a Point Slope problem, you can enter:

(2,3) <Quick Insert → New Line> m=2

or
(2,3)_m=2

Quick Insert

Quick Insert provides a method to quickly insert common math symbols and
expressions into your problem. Symbols and expressions include:

Square Root, Nth Root, Fractions, Parenthesis, Brackets, Absolute Values,

Exponents, Less Than or Equal To, Greater Than or Equal To, Pi, Division
Symbol, and New Line.

New Line

The New Line button inserts a new line under the cursor on the paper. Additional
lines are needed when multiple items must be entered. Systems of equations,
evaluating, and point-slope problems are examples of problems requiring
multiple lines of input.

Note: Where parentheses are shown on the Quick Insert buttons, parentheses
are entered into the problem. Parentheses used solely for grouping multiple

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terms in fractions, roots, etc., are not displayed on the screen during the solving
process.

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Creating a Graph
Algebra 2 Solved! allows you to create detailed graphs of your problems. You
can display an unlimited amount of graphs on the screen simultaneously. To
begin, click on the Graph icon on the Main Toolbar, or go to the menu and select
File → New → Graph.

Graph Toolbar

Refresh – Redraws the graph window using all the current settings.

Zoom In – Moves closer to the graph by shrinking the x and y axis ranges.

Zoom Out – Moves away from the graph by increasing the x and y axis ranges.

Note: a specific region of the graph can be selected by clicking the graph window
and dragging the mouse.

Reset – Sets the x and y axis range back to the default value.

Insert – Launches Quick Insert, a tool to insert various mathematical symbols

and expressions into the problem.

Erase – Clears all objects from the graph.

The Graph Cell

To graph a problem, enter the problem into one of the graph cells. There are ten
graph cells available by default, but additional cells can be added by clicking on
the triangle at the bottom of the last cell. The color of the graph can be changed
by clicking on the colored rectangle in the upper-right corner of the graph cell and
selecting a new color. There are also numerous options available by right-
clicking the graph cell with the mouse (including inserting various functions,
calculating areas, and setting specific properties for each graph).

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Using the Keyboard

Some of the problem types that can be graphed are:

Points: (1,2)
Segments: (1,2)-(3,4)
Functions: f(x)=x2
Equations: y=x2+3
Inequalities: y>3x+2
Conics: y2+x2=9

The following keys can be used to create graphs:

Numbers: 0-9
Letters (variables): x, y
Operators: + (add) – (subtract) * (multiply) / (divide)
Decimal Point: .
Parenthesis: ()
Brackets: []
Absolute Value: ||
Exponent: ^
Square Root: ~
Equal Sign: =
Inequality Signs: > (greater than) < (less than)
>= (greater than or equal to) <= (less than or equal to)
Other Functions: sin, cos, tan, log, and ln (natural log)

Some Input Notes

To group multiple terms (such as in the numerator and/or denominator of

a fraction), use parenthesis. For example, (x+2)/3 will keep x+2 in the
numerator, and ~(x+2) will keep x+2 under the square root symbol.

Outside parenthesis used to group multiple terms are not displayed on the
screen. For example, while you will need to input (x+2)/3 to keep x+2 in
the numerator, it will display on the screen without the outside ( ) since
they are not needed in the problem, and have no effect on the
calculations.

Exponents can be entered without using ^. Entering 5x2 is the same as
entering 5x^2.

To enter in a variable following a fraction that you do not want in the
denominator, use the multiplication symbol. For example: 1/2*x. Entering
1/2x will place the x in the denominator.

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Quick Insert

Quick Insert provides a method to quickly insert common math symbols and
expressions into your problem. Symbols and expressions include:

Square Root, Nth Root, Fractions, Parenthesis, Brackets, Absolute Values,

Exponents, Points, Segments, Less Than or Equal To, Greater Than or Equal
To, Pi, and Division Symbol.

Note: Where parentheses are shown on the Quick Insert buttons, parentheses
are entered into the problem. Parentheses used solely for grouping multiple
terms in fractions, roots, etc., are not displayed on the screen during the solving
process.

Graph Features

The graph also includes additional features:

Calculating Area

You can calculate the area of equations and functions by right-clicking on

the graph cell the problem is located and selecting Options → Area. The
Area screen lets you calculate the area and definite integral of the
problem, and also lets you shade the region using the color of your choice.
The integer area range can be set using the From and To fields. The
interval can also be set using the Interval field. The smaller the interval,
the more accurate the calculation will be (the interval must be larger than
0 to calculate an area).

The Area Screen:

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Evaluating f(x)

You can evaluate functions by right-clicking on the graph cell the function
is located and selecting Options → Evaluate f(x). The Evaluate f(x)
screen lets you enter in a value for x to be substituted into the function.
After you enter in a value for x and click the Evaluate f(x) button, you can
click on the Insert Point button to insert the point into the current graph.

The Evaluate f(x) Screen:

Exporting Graph Images

You can export the current graph image by right-clicking on the graph
window and selecting Export Graph Image. You have the option of

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 exporting the file as a *.bmp, *.gif, *.jpeg, *.png, or *.tif file. Once the
graph image is exported and saved to your computer, you can import the
image into most word processing programs. You can also right-click on
the graph window and select Copy Graph to Clipboard. You can then
open a word processing program and select Edit → Paste to place the
image directly into your document without saving the file.

Printing Blank Graph Paper

To practice creating your own graphs by hand, you can print blank graph
paper by right-clicking on the graph window and selecting Print Blank
Graph Paper.

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Taking a Test
Algebra 2 Solved! allows you to create randomly generated standard and
multiple choice tests. To begin, click on the Test icon on the Main Toolbar, or go
to the menu and select File → New → Test.

Test Toolbar

Create – Creates a test based on the selected subjects, number of problems,

and difficulties selected.

Subject – Displays the Select a Subject screen, which allows you to select a
subject to be added to the test. The difficulty level of the subject can also be
selected on the Select a Subject screen. The default difficulty can be set on the
Options screen by right-clicking the paper and selecting Options.

View Test – After a subject has been selected, and the Create button has been
clicked, you can view the test. This option creates a randomly generated test
that can be printed. The option to generate an answer sheet is also available.

Multiple Choice – After a subject has been selected, and the Create button has
been clicked, you can create a multiple choice test. This option creates a
randomly generated test, and allows you to answer the questions by selecting
one of the multiple choice answers. Your test is then graded upon completion.
The multiple choice test can also be printed, including an optional answer sheet.

Erase – Clears the entire contents of the test.

Note: you can right-click on a created test and select Export to Document to
export the created test into a Math Document.

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Creating a Document
Algebra 2 Solved! allows you to create documents using math notation and
symbols found within the program. You can use this feature to create custom
assignments, quizzes, tests, handouts, and more. To begin, click on the
Document icon on the Main Toolbar, or go to the menu and select File → New
→ Document.

Document Toolbar

Edit – Displays/hides the document Edit Window.

Undo – Undoes the last edit made to the document.

Redo – Redoes the last undo made to the document.

Insert – Launches Quick Insert, a tool to insert various mathematical symbols

and expressions into the problem.

Erase – Clears the contents from the Edit Window.

Color – Sets the text color of the document.

The font style and size can be set using the last two dropdown lists. Typed Font
is the default style, with Handwritten Font as an alternate style. The default size
of the font is 12, with options ranging from 8 to 16.

Editing a Document

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The document can be edited by typing in the textbox, and converted into math
notation by clicking on the yellow arrow underneath the textbox. Some
conversions occur automatically while entering text. For example, 1/2 is
automatically converted into fraction notation with the 1 over the 2 separated by a
division line.

Document Tips

Problems can be copied and pasted into the document. After entering a
problem in the Problem section, right-click on the paper and select Copy
(you can select just the problem, answer, or all). You can then move back
to the open document, right-click on the Edit Window and select Paste to
insert the problem.

Tests can be exported into the document. After creating a test in the Test
section, click on the View Test or Multiple Choice button. Next, right-click
on the test and select Export to Document. With the base test copied
into the document, custom modifications can be made to suit your
particular needs.

Inserting Special Keys

You can insert several special keys and text decorations by right-clicking on Edit
Window and selecting Insert. If text is highlighted while applying the insert, the
highlighted text will be included (when applicable). For example, if the text 2+3 is
highlighted and you select Insert → Square Root (note: ~ is the shortcut key for
square root), 2+3 will be replaced by ~(2+3).

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Student Data
Algebra 2 Solved! allows you to save test data and chart progress. To view
student data, click on the Data icon on the Main Toolbar, or go to the menu and
select Data → View. You must be signed in to view student data.

Student Management

In order to save and view test data, you must first create a student. If you have
already created a student, you can sign in and continue.

Creating a Student

To create a student, go to the menu and select Data → Create Student.

You can create a unique student name up to 50 characters long. After entering
the name, click the Create Student button.

Deleting a Student

To delete a student, go to the menu and select Data → Delete Student. You
can then select the student you would like to delete from the dropdown list.

Signing In

To sign in under one of the previously created students, click the Sign In button
on the Main Toolbar, or go to the menu and select Data → Sign In. If someone
is currently signed in, the Sign In button on the toolbar will be switched to a Sign
Out button.

Once signed in, your student name will appear in the upper-right corner of the
screen next to a green light:

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Signing Out

To sign out, go to the menu and select Data → Sign Out.

Creating Data

Once you are signed in, you can begin creating student data. To create data,
click on the Test icon on the Main Toolbar, or go to the menu and select New →
Test. Next, select a subject by clicking the Subject button then create the test by
clicking the Create button (only one subject is allowed per test when signed-in).
After the test is created, click the Multiple Choice button. When you are signed
in, all multiple choice test scores are saved under your student name.

Note: The multiple choice test has an orange header when you are signed in.

When you are finished answering the multiple choice test, click on the Finish
button to receive your score and save your data.

Viewing Data

Once you are signed in and have taken at least one multiple choice test, you can
view your data. To view data, click on the Data icon on the Main Toolbar, or go
to the menu and select Data → View.

The Student Data screen displays all of your scores along with a chart. There
are several features available on the Student Data screen, including:

Regression – A regression line is drawn on the chart, which shows the

general trend of your scores. If your scores are increasing, the line will
slope upwards and be colored green. If your scores are decreasing, the
line will slope downwards and be colored red. You can show/hide the
regression line by right-clicking on the chart and selecting Show
Regression.

Average – Your current average is displayed above the chart. You can
also draw the average on the chart, represented by a blue line. You can
show/hide the average line by right-clicking on the chart and selecting
Show Average.

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The Student Data Screen:

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Options
Algebra 2 Solved! offers several options for using the software. To view the
Option Screen, go to the menu and select Tools → Options.

Problem Options
Show Step-by-Step – Shows the solution to the problem one step at a time. If
not checked, every step of the problem is displayed to the screen the first time
you click the Next button on the Problem toolbar.

Show Explanations on Paper – Shows the step explanations on the paper.

Show Pencil – Shows a pencil writing the problem you are typing.

Step Detail Level – The amount of detail shown in the steps. The higher the
detail, the more steps are shown on the paper while solving.

Example Difficulty – The default difficulty level when inserting example

problems.

Rounding Digits – The number of digits to use if a calculation must round a

number.

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Graph Options

Background – Selects the background of the grid. The options are Automatic
(the software chooses the best background depending on the graph), Cartesian,
Polar, and None.

Shade – Shades the graph. When printing the graph, it is good to turn this
option off to preserve printer ink.

Color – The color used to display the grid.

Label Axis – Selects the Axis to label. The options are X/Y Axis, All, or None.

Increment – The size of the squares on the display grid.

Show Quadrants – Labels all four quadrants.

Show Intersections – Displays the point(s) of intersection of all items currently

on the graph (not including points and segments).

Show X/Y Axis – Displays black lines at x=0 and y=0, intersecting at the origin.

Rounding Digits – The number of digits to use if a calculation must round a

number.

Test Options
Problem Difficulty – The default difficulty level when selecting subjects for the
test.

Multiple Choice Options – The maximum number of multiple choice answers

available when taking a multiple choice test.

Font – The font style used when creating the tests.

Font Size – The font size used when creating the tests.

Data Options
Data Mode – The mode used to display the data.

Bar Graph Color – If the Data Mode is set to Bar Graph, this is the color used to
display the bars.

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Show Scale – Displays the vertical grading scale (0-100).

Label Points – Labels the points for all data modes except Bar Graph mode.

Show Regression – Draws a regression line on the chart, displaying the general
trend of the scores. If the trend is increasing, the regression line is green and
slopes upward. If the trend is decreasing, the regression line is red and slopes
downward.

Show Grid – Displays the horizontal grid on the chart.

Show Average – Draws a blue line on the chart displaying the average score of
the data.

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