Re: [WWdevel] webwork: problem values getting set to zero

[P G. L. <gl...@um...>]

Hi Mike,

I think the only interpretation of NULL is in the problem_user table,
where it indicates that the global (problem table) value should be used.

If this is the case, NULL can't be meaningful in the problem table,
because it would be impossible to override a value in the problem table
with 'NULL' from the problem_user table.

Is there ever a case where 0 credit on a problem would mean anything other
than that it was optional?

Gavin

I think that this means

On Thu, 14 Jul 2005 at 14:49 Michael Gage wrote:

> Ok.  so for the "value" (amount the problem is worth) variable.
>
> Positive numeric states clearly have meaning.
> the 0 state should have meaning also -- probably indicating that it is
> an optional problem -- certainly that it gets no credit.
>
> What is the interpretation of the NULL state or the ""  to be?  Do we
> have or can we imagine
>   a use for states of "value" that are not numeric?
>
> If we are always going to use it as an integer, there is no reason that
> we can't enforce that it is an integer.
> If we are going to use other states we should try to be clear about how
> these states should be interpreted.
>
> Take care,
>
> Mike

-- 
P. Gavin LaRose, Ph.D.  Program Manager (Instructional Tech.)
Math Dept., University of Michigan
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