Access Costs and Textbook Features

The cost of WebAssign access is dependent on the primary textbook selected for the class.

Access Study Tools in Cengage Read

Use notes, highlights, or bookmarks in Cengage Read to study or prepare for tests.

Access WebAssign from Blackboard

If enabled, you can sign in to WebAssign directly from your Blackboard class.

Accessibility

Cengage is committed to making its educational materials accessible to users of all abilities. Through a dedicated company-wide task force, the assistance of outside experts and consultants, and feedback from users, Cengage continuously seeks to identify and evaluate opportunities for improving the usability and accessibility of our products and services.

Accessibility in Cengage Read

Use accessibility features to read eBooks aloud, change text font and size, and display alternative text.

Add eBook to Favorites in Cengage Read

Add eBooks under Favorites for quick access from the Cengage Read homepage.

Add eBooks to your Dashboard

Add Cengage eBooks to your dashboard for easy access to your course materials.

Algebraic Notation

The following algebra notation can be entered in Show My Work boxes.

Allow Cookies in Chrome

Go to chrome://settings/cookies. Select Allow third-party cookies .

Allow Cookies in Microsoft Edge

Click ⋯ › Settings . Click Cookies and Site Permissions . Click Manage and delete cookies and site data . Turn on Allow sites to save and read cookie data (recommended) .

Allow Cookies in Safari

You can't allow cookies only for specific sites. Click Safari › Settings . Click the Advanced tab. Clear Block all cookies . Click the Privacy tab. Clear Prevent cross-site tracking .

Allow JavaScript in Chrome

Go to chrome://settings/content/javascript. Select Sites can use JavaScript .

Allow JavaScript in Microsoft Edge

In Microsoft Edge, JavaScript is always enabled and you cannot disable it.

Allow JavaScript in Safari

Click Safari › Settings . Click the Security tab. Select Enable JavaScript .

Allow Pop-Up Windows in Chrome

Go to chrome://settings/content/popups. Next to Allowed to send pop-ups or use redirects , click Add and add each of the following domains: The domain used by your Learning Management System (LMS), for example, ncsu.blackboard.com [*.]cengage.com [*.]webassign.com [*.]webassign.net Related information Chrome help: Block or allow pop-ups

Allow Pop-Up Windows in Microsoft Edge

Click ⋯ › Settings . Click Cookies and Site Permissions . Under Site permissions , click Pop-ups and redirects . Turn off Blocked (recommended) . Related information Microsoft Edge help: Block pop-ups

Allow Pop-Up Windows in Safari

If not open already, open WebAssign in a browser tab. Click Safari › Settings . Click the Websites tab. Click Pop-up Windows . Select Allow for the following domains, if listed: The domain used by your Learning Management System (LMS), for example, ncsu.blackboard.com [*.]cengage.com [*.]webassign.com [*.]webassign.net Related information Safari help: Block pop-ups and unnecessary content

Answer calcPad Questions on an iPad

Answer Keys

Depending on how your instructor set up the assignment, you might be able to see answer keys indicated with the key icon in the assignment. The answer key indicates a correct answer provided by the question, but might not be the only acceptable answer.

Answer mathPad Questions on an iPad

Answer physPad Questions on an iPad

Answer Scored Tutorial Questions

Tutorial questions have multiple parts that are completed sequentially to help you work through learning a concept. Scored tutorial questions are displayed in your assignment and count toward your assignment score.

Answer Unscored Tutorial Questions

Tutorial questions have multiple parts that are completed sequentially to help you work through learning a concept. Unscored tutorial questions are displayed in a separate window and do not count toward your assignment score.

Answer-Dependent Numerical Questions

Some numerical questions have multiple parts that require you to enter estimated or measured values and then perform calculations based on the values you entered. These questions are often used for lab classes to record the results of an experiment and perform analysis of the data.

Answering Numerical Questions That Check Significant Figures

Numerical questions that check significant figures require you both to calculate the correct answer and to specify that answer using the correct number of significant digits, for example, 2.3e4 to indicate 2 significant digits. The kind of answer that is expected should be clear from the question.

Answers That Cannot Be Understood

If your answer contains one or more syntax errors that prevent WebAssign from being able to grade it, WebAssign displays the message Your answer cannot be understood or graded. If your assignment allows you to submit answers by question part, answers with syntax errors are not counted as incorrect submissions.

Ask for More Time or Submissions

If your instructor allows you to request more time or more submissions for an assignment, a Request Extension link is displayed in the assignment.

Ask Your Instructor for an Extension

Your instructor might let you ask for a manual extension of the due date for some assignments in WebAssign. If so, your instructor will review your request and decide whether or not to give you more time.

Ask Your Teacher for Help With a Question

You can send an Ask Your Teacher message to your instructor for any assignment question.

Assignment Loads Slowly

Sometimes, assignments load slowly in WebAssign. Often, this is because a large assignment has been configured to display all questions at once.

Assignment Problems

Sometimes problems can occur when you are working on assignments in WebAssign.

Assignment Score

The Current Score at the top of the assignment displays the number of points you have earned followed by the number of points possible for the assignment.

Assignments

Assignments are the work you do for your class in WebAssign, and might include homework assignments, labs, quizzes, or tests, depending on your instructor.

Bases, Exponents, Roots, and Logarithms

The following base, exponent, root, and logarithm notation can be entered in Show My Work boxes.

Blackboard Not Available

If the Blackboard system is unavailable, you can sign in to WebAssign directly if you have previously set your WebAssign password.

Blackboard Problems

Sometimes problems can occur with WebAssign and Blackboard.

Brightspace Problems

Sometimes problems can occur with WebAssign and Brightspace.

Browser Displays a Message That WebAssign is Not Supported

If you sign in to WebAssign from a browser version or system that is not explicitly supported by WebAssign, a message is displayed.

Browser Plugins

Some content and tools might require the following browser plugins.

Browser Settings

Configure the following settings in your web browser.

calcPad Answers That Cannot Be Understood

If your answer contains one or more syntax errors that prevent WebAssign from being able to grade it, WebAssign displays the message Your answer cannot be understood or graded. If your assignment allows you to submit answers by question part, answers with syntax errors are not counted as incorrect submissions.

calcPad Examples

The following examples illustrate entry of some common expressions.

calcPad Notation

You can enter the following notation in calcPad.

calcPad Questions

Related information calcPad Notation Supported Characters for calcPad Questions calcPad Examples Select, Copy, and Paste Expressions in calcPad Answer calcPad Questions on an iPad calcPad Answers That Cannot Be Understood

calcPad Questions

Related information mathPad Notation Supported Characters for mathPad Questions mathPad Examples Select, Copy, and Paste Expressions in mathPad Answer mathPad Questions on an iPad mathPad Answers That Cannot Be Understood

calcPad Questions

Related information physPad Notation Supported Characters for physPad Questions physPad Examples Select, Copy, and Paste Expressions in physPad Answer physPad Questions on an iPad physPad Answers That Cannot Be Understood

Calculator Notation for Symbolic Questions

Calculator notation for symbolic questions includes a number of operators and functions.

Calculus

The following calculus notation can be entered in Show My Work boxes.

Calendars

When an instructor schedules an assignment, it is automatically displayed on your calendar. Your calendar shows all of your assignments on their due dates. It also shows class start and end dates.

Can I create a Cengage account without an email address?

In most cases, you are required to use an email address as your Cengage username. There are situations, including accounts for K–12 students using NGLSync, when using an email address is not advisable or permitted. Some features, such as username recovery, password resets, and email notifications, can't be used without an email address associated with your account.

Can I Purchase Homework Only Access Without the eBook?

For some classes, you can choose whether or not to purchase eBook access. For other classes, the textbook publisher does not allow WebAssign to offer a Homework Only option.

Can WebAssign Email Me If a Due Date Changes?

You can set up email reminders for upcoming assignments, due date changes, and communications from your instructor. Click in the menu bar to set this up.

Can't Open Assignment

Your assignment does not open when you click it.

Can't Open Class or Submit Assignments

You can't open your class or submit assignments. Other problems might also be related to this issue.

Can't Practice Another Version

The Practice Another button isn't displayed in your question header.

Can't Sign in to Take Math Placement Test (North Carolina State University)

Sometimes, new students have problems signing in to take their math placement test.

Can't Upload a File

When trying to upload a file, an error message is displayed.

Cannot Change Your Answers Even Though You Have More Submissions

For some assignments, after submitting one or more answers, you cannot change your answer again, even though you have more submissions and the assignment deadline has not passed.

Cannot See Datasets in SALT

Datasets might not load or transfer properly in SALT questions if browser extensions are enabled. They can disrupt the data transfer in SALT even if it initially appears successful.

Cannot Submit Assignment

When you attempt to submit an assignment, WebAssign indicates that the assignment is past due, even though your clock indicates that it is not yet time for the assignment to be due.

Cannot View Question

WebAssign displays an error in place of your question.

Canvas Problems

Sometimes problems can occur with WebAssign and Canvas.

Categorical

categorical In a SALT dataset, qualitative values that are used to organize or categorize data. Examples include ICD-9 codes, dates, or names of things or people.

Cengage Read Mobile App

Download the Cengage Read app to read Cengage eBooks on your iOS or Android device.

Cengage Read System Requirements

These are the system requirements necessary to install and use Cengage Read.

Change Background Color in Cengage Read

Change the background color of the Cengage Read app to reduce eye strain or adjust for color blindness.

Change Text Font and Size in Cengage Read

Adjust the font and size of text in the Cengage Read app.

Characters that can't be graded

When working in a mathPad, calcPad, or physPad problem, a message is shown indicating that your answer contains a number of characters that can't be graded.

Check If a Personal Study Plan Is Part of Your Grade

Your instructor should let you know if the Personal Study Plan counts toward your grade.

Check If a Personal Study Plan Is Set Up for Your Class

If your instructor has set up a Personal Study Plan for your class, you can access it from your Home page.

Check the Status of Your Extension Request

After you ask your instructor for an extension, check WebAssign to see if your request has been granted.

Check Your System

Use the browser check tool to see if you need to update your browser or install missing plugins.

chemPad Questions

Use chemPad to enter chemical formulas and equations that are automatically displayed in correct chemical notation.

Chromebook Problems

WebAssign might not work correctly on devices running Chrome OS (Chromebooks).

Class Not Available

A class you enrolled in is not listed on your sidebar or WebAssign home page.

Classes

To complete assignments in WebAssign, you must be enrolled in a class created by your teacher. In most cases, you also have to purchase access to the class.

Configure Browser Settings in Chrome

If needed, configure your browser settings in Chrome.

Configure Browser Settings in Microsoft Edge

If needed, configure your browser settings in Microsoft Edge.

Configure Browser Settings in Safari

If needed, configure your browser settings in Safari.

Configure MacOS/OS X for Keyboard Accessibility

By default, MacOS/OS X is not configured to use the TAB key to navigate to all items in Safari and Firefox.

Contact Support

Contact customer support with additional questions.

Content Security Warning

Your browser displays a warning that a page in WebAssign contains mixed content or content that is not encrypted or secure. In addition, some content in the page might not be displayed.

Create a Forum Topic

You can create a new forum topic if you have a discussion topic that does not belong in an existing topic. When you add a new topic to a forum, the topic is available to everyone in the forum and you cannot delete it. Your instructor has the ability to remove your topic.

Create and Edit Bookmarks in Cengage Read

Save bookmarks in Cengage Read to return to content you want to review again later and for test preparation.

Create and Edit Highlights in Cengage Read

Highlight text in Cengage Read to remember certain content and for test preparation.

Create and Edit Notes in Cengage Read

Take notes in Cengage Read to analyze important concepts or for test preparation.

Csv

comma-separated value (CSV) A text representation of tabular data delimited by commas. comma-separated value (CSV) CSV

Different Name or Institution Displayed

If you see someone else's name and institution displayed at the top of any page in WebAssign, you are signed in to that person's WebAssign account. Most likely, that person did not sign out of WebAssign completely before you started working.

Disable Homework Help in Chrome

You can disable the Homework Help feature in Google Chrome that provides AI-generated answers to educational content.

Display Alternative Text in Cengage Read

Visually impaired users can enable alternative text to understand images that are difficult to see.

Display an Image to Show Your Work

You can insert an image in your work from the Web or from a file that you uploaded by specifying its location.

Download Calendar

After adding calendar events in WebAssign, you can download a month of your calendar to your computer as an.ics file and open it with your preferred calendar app.

Draw Chemical Structures in JME Molecular Editor

The following table describes how to draw and edit chemical structures in the JME Molecular Editor.

Draw Chemical Structures in Marvin JS

The following sections describe how to draw and edit chemical structures and reactions in Marvin JS.

Due Date Changes Unexpectedly for Timed Assignment

If you started a timed assignment and your instructor granted you extra time, the assignment due date changes until you resume work on the assignment.

eBook Features

The features and implementation of each eBook is dependent on the publisher. Some eBooks are distributed as Web pages and some are PDF documents. Many eBooks include help information from the publisher that describes how to use the features that are available for that eBook.

eBook Features Tutorials

Learn more about types of Cengage eBooks and their features.

Edit Your Notes About a Question

You can edit the notes you have already saved.

Enrolled in the Wrong Class After Using Class Key

After using a class key to enroll, you are enrolled in the wrong class in WebAssign.

Enter Math Expressions to Show Your Work

You can enter mathematical expressions in your work.

Entire Assignment Submission Rule

If the Assignment Submission rule at the top of your assignment reads For this assignment, you submit the entire assignment, you must submit all answers for the entire assignment at once.

Essay Questions

Enter your response in the box provided. After your instructor grades essays, your scores and instructor comments are displayed on the assignment, if enabled.

Examples of Common chemPad Notation

The following examples illustrate entry of some common notation.

Examples of Symbolic Questions with Calculator Notation

The following examples illustrate entry of some common expressions.

FAQ

This section addresses some frequently asked questions.

Feedback and Hints

If the mark displays a feedback bubble , you can click the mark to see feedback designed to help your understanding of the material.

File Restrictions

WebAssign only accepts uploaded files that meet standards for size, file type, and formatting.

Fill-In-The-Blank Questions

Type a word or short answer into the answer box provided.

Format Messages

Use HTML tags to add links, images, and formatting to your private messages.

Forums

Forums are for discussions with all of the members of your class. If your instructor creates a forum, you can then create topics within the forum or contribute to a current topic by posting a message.

General Error Message Displays

A General Error message displays and the action you were attempting is not successful.

General Math

The following general math notation can be entered in Show My Work boxes.

Get an Automatic Extension

Your instructor might let you have an automatic extension of the due date for some assignments in WebAssign.

Getting Started

Related information CNOWv2 Smart Start Checklist CNOWv2 Essentials Slide Deck

Graphing Questions

Plot figures on the Cartesian coordinate plane. Your graph is scored automatically by WebAssign when you submit the assignment for grading.

Have to Enter a VitalSource Password to Open eBook

When trying to open an eBook, you are asked to enter your VitalSource password.

Home Page: Personal Study Plan Panel

The Personal Study Plan panel on your Home page displays the chapters included in the Personal Study Plan and your most recent chapter quiz scores.

How Do I Change My Student ID in WebAssign?

You can't change or add your student ID to your account. Ask your instructor to do this for you.

How Do I Change My WebAssign Username?

You can't change your username in WebAssign. If for some reason this is necessary, ask your instructor to create a new account for you and transfer your scores to the new account.

How Do I Enter pi (π)?

For most questions, including mathPad, calcPad, and physPad, type pi. For Show My Work, type \pi.

How Do I Get an Extension?

If your instructor allows you to ask for extensions in WebAssign, open the assignment and click Request Extension . Customer Support can not help with extension requests.

Identification Questions

Click a location in the displayed image to answer the question.

Incorrect Scoring

If you think your answer was scored incorrectly, use this checklist to rule out some common problems before reporting the question to your instructor.

Install LockDown Browser

Install the LockDown Browser tool so you can open LockDown Browser assignments.

JME Questions

Click Open JME Editor . The JME Editor opens in a new window. Use the toolbars to draw a chemical structure. When you are done, click Save Drawing . The JME Editor closes and your drawing is entered in the answer box as a SMILES string. Click Submit . Related information Fill-In-The-Blank Questions Matching Questions Multiple-Choice Questions Multiple-Select Questions Identification Questions Essay Questions Upload Files for Questions Answer Scored Tutorial Questions Answer Unscored Tutorial...

Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can be used in WebAssign. The shortcuts cover various tasks for Windows and Mac functions.

Linked to Wrong WebAssign Account

After purchasing Cengage Unlimited or course access, you are still asked to purchase access in WebAssign. The account listed in WebAssign does not match the account you used to purchase access. After purchasing course access, you are still asked to purchase access in WebAssign. The account listed in WebAssign does not match the account you used to purchase access.

Links to WebAssign Courses or Activities Don't Work

When you click a link to a WebAssign course or activity from your LMS, the link doesn't open a new browser window with the course or learning activity.

List Your Assignments

You can view a summary of your current assignments and due dates on your Home page for a class, or a detailed list of your current and past assignments on your My Assignments page.

LMS Troubleshooting

Sometimes problems can occur with WebAssign and your Learning Management System.

LockDown Browser Is Not Working Properly

Sometimes, LockDown Browser does not work properly.

Logic Tool

Practice writing proofs using the standard rules of logic in an environment that provides explanations of the logic rules and gives immediate feedback on proofs.

Make Notes About a Question

You can add a note to yourself in any question. Your note can be about anything; for example, you might remind yourself to use a specific formula.

Manage Account

Use your Cengage account to sign in to WebAssign.

Manually Graded Questions

Some kinds of questions are graded by your instructor or a teaching assistant. These include short answer, essay, file-upload, and Show My Work questions.

Marks

If shown, marks indicate whether the most recent answer you submitted was correct or incorrect.

Marvin JS Answer Looks Correct But Marked Incorrect

Sometimes a Marvin JS answer that looks like the answer key is marked wrong.

Marvin JS Drawing Tools Not To Use

Marvin JS does not allow WebAssign to remove specific drawing tools, but some tools result in structures which can't currently be graded.

Marvin JS Drawings Scaled Up

Marvin JS drawings with a small chemical structure — for example, a single atom or small molecule such as water — are displayed larger than users might expect.

Marvin JS Problems

Some problems have been reported in specific situations when you are using the Marvin JS tool in WebAssign.

Marvin JS Questions

Draw chemical structures for your response. Marvin JS supports drawing and grading of Lewis structures, reactions and mechanisms. Answers are automatically scored in WebAssign.

Marvin JS Toolbar Buttons Hidden on iPad

For some Marvin JS questions, the toolbar is wider or taller than the Marvin JS frame. If this happens, scroll buttons are displayed at the end of the toolbar. However, in older versions of the Safari browser, these scroll buttons do not work.

Mastery Question Sets

Mastery question sets are groups of closely related questions. You must answer a specified minimum number of the questions correctly to earn credit. The entire mastery set is graded as one question, and partial credit is not possible.

Matching Questions

Match items in one column to corresponding items in a second column. Answer these questions by selecting the appropriate match from a drop-down.

Math Questions with Calculator Notation

Type an answer using calculator notation.

mathPad Answers That Cannot Be Understood

If your answer contains one or more syntax errors that prevent WebAssign from being able to grade it, WebAssign displays the message Your answer cannot be understood or graded. If your assignment allows you to submit answers by question part, answers with syntax errors are not counted as incorrect submissions.

mathPad Examples

The following examples illustrate entry of some common expressions.

mathPad Notation

You can enter the following notation in mathPad.

Matrix Questions

Expand or collapse the matrix to the correct size and enter the correct values for each matrix element.

Microsoft Office

Cengage regularly updates WebAssign to remain current with Microsoft updates and the evolving learning needs of students and instructors. SAM 365 and 365/2021 Projects Windows 10 or later Microsoft 365 subscription or Microsoft Office 2021 Home, Premium, or University macOS 10.14 or later Microsoft 365 Home/Premium subscription or Microsoft Office 2021 Home/Student Not compatible with Microsoft Office Online. Office Online files have a different structure than files created on the desktop...

More Information

See the following resources for more information or help with specific issues.

Multi-Term Access

Multi-term access, sometimes called Lifetime of Edition, is access for more than one term to courses using the same textbook edition.

Multi-Term Access Code Not Applied When Linking From Blackboard

If you purchased multi-term access to WebAssign and your current or previous class uses Blackboard to link to WebAssign, your multi-term access code might not work automatically.

Multiple eBook Links

This is expected behavior. Your eBook is available in multiple formats, and all available formats are linked from your dashboard. Each format has the same content, but your notes and bookmarks do not transfer across formats. You can identify the format of your eBook by its title: eTextbook: Title Example: eTextbook: Calculus A reflowable eBook that adapts to fit different devices. This format provides the most accessible experience for people using assistive technology and conforms to ePUB...

Multiple-Choice Questions

Select a single response from a list of mutually exclusive choices. These questions use either option buttons or drop-down menus to list the available choices.

Multiple-Part Questions

Many questions have more than one part. Each part of a multiple-part question can be a different type of question — for example, fill-in-the-blank, multiple-choice, or mathPad.

Multiple-Select Questions

Select one or more responses from a list of non-exclusive choices. These questions display choices with check boxes.

My Class Insights

Homework scores — especially when multiple submissions are allowed — often don't indicate how well you understand the material. A better indicator is your performance on the first attempt for each question part. Class Insights uses this criterion to rate your proficiency on the assigned textbook topics. On the first attempt, you earned at least 90% of the points available. On the first attempt, you earned between 60% and 90% of the points available. On the first attempt, you earned less than...

Navigate eBook in Cengage Read

Navigate through pages after opening an eBook in the Cengage Read app.

Not Automatically Signed in to WebAssign from Blackboard

When you open WebAssign from Blackboard, you should be automatically signed in to WebAssign. Sometimes this does not happen and the WebAssign sign-in page is displayed instead.

NumberLine Questions

Either plot points, intervals, or inequalities on a number line graph, or drag labeled points to the correct position on a number line.

Numerical

numerical In a SALT dataset, quantitative values that are used as the basis for numerical analyses. Examples include measurements, prices, or counts of things.

Numerical Answers That Cannot Be Understood

If your answer contains one or more syntax errors that prevent WebAssign from being able to grade it, WebAssign displays the message Your answer cannot be understood or graded. If your assignment allows you to submit answers by question part, answers with syntax errors are not counted as incorrect submissions.

Numerical Questions

If enabled by your instructor, an answer format tip is displayed below the answer box when it is selected and provides information about the form of the answer that is expected. The answer format tip indicates that a number is expected and might also specify whether significant figures or units will be checked. If your instructor has enabled it, the sigfig icon is displayed beside the answer box for questions that check for significant figures. Type your answer using the indicated notation. Not...

Numerical Questions With Units

Numerical questions with units require you to enter both a number and a unit for the answer, for example, 10 inches. The kind of answer that is expected should be clear from the question.

Object Disappears from Graphing Tool

Your object disappears from the graphing tool while you're trying to graph it.

Open an Assignment

You can open an assignment to view it or work on assignment questions from either your Home page or My Assignments page for a class.

Open eBooks

Open your eBook. Depending on how your course was set up, some options might not be available. To do this Do this Open eBook from your Cengage dashboard Open your Cengage dashboard at login.cengage.com or click Home in the sidebar. On the tile for your course, click View eBook . From your WebAssign class In the toolbar, click My eBooks , then click your eBook. From your learning management system Click the reading link to open your eBook in a new window. Open an eBook section and start reading....

Open eBooks in Cengage Read

Download an eBook to read it in Cengage Read.

Other Problems

The following issues are not specific to a particular area of the application.