Directions for Homework

One of the objectives of this course is that you be able to present your mathematics work in a neat, readable, and mathematically pleasing manner. These directions will help you meet this objective. Also, by following them, you will make it easier for me to check your homework.

1. Use ordinary size (8½ x 11) notebook paper, not torn from a spiral notebook.

2. Work must be neat and legible. Use a sharp pencil. No ink or colored pencil, please.

3. Use a one-column, vertical format – each problem should appear under the preceding problem. When you reach the bottom of the page, go to the back of the sheet or a new page. You may feel like you are wasting paper, but please, do not go across the page.

4. Present your problems in numerical order; leave some breathing space between them

5. Please, no messy erasures and cross-outs. If you (like me) are a messy writer, do each problem on scrap paper, then copy it neatly onto the paper to be handed in. Treat it like a homework paper to be graded by your English teacher!

6. Do not show arithmetic: multiplications, divisions, etc., ugh! Use a calculator!

7. Graphs must be labeled and scaled and appear in-line with the problem. You may attach it there with tape, if you wish.

8. Assignments using more than one sheet of paper are to be stapled together in the upper left-hand corner. Assignments with loose papers, corner folds, corner tears, paper-clips, etc., will be returned, ungraded. Arrive in class with your H/W stapled and ready to hand in. If this is a problem for you, buy a small stapler and carry it with you!

9. Place your name and HW identifier (e.g. “Section 1.1”) at the top of the first page.

10. Be careful to use proper mathematical notation as shown in the book. If you are not sure how to use the various types of notations, re-read the worked examples as your guide to proper usage. The grammar of mathematics is just as important in mathematical presentations as English grammar is for English composition.

11. Show your work. Answers alone (unless clearly requiring no work) cannot receive credit. The level of detail that you need to show is provided in the book's worked examples.

12. Sometimes you can get the right answer using the wrong method. I consider the right method to be more important than the right answer, so correct answers obtained using an incorrect method cannot receive credit. On the other hand, wrong answers using the right method can receive almost total credit.

13. Sometimes the method shown in the notes will differ from that of the book and the solutions manual. This has been done for a reason; please use the method I have shown.

14. Draw a box around your answers so I can find them.

15. Check answers for odd-numbered problems with the back of the book. If your answer doesn’t agree, rework it (getting help, if necessary) until you get it right!

16. If you cannot get the book answer, please write its number on the board when you come to class, and I will discuss it.

17. You may e-mail me with questions about homework; I will try to respond promptly.

Thanks, in advance, for following these directions. Please don't make me return your papers with no credit by ignoring them!