Dr. Clark Wells

MTH 210: Communicating in Mathematics
Fal, 2002

For each written homework or activity submission in this course, you must adhere to the following guidelines. Papers that do not conform to these standards will have their grade adjusted accordingly as noted below.

Basic details:

• Submit your work on loose-leaf paper. Staple the pages together if there is more than one page.
• Use your best handwriting. (Alternatively, you may also use Microsoft Word.)
• Provide a careful statement of each problem. Writing "#7" is insufficient; it is not necessary to re-state every word, but you should at least provide a summary to indicate the context.
• Where explanations are required, write in complete sentences, using correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Mathematical Necessities:

While finding solutions to problems is a part of mathematics, this class is more about how we write down solutions and arguments than it is about the final answer. The reasoning that leads to answers is at least as important as the answers that result. Thus, in every graded problem, you are to provide careful and complete arguments and do your best to adhere to the guidelines in the handout "Guidelines for Mathematical Writing."

Whenever a picture or graph is part of a problem, include one! (This includes when a graph is given in the book's problem statement.) And label each appropriately; a picture without labels lacks meaning.

Every problem must include written explanation in English, especially a sentence in conclusion. When you finish a problem, you must write a sentence that explains what you have concluded. (Each problem lacking this will lose one point.) Mathematics is not just about symbols and equations; in fact, it is much more about language and reasoning. You must always explain your thinking in writing. Again, see the "Guidelines for Mathematical Writing."

It is also very important that you pay attention to proper notation and mathematical syntax as discussed and demonstrated in class. Use correct notation in all of your work.

General Suggestions:

Most of the homework problems collected in this course will NOT be the type that you can sit down and do the hour before they are due. Rather, they will take some careful thought well in advance. I strongly urge you to begin working on homework problems as soon as they are assigned.

While general collaboration on problems is encouraged (discussing ideas, hints for how to proceed, asking questions), you should strive to make your work of writing solutions an individual exercise. Plagiarism (as described in the course syllabus) will result in a grade of zero on an assignment. Homework problems will form the basis for examinations, and it is essential that you understand them completely.

Your very best work is expected on each homework assignment. Planning ahead and giving yourself an appropriate amount of time to work will enable you to meet these standards. Writing a draft of your solutions first, followed by a more careful complete revision is both appropriate and necessary. Consider these assignments your opportunity to show both yourself and me how well you understand the current material.

(This document is originally due to Dr. Matt Boelkins and was modified for this course.)