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. 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 and eave some breathing space between them.
5. No messy erasures and cross-outs, please! 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. 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.
7. Show your work. Sometimes you can get the right answer using the wrong method. I need to check your method, so answers by themselves (unless obvious) will not be accepted. The level of detail that you need to show is provided in the book's worked examples.
8. Assignments using more than one sheet of paper are to be stapled together in the upper left-hand corner.
9. If you cannot get an answer, show what work you have done, but write HELP in big letters so I will be sure to notice it. I will respond with a short note giving you a hint, or indicating where the mistake is. This is one way to give me feedback on what you understand and what you don't, and for me to provide individual assistance. You can also e-mail me with questions, and I will try to respond promptly.
10. Each day, I will discuss any troublesome problems. You may wish to copy correct solutions onto your paper for future reference. If you do so, please make your emendations in ink, to distinguish my work from your work and prevent a lot of confusion on my part.