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 and leave some breathing space between them
5. 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. 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 lecture 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 just answers only (unless obvious) will not be accepted. The level of detail that you need to show is provided in the lecture.
8. Do not show arithmetic: multiplications, divisions, etc., ugh! Use a calculator!
9. Graphs must be labeled and scaled.
10. 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!
11. 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!
12. 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.
13. Each day, I will discuss any troublesome problems.  You may wish to copy correct solutions onto your own paper for future reference.