A large portion of your homework grades will be based on presentation. The following procedures should be followed in order to receive full credit on any problem you turn in:
By far, the most common source of trouble in solving math problems
is not knowing what you are being asked to do! This will help. The
first thing you must write (after the number of the problem) is a
statement that you can understand about what you are being
asked to do. You do not have to copy the problem's instructions
verbatim; on the contrary, I would like to see the directions in
your own words. Never begin a solution with a formula.
Sounds simple, right? It is essential to specify exactly what the relationships are between statements such as 3x and 2y + 5 (is it =? Less than? Greater than or equal to?). If you are simplifying an expression, for example, you must write each step below the previous one and write "=" to the left of each one to show that it is equal to the expression on the line above it.
In other words, do not write anything that is untrue. Believe me, I have seen way too many papers that violate this rule. It's surprisingly easy to do, so check your papers carefully.
This sounds funny, but I have read many incomprehensible papers that just have a bunch of math-like gibberish on them. It is so easy to "get lost" and write incomplete mathematical "sentences." The best way to avoid errors and learn the material correctly is to make sure you can read your work out loud and have it make sense. Pretend you are teaching the material to the grader. Remember, the grader can't read your mind. You must make the effort to be clear.
You must explain what you are doing in each part of a multiple-part problem. If you draw a picture or a graph, and it is part of the requirement for completion of the problem, you must label all important dimensions, points, or other features.
If all of the above seems terribly pedantic--it is. But good mathematical form is not only more beautiful and easier for the grader to read (always a plus for your grade!), but it becomes more and more crucial for avoiding errors as the topics get more difficult. Learn good habits now. And please, always feel free to ask me about the presentation of any problem if you're not sure.