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\begin{center}
\large\bf Math 2280  \\
\normalsize\bf Writing Ideas and Suggestions for Submitted Work
\end{center}

The following ideas might improve your written work. They are the ideas of various engineering students, assembled over the years 1990-2015, at the University of Utah.

\def\AA{{\bf 8}.}
\begin{topics}{\AA}
\item[{\bf 1.}] Use engineering paper or plain white paper. Lined
notebook paper and graph paper are not acceptable for mathematics,
because they introduce flaws in vertical white space.

\item[{\bf 2}.] Reports are hand-written in pencil. They start with a
problem statement followed by the book's answer or by a final answer
summary. Attach computer code, graphs and long details at the end, like a tax return, but only when it is appropriate to do so. Generally, a summary suffices, or a statement like {\em maple computation}.

\item[{\bf 3}.] Mathematical notation is on the left, text on the
right, about a $60$\% to $40$\% ratio. One equal sign per line.
Justify equations left or align on the equal signs.
Avoid equations that drift left and right or are
written at an angle. Insert ample vertical white space between
equations. Expected is the use of
{\bf abbreviations}, e.g., {\bf LHS} and {\bf RHS} to expand the sides of an equation.

\item[{\bf 4}.] Text is left-justified on the right side. It
includes explanations, references by keyword or page number,
statements and definitions, references to delayed details, like long
calculations, graphics and answer checks.

\item[{\bf 5}.] Differences between the book's published answer
and your answer should be explained, e.g., theirs is $y=x$ and yours
is $y=e^{\ln x}$.
\end{topics}

\def\AA{{\bf Rule 1}.}
\begin{topics}{\AA}
\item[{\bf Rule 1}.] Every report has an answer check. For problems
with textbook answers, it is usual to see {\em the answer matches
the back of the book}, or briefly {\bf B.O.B.} For problems without a
textbook answer, a full answer check is expected.

\item[{\bf Rule 2}.] An exact copy of the solution manual presented as your
own solution is not cool. Enough said.

\end{topics}

Maintain copies of your work. Send an email inquiry to resolve questions about unreturned work.


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