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\begin{document}
\begin{center}
\large\bf Math 2270  \\
\normalsize\bf Suggestions for Improving Written Work
\end{center}

The following ideas might improve your work. Kindly look also at
samples of handwritten work at the course web site, especially the
web pages for previous courses at {\tt http://www.math.utah.edu/\~{}gustafso/}

\def\AA{{\bf 8}.}
\begin{topics}{\AA}
\item[{\bf 1.}] Use engineering paper or plain white paper. Lined
notebook filler paper and graph paper are not acceptable for
mathematics, because they introduce fatal 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. Supporting material appears at the end, like a tax return.

\item[{\bf 3}.] Every report has an answer check. For problems
with textbook answers, it is usual to see ``{\em the answer matches
the textbook},'' or briefly {\bf B.O.B.} For problems without a
textbook answer, a full answer check is expected. Proofs and
graphical problems don't have answer checks. Use of abbreviations
{\bf LHS} and {\bf RHS} to expand the sides of an equation is
expected.

\item[{\bf 4}.] Mathematical notation is on the left, text on the
right, about a $60$\% to $40$\% ratio. One equal sign per line.

\item[{\bf 5}.] 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. Attach computer code or
graphs 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 6}.] Justify equations left or else align them on the
equal signs. Avoid equations that drift left and right or are
written at an angle. Insert ample vertical white space between
equations.

\item[{\bf 7}.] If using the solution manual to write homework, then
please improve on their solution. Exact copies of the solution manual
are discouraged by graders, who award a score of zero.

\item[{\bf 8}.] Differences between the book's published answer
and your answer should be explained, e.g., theirs is $y=x$ and yours
is $y=e^{\ln x}$.

\item[{\bf 9}.] Items 2-6 are suggestions, not rules. Use the
suggestions to develop your own writing style.
\end{topics}

Maintain copies of your work and keep your own records current. If
your work fails to come back, then please send an email inquiry.


\end{document}
