Homework Guidelines

Guidelines for Written Homework Assignments

Please follow the guidelines below for your written homework assignments.

Each assignment should be stapled and clearly labeled with your name, course number (120), instructor's name (Wagner), and assignment number.
Please work problems in order down the page, and avoid using columns. You may use both sides of the page if you wish.
Use pencil for your work on the problems. Write neatly and legibly.
You are expected to show a reasonable amount of work and explanation. Show each step clearly (no big mystery jumps). Answers without work are not sufficient.
Make a good sketch of a graph or diagram, when applicable, using graph paper. You'll need to purchase graph paper, a ruler, and some colored pencils. You can either do your entire assignment on graph paper, or you can tape or paste in a piece of graph paper where it is needed. Also, use a ruler to make straight lines. Indicate pertinent features (use color), and label the scale used on the axes.
In application problems, be sure to write down what each variable represents.
Use equal signs to show equality appropriately (in other words, between two expressions that are truly equal). Marks indicating cancellation must be correct. That is, if you read an equation before the marks and after the marks, the equation should still be true.
For simplification problems, use the layout given in the following example, lining up the = signs on each line:
```
     3(x+1)-5(x+2)+8 = 3x+3-5x-10+8
```
```
                     = 3x-5x+3-10+8
```
```
                     = -2x+1
```
Do not use equal signs between items that are not really equal.
When solving equations, write each equivalent equation clearly, rather than loose expressions. Each equation should be followed on a new line by a simpler equivalent equation. I also encourage you to use the "implies" symbol => between each equation, as in the following example:
```
          2(x+3) = 7(x-2) 
```
```
     =>     2x+6 = 7x-14
```
```
     =>    2x-7x = -14-6
```
```
     =>      -5x = -20
```
```
     =>        x = 4
```
Notation: Be careful to use correct symbols, and to make them the right size (e.g., make fraction bars and radical symbols large or long enough to include all that should be included).
Correcting your work: After completing your assignment, you are then responsible for correcting each assignment on your own, as much as possible, using the answers in the back of the textbook and other help resources.
1. Each problem should first be clearly marked as correct or incorrect. Use the following notation:
  1. correct: mark with a check
  2. incorrect: mark with an 'X'
2. Incorrect problems should then be redone correctly. You may want to correct them on the right side of the page if there is room, or you may use a separate page following the original, or you may want to collect all the corrections for a single assignment and attach it to the back of the entire original assignment. The choice is up to you, depending on which style is most convenient for you and will be most beneficial to help you study for exams.
3. When you have corrected an incorrect problem, be sure to indicate that on the original incorrect problem. Use the following notation:
  1. corrected: mark with an 'X', followed by a check
4. Correct as many of the problems as you can before turning in the assignment. In particular, you can always check the answers to the odd problems. If there are any even problems left over, or any odd problems left that you can't figure out, list them at the top of the assignment so that you can correct them after the assignment is returned. You also may want to ask questions on these problems at the beginning of class.
Rewriting your assignment: After I grade your assignment, you will have the opportunity to rewrite any problems that you missed. The rules for rewrites are:
1. Late assignments are not elibible for rewrite credit.
2. You may rewrite any incorrect problem for which you did some work (however, you can't rewrite a problem if you just skipped it the first time). You may receive full credit if the rewrite is well-written and correct.
3. You must rewrite the entire problem, not just the part containing the mistake.
4. Submit the old assignment along with the rewrite (otherwise, I wouldn't know what error you made the first time or how I scored the problem).
5. Rewrites are due at the next class session.
Homework assignments should be kept in a separate neatly organized binder. This practice will help you when you are studying for quizzes and exams.
Math 120 Reference Book: As you do the reading in class and work on the homework assignments, add important definitions, procedures, examples, etc. to your Math 120 Reference Book. Your Reference Book should be a valuable aid for future assignments and for studying for quizzes and exams.

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