Homework Policies

I know each of you has taken MATH 3003 so you have been given excellent instruction on how to write mathematical proofs. What I'd like to tell you here is how your proofs should be presented when you submit them to me.

  1. For your homework, please use standard 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch lined notebook paper. I don't care if it has holes or not, but I want it to be the correct size and I want it lined.
  2. I do not want any “ragged edges.” Do not tear paper out of a spiral bound notebook to hand in.
  3. Write only on the front side of the paper. I do not want to have to flip your papers continually from front to back to front to back to grade them.
  4. In the upper right corner of the first page should be your name, “MATH 3243,” and the homework assignment number.
  5. Each problem should begin at the top of a new piece of paper on the left side of the page. If the problem is divided into parts, such as (a), (b), (c), etc., this doesn't mean each of these should start on a new page. However, I'd like each problem to begin at the top of a new piece of paper. If a problem continues onto a second page, that's fine, but I want the start of each problem at the top of a new page.
  6. For each problem the first thing you should write down is “Exercise” followed by the exercise number you're working on. Then you should write the problem as stated on the assignment sheet. This tells me what you're doing.
  7. You should next begin your proof with the word “Proof” underlined with a colon following it. This tells me you are starting your proof. If the problem is not a proof but a computation, example, counterexample, etc., simply write “Solution” underlined with a colon following it. Then put your solution.
  8. Every mathematical proof should be written in sentences and paragraphs. A mathematical proof is equivalent to an English essay. It should be written that way. This means you probably should write a first draft of each proof before writing a final draft to turn in. I want your proofs to be aesthetically pleasing, as well as mathematically correct.
  9. Make sure the logic in your proofs is sound.
  10. When you finish your proof, put something to indicate your proof is complete. You can use an open square, a blackened square, two forward slashes, or “QED,” or something similar as long as you're consistent.
  11. Put your solutions and proofs in the order they are in the text book. I don't want to have to search through your homework to find where you've put each problem.
  12. Each of your assignments should be stapled together. This means I do not want them paper-clipped or taped or “crinkle-cornered.”
  13. Your homework is due on the date given on the Assignments page for your course on my web site. I do not take any work late.
  14. You are permitted (and, in fact, encouraged) to work together on the solutions to the weekly homework assignments (with the exception of the pledged problem sets, where you may not work together). However, the work must be your own. You can share ideas and understanding, not proofs or solutions.
  15. I am well aware that both the text book and the solution manual are available online free as pdfs. I have both of them. If you choose to copy your homework solutions from a published solution manual, I will catch you and I will fail you in the course. Trust me: I can tell the difference between a proof you can write and a proof a text book author writes. And if you copy from a solution manual, you had best hope it's not the one I have. If so, I'll have sufficient evidence to have you brought up on disciplinary charges with the Dean of Students.