Mathematics is a language, and as such has standards of
writing which should be observed. In a writing class, one must respect the rules
of grammar and punctuation, one must write in organized paragraphs built with
complete sentences, and the final draft must be a neat paper with a title. 
Similarly, there are certain standards for mathematics
assignments:
Please write your name clearly at the top of at least the first page, along with
the page number(s). If you are not stapling or paper-clipping the pages
together, then put your name or initials on all the pages.
Please
use standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11"), with no "fringe" running
down the side as a result of the paper’s having been torn out of a spiral
notebook. Use standard-weight paper, not onion-skin, construction,
or otherwise abnormally thin or heavy paper.
Attach
your pages with a paper clip or staple.
Do not fold, tear, spit on, or otherwise "dog-ear" the pages. It is better
that the pages be handed in loose (with your name on each sheet) than that the
corners be folded or shredded.
Clearly
indicate the number of the exercise you are doing. If you accidentally do a problem out
of order or separate part of the problem from the rest, then include a note to
me about the missed problem or work. Write
out the problem (except in the case of
word problems, which are too long).
Do your
work in pencil, with mistakes cleanly erased, not crossed or scratched out. Write legibly (suitably large and suitably dark); if I can't read your
answer, it's wrong.
Write
neatly down the page, with each problem below the preceding one,
not off to the right. You may have two columns per page spaced appropriately.
You may work on the back of the page.
Keep
work within the margins. If you run out of
room at the end of a problem, please continue onto the next page; do not try to
squeeze lines together at the bottom of the sheet. Do not lap over the
margins on the left or right; do not wrap writing around the notebook holes.
Do not
squeeze the problems together, with one problem running into the next. Use
sufficient space for each problem, with at least two blank lines between one
problem and the next.
Show
your work. This means showing your
steps, not just copying the question from the book. Show everything in between
the question and the answer, but any work that is scribbled in the margins
belongs on scratch paper, not on your homework.
Put your
final answer at the end of your work, and
mark it clearly by, for example, circling it. Label your answer appropriately. If the answer is to a word problem, make sure to
put appropriate units on the answer.
For instance, if the problem involves money, then the answer should involve
dollars or cents.
In
general, write your homework and test as though you're trying to convince
someone that you know what you're talking about.
Your work is much easier to grade when you have made your
work and reasoning clear, and any difficulties you have in completing the
assignment can be seen. More importantly, however, completely worked and
corrected homework exercises make excellent study guides for tests. Also, if
students develop good habits while working on the homework, they generally
perform better on the tests.
In summary, the intention on these "Homework and Test
Guidelines" is that you and I communicate better, and that you succeed
both in your present mathematics courses and in future mathematical
communication with co-workers and clients.
http://www.purplemath.com/guidline.htm
Copyright C 1990-2005 Elizabeth Stapel,
Used By Permission