Problem Sets

Problem Set Guidelines

Methodology and Hints Be sure that you have completed the relevant practice problems BEFORE attempting the problem set problems. Start the problem sets early, because they are problems that need lots of thought. You should look at problems and test out ideas with plenty of examples. Then leave the problem and come back to it again. Keep repeating this process until the solution falls into place. I have office hours each week for you to come to if you do not understand something and I will also answer questions on the WebCT bulletin board. Read my hints on the main web page and the WebCT bulletin board.

Writing Up Your Solutions Your solutions, mathematics, and Maple work needs to be fully (but briefly, if possible) explained in words. I expect complete sentences, proper grammar and spelling, and correct units. You are encouraged to work together and talk to me, but you must write up your problem sets on your own. Your explanations need to be in your own words. Keep the reader informed of the plan of your solution and how you are carrying it out. This does not usually require a lengthy prose. A good rule of thumb in deciding how much to write is to write enough so that a classmate who hasn't yet solved the problem could understand what you are doing and why. Your annotations will also help you study for tests. In order to explain your conclusions to a problem, write enough so that a classmate could understand how you reached your conclusion from the computation and be persuaded of its validity by the logic and clarity of your reasoning. Be sure to show all work and write out your thoughts clearly, neatly and concisely. If I have trouble reading the problem set, I will count it wrong. Be VERY neat.

True-False Questions and Answers For true-false questions, if the statement is true, then you must find a general reason why this is so (ie a specific example will not do, but a theorem and page number from the book will suffice). If a statement is false, then you must find a specific instance when it is false or explain in detail why it does not always hold. It is not sufficient to state that a statement is false because it looks slightly different from a statement in the book (as this doesn't show why both statements can't always be true). Generally you must produce one example, with specific numbers, where the statement fails. Often you will find that counter-examples are similar to the practice problems.

Should I Use Maple and/or By-Hand Work? Be sure to follow directions about whether a problem needs to be completed by hand and/or in Maple. If I have not specified which to use, then it is your choice, but you must choose one or the other and stick with that for the entire problem. For Maple work, your name and text comments need to be typed directly into your Maple worksheet. Your comments need to flow smoothly with the Maple commands. You will print out your work for me. Although Maple's graphics are good, much can be lost when we print in black and white. Draw or write by hand on the printed copy, if this will help the reader understand the picture better. Use a colored pen or pencil for greater clarity.

Plagiarism Be sure to give acknowledgment where it is due. If you are copying something out of a book, refer to the source and page number in your write-up. Submitting someone else's work as your own (PLAGIARISM) is a serious violation of the University's Academic Integrity Code. Each student is responsible for doing his or her own Maple and by-hand work. You may discuss the problems among yourselves as you work, but you must type in each command yourself and you must answer the questions in your own words.
  • It is CHEATING to let a classmate borrow your file or problem set for the purpose of copying all or part of it.
  • It is CHEATING to borrow anyone else's file or problem set for the purpose of copying all or part of it.
  • It is CHEATING to call any other work your own.
    If you are working with someone else, you may indeed have the same counterexamples or other similarities to someone else's work. Your Maple and by-hand formatting, explanations, and text comments need to be presented in your own unique style in order to distinguish your work as your own. It is your responsibility to ensure that I do not suspect you of cheating.

    No Late Work From the syllabus: Projects and Problem Sets 35% Work will not be accepted without explanation and must also be turned in on or before the due date because solutions will be posted. If there is some reason you must miss a class, then obtain the assignment from the web pages. The lowest project will be dropped - save this for emergencies. Every other project will be equally weighted regardless of the total number of points. If all of your work is turned in on time and you have received at least 75% credit on everything, then you will receive +1 added on to your final average.