All problems should be
self-contained in the sense that
1.
It should be clear as to what problem is being solved.
From
a practical standpoint this means that each problem must have a problem
statement,
usually the actual statement of the problem from the textbook. [Note:
Some problems have part of the statement given with the problem
number
and part given with general instructions for a set of problems.
Your
statement should be complete.]
2.
The solution of the problem should be clear. Your work
should be well-organized, with steps in logical order. You
should not turn in scratch work as part of the solution unless it is
clearly
labeled as scratch work.
In mathematics we
are concerned with solutions to problems, not with answers.
In most cases unsupported answers will carry no credit, even if
correct. Correct solutions with minor technical errors will usually
earn most of the credit for the problem
You should look over
your solutions with the following three things in mind:
1. Rigor.
Your work should be both mathematically correct and logically
correct.
2. Simplicity. Make the argument as simple as possible
within the level of rigor.
3. Completeness. Include all important steps, but do not
belabor the obvious.
Theorems
All
theorems
should have the following format:
Theorem:
[Formal statement of the theorem to be proved.]
Proof:
[Formal
or informal argument to prove the theorem. The last statement in
the
proof should be the conclusion of the theorem.]