MATH - Suggestions

Suggestions for getting the work done correctly:

1. Do your homework after every class. You will have 1-2 hours of work per class. If you let it go, it will pile up very quickly! Also, remember that each class will build on what we have already covered in previous classes, so you need to be comfortable with it.
2. Form study groups with other students to work together, consisting of both strong and weak students. For the weak student: Be a participant – if you don’t understand what the rest of the group is doing, ASK! For the strong student: Research shows that if you have to explain a concept to someone else, you will learn it better.
3. Come to my open help sessions and get help whenever you need it. Do not wait until the day before an exam.
4. Email me for help on specific problems, or catch me on IM.
5. Use the online tutor web site.
6. Use the Learning Center.
7. Use the math dept. tutors.

Suggestions to avoid common mistakes:

1. Do only one operation per line. Doing more than one is the most common reason for incorrect signs, bad multiplication/addition/subtraction. Take the extra time to get it right. Also, doing separate operations allows you to more easily check your work.
2. Use parentheses liberally to ensure that signs remain correct.

Homework Guidelines:

1. Put your name and the assignment on the top of the paper.
2. For all non-word problems, copy the original problem onto your paper.
3. Always write the formula first, then plug in the values.
4. Show the steps that you have taken – show your work or you will get a zero!
5. Be sure that the answer is clearly labeled, and show units where appropriate.

Exam Guidelines:

1. Do the homework faithfully! Practice makes perfect!
2. Use the Summary Section and Review Exercises at the end of each chapter to practice for the exam.
3. Come to my review sessions.
4. For all non-word problems, copy the original problem onto your paper. Write the formula first – it is worth some points!
5. Show the steps that you have taken – show your work – partial credit will be given for all portions of the work that are correct.
6. Be sure that the answer is clearly labeled, with appropriate units if necessary.
7. Put your name on all papers, and place your work and answers on the answer sheets.