Guidelines for Math Tests                  Dr. C. S. Davis

I would like to give you my perspective on test taking. The presumption is that everyone begins each test with a blank for a grade. You then have the opportunity to demonstrate the degree of your mastery of the subject matter. Below, I'm supplying a list of suggestions for you to consider in taking tests to maximize your grade.

1. Write neatly -- This gives the appearance of more understanding.

2. Use pencil -- Erasing incorrect work leaves a more convincing solution than scratching out your errors. So please do not write tests or problem sets in ink.

3. Show work -- Show the work that supports the answer you give. You may be able to stab at a correct answer without an organized approach. I'll give part credit for the success of the stab, and full credit if you can show an approach to get there.

4. Write notes -- If your solution to the problem doesn't make sense to you, write me a note to explain what you expected and why your solution doesn't meet that expectation.

5. Keep moving -- If you get stuck on a problem, move quickly on to the next one and return at the end of the test to dig on it again.

6. Check your work -- With any remaining time after you have completed the test questions, check your work by either verifying that your answer works or reworking the problem.

7. Be honest -- Do your own work. Your honor is worth far more than a few points on a math test.

8. Exact numerical answers are appreciated because of their mathematical beauty.
Decimal answers are useful because everyone in industry and management knows what they mean.
We require that all answers be converted to their decimal equivalent.

Guidelines for Computer Assignments (Maple Worksheets)

1. Begin as soon as possible after you are given the assignment.

2. Use Maple to accomplish the computer assignments. The assignments have been written as Maple worksheets with exercises included.  The Maple software is installed on the network in the Math Building, room M206.  Alternatively you may purchase a copy of the student version of Maple V, release 5.1 or later for about $130.

3. Don't stay stuck. Ask someone for help-- anyone! You are encouraged to consult with each other at any time, but every student is to do his or her own typing. Working together at one computer and printing two or more copies of the same work for submission for two or more individuals will be considered to be academically dishonest. Don't do it!

4. Explain what you are doing as you go. "Teach the teacher". Do not turn in my comments as your own.

5. Turn in all of the assignments. Missing marks for computer assignments indicate lack of interest which usually translate into strict grading at the end of the term.

6. Exact numerical answers are appreciated because of their mathematical beauty.
Decimal answers are useful because everyone in industry and management knows what they mean.
We require that all answers be converted to their decimal equivalent.  Maple's evalf( ) function is used to convert a quantity into decimal form.  (evalf means evaluate as a floating point number, computer terminology for decimal number.

Guidelines for Problem Sets

1. Problem sets are given to test the topics of the course more thoroughly than we can on in-class quizzes.  They are the single best preparation for the hour quizzes.

2. Begin as soon as possible after you are given the assignment.

3. Don't stay stuck. Ask someone for help-- anyone! You are encouraged to consult with each other at any time, but every student is to do his or her own handwriting. 

4. Explain what you are doing as you go, especially if the process is not turning out as you expected. Say what you thought should happen and how you would proceed if it had happened. Again, "teach the teacher". 

5. Turn in all of the problems.

6. Exact numerical answers are appreciated because of their mathematical beauty.
Decimal answers are useful because everyone in industry and management knows what they mean.
We require that all answers be converted to their decimal equivalent.