Absences:

1. Work due on the first day of an excused absence is due the day you return.
2. One day is allowed to make up work for each day of excused absence.
3. Work due during an unexcused absence or tardy is due the day you return, but may not be graded.
4. The above applies to quizzes, tests, and other graded activities, as well. If you miss the class before an announced quiz/test, you take it with the class; if you miss the day of a quiz/test, you take it BEFORE the next class period.
5. It is the student's responsibility to show appropriate excusal slips from the Attendance Office in order to qualify for work extensions.

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:

1. Please use standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11"), with no sprial notebook "fringe" down the side.

2. Homework page headings:
   • Work each day's assignment on a separate page and file by date in the "Homework" section of your notebook.
   • Write your name, date assigned, and assignment number clearly at the top-right of each page.
   • Write the text book page and problem numbers down the left side of the page.
   • If you work a problem out of order, or separate a part of a problem from the rest, please insert a note so the grader will not miss your work.

3. Daily class note page headings:
   • Each day's notes should begin on a new page and be kept in order in the "Notes" section of your notebook.
   • Write your name and date clearly at the top-right of each page.
   • Write the Lesson Title on the top line of the page.
   • In general, if something is written on the board, you should write it in your notes.

4. Neatness counts!
   • Write legibly . If the grader can't read your work, it's wrong.
   • Work in pencil.
   • Cleanly erase mistakes. Do not cross out, black out, or use "white-out."
   • Write out the problem (except long word problems), include drawings of all applicable diagrams.
   • Work down the page, starting each problem on a new line and leaving a blank line between problems.
   • Do "scratch work" as needed, but do it on separate scratch paper (not turned in).
   • Stay within the margins of the page. If you run out of room at the bottom of a page, simply continue on the next page.

5. Use standard notation and language. Do not invent your own notation and abbreviations, nor invent meanings for words.
   • For example, do not use "#" in your sentence if you mean "pounds" or "numbers".
   • Do not use "reduce" when you mean "simplify," "minus" when you mean "negative," etc.
   • "=" means "is equal to" and is used only in equations; it does not belong in a sentence and is not used to mean "is", "leads to", "is related to", or anything else; use words to explain your meaning, if necessary.

6. For tables and graphs,
   • Use a straight edge (ruler) to draw the straight lines.
   • Clearly label the columns, axes, the scale, and the points of interest.
   • Use a consistent scale on the axes, and use a T-Chart to show your data, unless instructed otherwise.
   • Make your tables and graphs large enough to be clear.

7. Is that your Final Answer?
   • Put your final answer at the end of your work.
   • Mark it clearly by, for example, a simple underline.
   • Label your answer appropriately and use complete mathematical sentences .
   • If the answer is to a word problem, make sure to put appropriate units on the answer.

Write as though you're trying to convince someone that you know what you're talking about.

1. Show your work!
   • Write out the problem (and given diagrams) and the correct formula.
     • For long word problems, at least write out the starting formula.
     • Add a sketch as appropriate.
   • Show your steps, not just the question from the book and your answer.
     • Feel free to write notes explaining your actions and reasons at various steps. They may help the grader and will certainly help you study later.
   • Do "scratch work" as needed, but do it on separate scratch paper (not turned in)--see "Margins" note above.
   • Keep your work lined up so you don't lose signs, decimal points, etc.
   • Use complete sentences (mathematical or English as appropriate).
   • Label all sketches, graphs, and tables.

2. Explain your reasoning and make your computations clear. In addition to using complete mathematical sentences, that means using complete English sentences to highlight, explain, clarify, and justify as necessary.

3. Sometimes, a sketch can be worth a thousand words; but, it still needs to be clear, labeled, and sometimes explained.

4. No Magic! Plus/minus signs, "= 0", radicals, and denominators should not disappear in the middle of your calculations, only to mysteriously reappear at the end. Each step should be complete.

5. If the problem is of the "Explain" or "Write in your own words" type, then copying the answer from the back of the book, or the definition from the chapter, is unacceptable. Write the answer in your words, not the text's.

6. Is that your Final Answer?
   • Put your final answer at the end of your work.
   • Mark it clearly by, for example, a simple underline.
   • Label your answer appropriately and use complete mathematical sentences .
   • If the answer is to a word problem, make sure to put appropriate units on the answer.