HOMEWORK AND TEST, PROBLEM-SOLUTION GUIDELINES

Problem solutions are expected to meet professional standards.

WHY:

1. Adherence to these standards will facilitate the grader’s and the instructor’s interpretation of your work.
2. Neatly written solutions will provide you with important reference material which you will be able to review easily in the future (for example, before a test for later work in another class, or even when you work in industry).
3. By clearly outlining each step of your solution every time you solve a problem, you will eventually recognize a pattern which will help you tackle other problems.

Each problem solution that is handed in must contain the following information:

1. Problem statement. The original problem statement must always be included with the solution. The only exception to this rule will be for exam problems, which are assigned out of your textbook.
2. List of knowns and unknowns. Following the problem statement, list all the known parameters in symbolic form and the unknown ones with a question mark next to them.
3. Figures / sketches. A sketch or figure of the system showing all the relevant parameters clearly and accurately. In addition to the original figure provided by the problem itself, you are expected to generate your own sketches / figures as necessary to fully and clearly explain your solution process (for example, free-body diagrams, integration slices, etc. Label all forces, velocities, flows, etc. Show coordinate axes.
4. Assumptions. State and number all the necessary assumptions for solving each problem.
5. Give all basic laws first in general form. Then show how any simplifying assumptions you make reduce the law / equation to a simpler, solvable form.
6. Try to carry out all solutions in symbolic form all the way to the end if possible. Then and only then, plug in any numerical values and solve for unknown quantities.
7. Discuss your solution and especially your results as necessary.

1. Use new paper and write on one side only.
2. Use sharp, soft pencil so that (a) it’s easy to read and (b) you can easily make corrections when needed.
3. Staple all sheets together and don’t fold.
4. Clearly write your name on the top of the first page, along with the class number, date, and a list of all the problems attempted.
5. Solve only one problem per page.
6. Write every other line.
7. Write big.
8. Use 1 in margins on both sides.