Homework Instructions

Note: Some instructors may collect homework every day. Others may collect homework only once a week or only at exams. Check with your instructor for his or her policy regarding when homework is collected. Also find out your instructor's policy on late homework. In any event . . . .

• Neatness and completeness count! Analysis that cannot be understood, interpreted, or checked by others is of little or no value. For all work that is submitted for grading, if part of the work is missing; or if the work is incomplete; or if the work cannot be read; or if the work cannot be understood, you will get little or no partial credit.

• Problem Solving: While a correct answer is the goal of any problem solution, we are most interested in the path that you take to obtain the solution.

  When grading your work, it is very important that all of your work is clearly described in your solution. In the case of an incorrect final answer, this can help the instructor determine where the conceptual or computational error is in the solution.

  The important elements of a good problem-solving technique are:
  

  1. Correct problem set-up.
  2. Correct analysis.
  3. Correct numbers and units.
  4. Correct interpretation of the answer (both units and direction).
  These are the elements which earn major credit.

• Free-Body Diagrams (FBD) & Sketches: Accurate free-body diagrams and sketches and are a must and are emphasized in all work. The faculty believes that a complete free-body diagram is required for all equilibrium and kinetic problems.

  The free-body diagram is a foundation to good problem solving techniques. Poorly drawn free-body diagrams are usually followed by a very poor problem solution.

  Drawing complete free-body diagrams will greatly assist you in learning the material for this course and in solving problems throughout your career as an engineer.

• Calculations: Do not express answers with significant figures beyond reason (for example, 1.23456789). Final numerical answers should show not more than three or four significant figures according to standard practice. Of course, intermediate results must be retained to sufficient accuracy to guarantee three to four significant figures in the final answer.

Also see
Guidelines for Problem Presentation
Study Tips / Exam Tips