Mathematics 201: Evaluation of written proofs
Written proofs will be evaluated for mathematical completeness and
correctness, and for the quality of the writing.
Ordinarily, I will grade proofs on an eight-point scale, with four
points for the mathematics and four points for the writing.
Points for Mathematics
- [4 points] The proof is complete and correct.
- [3 points] The proof is nearly complete and correct. It has only a minor
error or omission.
- [2 points] The proof has a substantial error or omission.
- [1 point] The proof has a major error or omission, but makes some
progress.
- [0 points] The attempted proof makes no progress.
Points for Writing
I will evaluate written proofs using the guidelines in the textbook
pp. 19-20 and summarized in Appendix A. Keep in mind the following
points:
- Address the proof to a reader who has taken a year course in calculus.
- Begin with a statement of what is to be proved.
- State your assumptions, and tell what you will prove.
- Use the pronoun "we."
- If you type your proof, set variables in italic type.
- Write in complete sentences, and organize your proof into
paragraphs as appropriate.
- Display important equations, and integrate displayed equations
into the text so that it is written in complete sentences.
- Tell the reader when the proof is complete.
Additional guidelines will come into play as we acquire a repertoire
of techniques of proof.
- Use English words for quantifiers and sentence connectives (page 66).
- Equation numbers (page 83).
- Biconditionals (page 85).
