Homework Tips & FAQs
Success Strategies
- Start early (1-2 weeks before deadline)
- Read problems carefully (understand what’s asked)
- Try alone first (struggle builds understanding)
- Discuss when stuck (but write independently)
- Check your work (verify answers)
- Write clearly (pretend teaching someone)
- Show reasoning (partial credit requires work shown)
- Prepare for defense (understand your solutions)
Collaboration Guidelines
✅ Allowed
- Discussing problem approaches
- Explaining concepts to peers
- Working through examples together
- Asking clarifying questions
- Study groups
❌ Not Allowed
- LLM tools (e.g., ChatGPT)
- Copying solutions from anyone
- Sharing written solutions
- Dividing problems among group
- Using prior years’ solutions
- Online homework help sites
Rule: If you can’t defend it, it’s not yours.
Resources You Can Use
- Course lecture notes
- Textbooks (Rosen, Epp, Hammack)
- Course Telegram (general questions)
- Office hours
- Study group discussions
Common Questions
Q: Can I submit handwritten solutions? A: Yes, if clearly legible and scanned at ≥300 DPI. Typed preferred.
Q: What if I’m stuck on a problem? A: Try for 30+ minutes, then ask for hints (not solutions) in office hours.
Q: Can I resubmit after deadline? A: Yes, but late penalties apply. Better to submit something on time.
Q: What counts as plagiarism? A: Copying any part of a solution from anyone/anywhere without doing it yourself.
Q: Can I use LaTeX/Typst? A: Absolutely! Digital typesetting is encouraged.
Q: What if I miss defense? A: Zero score unless you have documented emergency.
Time Management
| Week | Action |
|---|---|
| Assignment released | Read all problems, identify hard ones |
| Week 1 | Work on basic problems |
| Week 2 | Tackle medium problems, get help on hard ones |
| Days before | Finalize solutions, format nicely |
| Day before | Review once more, submit early |
| After deadline | Review for defense |
Remember: Homework is where you learn, not just where you’re evaluated.