Algebra

Tips for Writing in Math Classes In addition to the weekly homework, lab, and discussion posts, the Math courses at Ashford also include

written assignments. Do not let this intimidate you. While this may be unlike other math classes in the

past, the purpose of this is let you examine a math concept that has a direct correlation to the use of

mathematics in the “real world,” and to have you explain how and why you solved a problem in a

particular way, allowing you to further develop your critical thinking skills with regard to mathematics.

The purpose of this short “guide” is to prepare you for completing these writing assignments, since the

format will be slightly different than the other writing assignments you have here at Ashford. However,

the basic 5 paragraph essay should still be the basis for your written assignments in Math.

Introduction:

Your introduction needs to do three main things:

 Introduce the specific concept examined in the assignment (i.e. inequalities, Pythagorean

quadratics, etc).

 Introduce or reference the specific question or real world application being asked (i.e. BMI,

navigation)

 Have a clear statement that describes how the concept examined in the assignment is important to

a “real world” setting.

As with all introductions, this should be about 5-6 sentences in length.

Body Paragraphs:

This is where your assignment diverges from a more traditional essay. Here is where you will solve the

specific problem being asked, and explain how and why this is important.

In order to do this, you will need to:

 Restate the problem in your own words. Solve the problem demonstrating your understanding of

the concepts examined in the essay, making sure to include each mathematical step (in other

words, show your work). This will count as a “paragraph.”

If there is a visual that you used that would like to include, you may attach a scanned

copy of it separately, and reference it here (i.e. see attached visual). Please note that this

visual must be created by you and cannot be a scanned copy of the text or other class

wide visual.

 Include a discussion that incorporates the answers of each additional question asked in the

prompt. Depending on the questions asked, this will usually be 2 paragraphs in length.

 In your discussion, make sure to incorporate the weekly vocabulary terms listed in the

assignment, and place these in bold type. These should be fully integrated into your discussion,

and should not just be definitions.

Conclusion

Your conclusion should be a paragraph (at least 5 sentences) that includes the following:

 An application of the concept examined to the particular problem solved

 A summary of the problem and your method of solving it

 A statement of what you learned

 A statement of how this concept can be used in the real world.

APA format:

All assignments submitted at Ashford must be in APA format. Therefore, please make sure to include a

properly formatted reference and title page, and make sure your paper is in an APA font, such as 12 pt.

Courier New or Times New Roman. With regard to internal citations, you don’t need to cite the textbook

if the problem you are solving is from the textbook, but you will need to cite any outside sources. Please

make sure that the text is listed in your reference section however, along with any other sources you used

in working on the assignment.

Plagiarism:

Plagiarism, or the use of another person’s words are thoughts, is academically and intellectually dishonest

and not permitted at Ashford. Please make sure everything you turn in is new and original work, and is

written in your own words. Copy and pasting portions of your discussion off the internet will result in

automatically failing the assignment.