Written assignments

![](../written.png)

# Written assignments

This page will show you the best way to complete and format written assignments in my courses.
Suppose we are near the end of an algebra course, and this is the problem statement:

|Assignment 12|
|---|
|Find the x-intercepts of the following function. $f(x) = \dfrac{2x+1}{x+1} + \dfrac{3}{2x-4}$|

Your job is to write out a solution that interprets the problem, solves the problem, and interprets the result. I grade on correct answer, correct steps, and clarity. All are important. A solution is either sufficient (10 pts) or needs work (0 pts).

## Content
|Evaluation|Work|
|---|---|
|**Incorrect:** Barely any work. Although it's a correct answer, I have no evidence that the problem was solved by you. Do your own work on written assignments. I grade on correct answer, correct steps, and clarity.|$f(x) = 0$ $-\dfrac{1}{4}, 1$|
|**Correct:** Correct answer, clear and correct steps. Sufficient balance of work and explanation. Not every step needs to be narrated. In this example, the steps involving simplifying and other algebraic arithmetic, the student already mastered earlier in the course.|To find the x-intercepts of $f(x)$, I am looking for all real numbers x that solve: $\dfrac{2x+1}{x+1} + \dfrac{3}{2x-4} = 0$ To ensure finding all solutions and no extraneous ones, I need to add the fractions. $\dfrac{(2x+1)(2x-4)}{(x+1)(2x-4)} + \dfrac{3(x+1)}{(2x-4)(x+1)} = 0$ $\dfrac{4x^2-6x-4}{2x^2-2x-4} + \dfrac{3x+3}{2x^2-2x-4} = 0$ $\dfrac{4x^2-6x-4+3x+3}{2x^2-2x-4} = 0$ $4x^2-3x-1 = 0$ $(4x+1)(x-1) = 0$ $x = -\dfrac{1}{4}, 1$ Both these x-values are in the domain of $f(x)$, so they are not extraneous solutions. These are both x-intercepts of the graph of $f(x)$.|

## Format

|Example|Description|
|---|---|
|![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/goodphoto.jpg)|**Correct:** I accept **digitized handwritten solutions only** (no computer formatting.) Either write on physical paper and scan/photograph, or write using virtual ink on a device. Save your file as a common document or image format.| 
|![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/badwrite.png)|**Incorrect:** Messy, disorganized. We are in college, so write professionally.|
|![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/badphoto.jpg)|**Incorrect:** Blurry, too dark/light, too low resolution, or otherwise unreadable.|
|![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/badformat.png)|**Incorrect:** Not a recognized file type. Needs to be an image or document file stored locally on your device and uploaded directly to Blackboard. (Do not send me links to Google Drive, Imgur, Discord or other sites. Blackboard can host the images fine.) Working formats include: pdf, png, jpg, doc, docx. Always preview your uploaded assignment to confirm it shows up.|
|![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/badtype.png)|**Incorrect:** Don't computer format at all, but ESPECIALLY do not express the solution in keystrokes. Imagine if the textbook you had to read was written this way.|

**Incorrect** uploads will need to be reformatted and/or rewritten, and reuploaded.

## Upload process

This was done on a desktop computer. Phones may behave differently or not at all.

|Step|Picture|
|---|---|
| 1. On the blackboard course, find the assignment you are completing. Click "Start Attempt 1", then expand the attached file to see the instructions.|![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/process1.png)|
| 2. When you are ready to upload, drag and drop your file into the submission box. Confirm it looks okay and click Submit. It will warn that you can’t make changes, submit anyway. I allow as many re-attempts as needed. If you click “Save” or “Save draft” but not “Submit”, I will not be able to see or grade your assignment. If days pass and you haven’t gotten a grade, this is usually why. If you catch a mistake or upload the wrong file, don't worry. Follow the submission instructions again. I will grade your most recent attempt.|![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/process2.png) ![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/process2b.png)|
| 3. After the due date, to view your grade and feedback, open the assignment again and click on Attempt 1 (or the most recent).|![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/process3.png)|
| 4. Feedback can be found directly on the document, or to the right. If you turned in an attempt on time but got a zero, read the feedback and make corrections, and reupload the assignment by following these steps again. (Click the "Start Attempt _" button). If there is a 0 and no feedback, something went wrong. Let me know if this happens and I will fix it.|![](https://djt-online-ed.github.io/written/process4.png)|

That's all that's necessary to complete assignments. If you get stuck, feel free to ask me for help or take advantage of any of the other resources listed in the syllabus.

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