Write-Up

1. Problem statement: In your own words, state the problem clearly enough so that someone unfamiliar with the problem who picked up your paper could understand what it is you are I asked to do.
2. Process: Based on your notes, describe what you did in attempting to solve this problem:
   • How did you get started?
   • What approaches did you try?
   • Where did you get stuck?
   • What drawings did you use?
   Include things that didn't work out or that seemed like a waste of time. Do this part of the write-up even if you didn't solve the problem.
3. Solution:
   1. State your solution(s) as clearly as you can. (If you only obtained a partial solution, give that. If you were able to generalize the problem, include your more geneIal results.)
   2. Explain how you know that your solution is the best one possible.
   Your explanation should be written in a way that will be convincing to someone else - even someone who initially disagrees with your "answer." Remember that merely stating the answer will count for nothing!
4. Extensions: Invent some extensions or variations to this problem. That is, write down some related problems. They can be easier, harder, or about the same level of difficulty as the original problem. (You are not expected to solve or answer these additional problems.)
5. Evaluation: Was this problem too easy, too hard, or about right? Explain why.

Last modified April 25, 1996.