Writing Assignment 1:

You have two choices.

Choice 1: Discuss which problem on the handout from the first day (here is a link to it) is most interesting to you. Your discussion should consider questions such as: What is interesting about it? Do have any ideas how to solve such a problem? Would you like to spend class time covering material necessary to try to handle problems like the one you chose?

Choice 2: Find an item in a newspaper, magazine or blog that involves math somehow. Include a copy or printout of the item (and as best as you are able a proper citation, including author, date and where the item appeared) when you turn in your writing assignment. Discuss what mathematical issue or issues the item raises, for example: Does it use math in a confusing or incorrect way, or does it give an example of how math can help to clarify an issue, or help to communicate ideas more clearly? Do you have suggestions for how the author could have done things differently?