What general format should my article adhere to?

• For best overall results and readability, try to use a simple fixed-width font (e.g. Courier New). Also ensure your newsreader is configured to post in plain text, not HTML.

• Don't ask questions that are too broad, e.g. ``Can someone help me with algebra?'' Try to narrow your question to the particular topic or process you are concerned with, e.g. ``Can someone explain to me the process for solving a quadratic equation by factoring?''

• Use a descriptive subject line. Readers will have a general idea of what your message pertains to prior to downloading (and having to read) the message body.

  Don't do:

  Subject: HELP!

  Do:

  Subject: Solving quadratic equations by factoring

• Clearly explain the problem and include specific instructions, whether they be to solve, simplify, etc. If possible, try to reproduce the instructions to the problem exactly as they were given to you. Also, consider telling the group the level of math you are at. There may be (err...will be) different methods of approaching your problem, so if the group knows your particular competency level (grade, course, etc.,) they can formulate a response suitable for that level.

• Place math expressions on a single line if possible. Your expression may not ``line up'' the same way on all newsreaders, especially after being quoted multiple times. These problems can be minimized by placing your expressions on a single line.

  Don't do:

  x+3
  ----
  2

  Do:

  (x+3)/2

• If you need to use multiple lines (e.g. a passage showing the individual steps of solving an equation, listing a matrix, etc.) be sure to always begin each line of the object or passage at the beginning of the ``line'' in your editor (no preceding spaces,) and end each line with a hard return. In general, anywhere there is a math expression on a line by itself, that line should end with a hard return. Use ``in-line'' expressions sparingly (math expressions that are side-by-side or interspersed with normal text,) and only for very short expressions that can survive line-wrapping and quoting with minimal distraction to the reader.

  Don't do:

  Here's how I proceeded in solving this equation: x^2 + 5x + 7 = 1, x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0 ...got 0 on one side, (x+2) (x+3) = 0 ...factored, x = 2, 3. The answer key says the correct answers are x = -2, -3. Where did I go wrong?

  Do:

  Here's how I proceeded in solving this equation:

  x^2 + 5x + 7 = 1

  x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0 ...got 0 on one side

  (x+2)(x+3) = 0 ...factored

  x = 2, 3

  The answer key says the correct answers are x = -2, -3. Where did I go wrong?

• Be sure to explain the specific step(s) you are having trouble with and include your attempt(s), even if you know they are wrong. You will receive more useful help if you do this.

• Use plenty of parentheses, brackets, etc. if an expression may otherwise be interpreted in more than one way.

  Don't do:

  x+3/2

  Do:

  (x+3)/2 or x+(3/2)

  Don't Do:

  x^3c+7

  Do:

  x^(3c) + 7 or x^(3c+7)

For more information, see the section on importance of parentheses.