550.391 Dynamical Systems
Fall 2005
Software Usage Guidelines
Here are the answers to some questions about using software to do your homework.
QUESTION:
May we use MATLAB, Excel, (or any other applicable software)
to do the homework?
ANSWER:
Yes, unless otherwise stated by the professor.
Normally the professor will make this announcement
during lecture. In the future, any limitations on
software use will also be noted on the assignment.
QUESTION:
When you say we can use software for the homework assignment,
exactly what does that mean? That (1) we can use the software
to do the whole assignment and just print out the results or
(2) we have to do the HW on paper, but can use the software
to check our answers?
ANSWER:
The answer to this question depends on the assignment.
If the problem requires the student to convert a word problem into
mathematical format and then solve, then you will need to:
(1) write something on paper to convince the grader that you
know how to set up the model; and
(2) submit any software output.
The answers from the computer must include the requisite amount
of explanation. So, for example, you are allowed to say "from the MATLAB output of this problem, we see that the solution to this system of equations is... which means that we should
purchase ..."
On the other hand, if the problem is merely a computation
that would be long, messy, and prone to error if completed by
hand, feel free to use MATLAB or any other software to simplify
your work, provided that the instructor has not stipulated that
you MUST complete the problem by hand.
QUESTION:
How much computer output do we need to printout?
ANSWER:
You need to submit the ENTIRE portion of the computer
output that contains any information that is needed to
complete the problem. If possible, try to save paper by
printing double-sided or half pages (2-to-1, one-sided).
QUESTION:
May we email the computer files to the TA instead of printing
them out?
ANSWER:
Usually no, unless other arrangements have been made.