Formatting Math as Text: Notes on Posting

Include the actual question and its instructions. (You'd be surprised how often this information is left out.) Write an intelligent subject line, but include everything within the post; don't put crucial information only in the subject line. Show all the steps you've tried, even if you think (or are sure) that they're wrong; and state clearly what is the difficulty you're having.

Compare the posts in the left and right columns below:

The three "poor" posts are word-for-word the same, but you can tell from the "good" posts that they aren't actually the same question.

The problem, of course, is that "HELP!! how do u do it?" doesn't actually say anything. The left-hand column's posts would be very frustrating for a tutor to try to deal with, and are much less likely to receive a helpful reply.

Instead, take your cue from the right-hand column's "good" posts:

• Take the time to spell words correctly: use "algebra" and "solve" instead of "algerba" and "slove".
• Write words out completely: use "you" instead of "u", "know" instead of "noe". Don't ask the reader to decipher chat-speak.
• Capitalize properly: use "I" instead of "i", and use capitals for names and at the beginnings of sentences.
• Punctuate sensibly: using periods at the ends of sentences is helpful; using twenty exclamation marks is not.
• Space your math generously and use all-black type (or at least some dark, high-contrast color): The statement "3x^2 + 4 = y" is much easier on the eyes than is "3x^2+4=y," especially for those of us old-timers who have to squint at your posts through bifocals.
• Define yourself: Are you a teenager in high school? A "non-traditional" student returning to college after twenty-five years? Are you in algebra? In calculus? And, if you're trying to take a math class online, say so. Online classes are almost always quite difficult (mad props if you can do it!), and you'll want the reader to know that, no, you don't really have an instructor with whom you can chat; you're kinda on your own.

In addition:

• You're asking somebody for help, so ask clearly: Don't post cryptic text-message-lingo stream-of-consciousness math, as it is highly unlikely that the readers will be able to figure out what the heck you mean.
• Be friendly: Avoid posting things like "math sux" or "i hate math" or other expressions of hostility.
• And be considerate: Tutors at free services are volunteers, people who work, eat, and sleep in addition to helping students; they aren't sitting at their computers with bated breath, just waiting for your question to come in, and they're not getting paid. So ask nicely and be prepared to wait as much as a couple of days for a reply.

And always, always, always remember to say "please" and "thank you".

Please.

Thank you!