Problem solving, intermediate steps

[annabel 2A]

For the test, do we only have to show the amount of intermediate steps shown in the solutions manual?

[505194972 3k]

I'm not sure how many intermediate steps are in the solution manual but I would show as many steps as time allows you to because the more steps you show the more likely you are to receive partial credit even if your final answer is wrong.

[Anna O 2C]

The more steps you show, the easier it is for a TA to trace your steps backwards say you make a mistake. Often times if you make an error early on in a calculation such as in adding molar masses, but do the steps correctly (albeit with an incorrect value), you can still receive partial credit because you completed the necessary steps correctly. However, say you don't show the adding of the molar masses. The TA might not know that an error originated from there and just see an incorrect final answer, making it more difficult for you to receive any partial credit.