Showing work/ rearranging equations

[Isha_Maniyar_Dis2E]

In class, Professor Lavelle rearranged the equations before solving for the unknown variable. When showing our work, do we have to do the same, or can we just plug in values in the existing structure of the formula and solve?

For example:

M1V1 = M2V2, solve for unknown V1

(0.500M) V1 = (0.2500M)(250.mL)

Would I need to rearrange the equation as: V1 = (0.2500M)(250.mL) / 0.500M, or can I just produce the value for V1?

Thanks!

[Brooke Yasuda 2J]

I do not think that you will be marked off if you don't rearrange the equation. What matters is that you show your work on how you get the answer and that the actual answer is correct.

[Donna Nguyen 2L]

I don't think you will need to rearrange the question. Dr. Lavelle probably does it for easier viewing and to let us see how he got to that point.

[Charysa Santos 4G]

My TA said that to be safe and secure partial credit in the case that your final answer is somehow incorrect, you should show as many steps as possible/necessary to indicate each step of a problem. It is totally up to you, though.

[ThomasNguyen_Dis1H]

You can really do it anyway you prefer. It's just that when you rearrange the variables first and plug into your calculator all at once, you will get a more accurate answer and avoid rounding off at intermediate steps.

[RobertXu_2J]

I think as long as your thought process is clear and they can tell what you were trying to do through your work, you should be good.

[April Pazos 3D]

Doing the problem is up to you and what your preference is. The process is still the same whether you rearrange it immediately or not.

[Kendall 3H]

I was informed that the better you show your work on homework and test equations, the more points a TA can possibly give you on a problem you didn't get the final correct answer. If your work is very clear, they can see where you made your mistake and hopefully give you credit for the parts you did correct before your mistake. So I would say it is always safe to be very organized about how you do you problems and show your work.

[Ying Yan 1F]

To reaffirm the previous comments, just work out the porblem in the way you are comfortable with. As long as you show how you did it, I'm sure points will be given. :)