_This is a guide for A-level students on how to look like you know what you’re doing. Some of it’s common sense, some of it’s arbitrary (I’m willing to argue the toss before over-ruling you). Please feel free to add ideas, suggestions and criticism as comments!

If you leave your twitter handle in comments, I’ll give you credit when I revise the post.

I’m already grateful to @cardiffmaths, @christianp, @mrgpg, @reflectivemaths and @sxpmaths for their wrong-headed arguments and suggestions ;o)_

## Mathematical style in algebra

• When writing a complicated product, the usual form is (constants)(variables)(functions), e.g. $\frac{7}{2}x^2(x-1) \sin(x+4)$

## Mathematical style in differentiation

• Prefer $\diff yx$ to $y’$ unless you have a compelling reason not to((At least until you’re doing second order ODEs)). The ‘prime’ notation cost British science about 100 years of development after Newton.
• Use the correct letters in your derivatives. If you’re differentiating $A$ with respect to $r$, call it $\diff AR$, not $\diff yx$
• It’s called a derivative, not a differential.
• With a second derivative, the 2 goes early on top and late on the bottom: $\diffn 2yx$.
• With product, quotient and chain rule, explicitly write out what you’re calling $u$, $v$ etc.

## Mathematical style in footwear

• Don’t wear socks with sandals, or vice-versa.

## Mathematical style in fractions and decimals

• Always prefer fractions to decimals unless the question calls for decimals.
• Mixed fractions like $3\frac{1}{2}$ are an abomination. Use top-heavy fractions like $\frac{7}{2}$ instead.
• Avoid oblique fractions, especially when multiplied by anything else, e.g. $1/2x$. Use either $\frac{2}{3}x$ or (possibly) $\frac{2x}{3}$.
• Avoid stacking fractions. Instead of $\frac{\frac{a}{b}}{\frac{c}{d}}$, write $\frac{a}{b} \div \frac{c}{d}$ or - better yet - $\frac{a}{b} \frac{d}{c}$.
• Where possible, leave fractions in factorised form. Prefer $\frac{(x+2)(x+3)}{(x+1)(x+6)}$ to $\frac{x^2 + 5x + 6}{x^2 + 7x + 6}$.

## Mathematical style in functions

• Use brackets with all functions. Even if the question says $\sin 2x$, write $\sin(2x)$.
• Modulus signs ($\left| x \right|$) count as brackets.

## Mathematical style in handwriting

• Avoid multiplication signs if possible. Using a $\cdot$ is best if there’s any chance of confusion with an $x$.
• Write $x$ as two back-to-back semicircles.
• Cross your $z$s so as not to confuse them with 2s.
• Be careful not to confuse S with 5.

## Mathematical style in integration

• Always include $\d x$ or similar in your integrals. It seems petty now, but when you do substitution in C4, it makes much more sense if you’re used to seeing $\d x$.
• With substitution, always write down your substitution and its derivative.
• With parts, always write down $u$, $\diff vx$ and everything else; if you need to do a second stage, call your variables $U$ and $V$.
• Write limits in front to the right of an integral sign ($\int^b_a$) and after brackets ($[\frac{x^4}{4}]^b_a$).
• If you have cause to combine constants or otherwise change them, be sure to rename them. Don’t have $c$ meaning different things in different places.

## Mathematical style in proofs

• Never move elements from one side of a proof to the other.
• State what you’re trying to prove, and any assumptions you’re making.
• After finishing a proof, write a Halmos tombstone ($\blacksquare$).

## Mathematical style in sketching graphs and diagrams

• Labels are much more important than accuracy.
• Label all important points and lines:
• Where the curves meet axes
• Turning points
• Horizontal and vertical asymptotes.
• Saying what your axes represent is more important than measuring them.

## Mathematical style in straight lines

• $(y - y_1) = m(x-x_1)$ is the only game in town.
• Give lines in the form $ax + by + c = 0$ unless you’re told otherwise.

## Mathematical style in surds

• Avoid square roots on the bottom of fractions ((For now, at least - as you progress, you may learn when you can ignore this rule. Follow it until then.)); rationalise the denominator where possible.
• In calculus, always turn roots into fractional powers as soon as possible.

## Mathematical style in trigonometry

• Prefer $\arctan$ and similar to $\tan^{-1}$.

## Mathematical style in vectors

• Underline all vector variables, wavily if possible.
• Write vector components as a column. Avoid ${\bi, \bj, \bk}$ notation.
• Draw a force as an arrow with a solid head, acceleration as an arrow with a double head and velocity as an arrow with a single head.

* Edited 13/12/13 for formatting.