You will be using a computerized web-based homework program this quarter called MathXL. Below are instructions for using the program as well as some suggestions. Please read these instructions carefully. The program will run only on a PC (unfortunately it will not work with a MacIntosh system), so included is a list of available resources on campus for you to use if you do not have a PC at home (or if your internet is too slow). If you are having difficulty getting set up with the program, experts will be available on campus to help you during the second week of class. The campus location(s) and times that these experts will be available will be given to you. Please read all of the following instructions and the troubleshooting guide.

Using Math XL to do your homework:

Go to the website www.MathXL.com and press “register” if you are not already registered for the site. Follow the instructions to register. (You will need the code that came with your text book in order to register. If you need a code, see page 2 of this handout). You will be asked to create a username and password. Make sure to enter your first, middle (if you have one), and last name when you register in order to prevent duplicates (as some students will have the same first and last name). If you have already registered, simply log in.

Once you have logged in, you will see several options on the left hand side of the page. Click on “Do Homework”. The assignments will be displayed for you along with the corresponding due dates.

Click on the appropriate assignment and a list of problems will be displayed. Click on a problem to begin. You may try a problem as many times as you like. (The actual problem will change every three failed attempts, but the problem type will remain the same). If you are having difficulty, you may see a guided solution to the problem by clicking on “guided solution”. Then you will be given a similar problem to attempt.

Notes regarding how homework is graded:

When you complete a problem correctly, a check mark will be placed next to that problem number. If you attempt a problem 3 times (or if you see the guided solution) an “X” will be placed next to that problem number, but you may still attempt the problem and the ”X” will be replaced by a check mark when you get it correct.

You may finish a session without completing all of the homework. The program will keep a record of which problems you have completed and your score will be saved for the next time you log in.
 

When you have completed your homework and are satisfied with your score, make sure that you turn your homework in by clicking the “hand-in” button in the top right hand corner. If you fail to do this before the due date, your score for that assignment will be recorded as ‘0’.
 

Other features of the program allow you to check your progress (click on “Results”) and take practice tests (to test your understanding click on “Take a Test”). In addition, there is a tutorial to assist you in your understanding. This becomes particularly important when your instructor does not have enough time in class to cover every topic in detail. To access the tutorial, click on “Study Plan”.
 
 

Note: There may be a few times when the MathXL system is unavailable due to maintenance by the publisher. You will be notified in advance if and when this happens.
 
 

If you do not have a PC at home, or if you do not use Internet Explorer (version 5.0 or higher), the following places are available on campus for you to work on your homework:

**Note: The following locations and times may have changed!
 

WATKINS 2101 or WATKINS 2111 M-R 8:00a.m. – 12:00 midnight

F 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
 
 

SPROUL 2225    M-R 9:00a.m. – 10:00p.m.

F 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m
 
 

The Learning Center   M-R 12:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

F 12:00p.m. – 5:00p.m.
 
 

Residence Labs: Crest, Bannockburn, Plaza, Lothian Reshall, A&I Reshall, Pentland A&I.

Note: If you need to buy a code for any reason, you may buy one at the bookstore or you may follow these instructions:
 
 

1. Goto www.mathxl.com

2. Click on the "BUY NOW" button

3. Click where it says "ordering online"

4. A new window will open for Online Purchase