Homework 0

This will be an unusual homework assignment, designed for me to get aquainted with you. It also aims to ensure that you have access to SageMath and have some basic understanding of Markdown cells.

If you run into problems, send me an email whooper@ccny.cuny.edu.

Problem 0

Open an account on CoCalc. This will let you create, upload, edit, and run notebooks running SageMath.

Upload this file (homework0.ipynb) to CoCalc and open it for editting.

If you ran into any problems doing this, please note them in the cell below. (If you have significant problems, send me an email!)

Problem 1

Enter your name in the Markdown cell below. Use a bold font. To write some text in bold you use the syntax:

**some text**

Problem 2

Write a few paragraphs in the cell below describing your mathematical interests.

• What have been your favorite mathematics classes? What about your favorite topics?
• If you had to spend time thinking about a mathematical subject of your choice, what would you choose? (You can choose topics from the sciences, or other subjects that use mathematics.)

Problem 3

List some other interests you have besides mathematics. Do you have any hobbies, etc?

Problem 4

I'm asking the things above because I'm hoping that (especially in projects for the course) we can find a way to connect your interests to things covered in the course. If you have ideas in this direction? Complete the sentence in the Markdown cell below:

Wouldn't it be great if in this course, I ...

Problem 5

Please describe any programming languages (or similar things) you have experience with already. Be sure to explain how comfortable you are with each language. Format your answer in a Markdown list.

One way to format a Markdown list is as follows:

* First Item
* Second item
    * Item 2a
    * Item 2b

See this part of the Markdown Guide if you need help making a Markdown list.

Problem 6

In the cell below, please describe any computer(s) that you intend to use with the course? What operating system do you use? Do you anticipate being able to bring a laptop to class when needed?

Problem 7

I am hoping students will be able to install SageMath onto their own computers. (This will make using SageMath not depend on having a good internet connection, and will probably make notebooks faster.) Depending on the operating system, this may be a fair amount of work. I hope that students will help each other accomplish this.

Assuming you have a computer running Windows, MacOS, or Linux, you should be able to install SageMath on your computer. If this is the case, log in to Blackboard and find our course. Navigate to the Discussions section and make a post. I suggest something like “My name is Pat. I run Linux and I am hoping to install SageMath.”

Bonus problem

Attempt to install a recent version of SageMath on your computer using the directions in the SageMath documentation. Document any problems/solutions in the Blackboard discussion forum above.

If you try this and run into significant problems, write to me whooper@ccny.cuny.edu.

Indicate in the cell below whether or not you succeeded.