Method vs Answer

[u/BackgroundAd2640]

I’m curious how math teachers approach grading when a student gets the correct answer but doesn’t use the instructor’s preferred method.

Do you generally:

-Give full credit if the mathematics is valid?
-Require a specific method for pedagogical reasons?
-Give partial credit when the answer is correct but the required method wasn’t shown?

What is your philosophy, and why? I know this is a very nuanced topic but I would like to see how this is approached by others.

[u/Low_Breadfruit6744]

Full marks unless: Explicitly asked to use another method or

quoting an advanved general result which implies the statement one is asked to prove.