Steps for Solving Math Problems

Physics

Calculations

Step #1 – Draw a picture

• It is said “A picture is worth 1000 words”

• In Mr. Neely’s science class it is worth 1 point out of 7.

• Stick figures are okay, but it must represent the situation.

Step #2 – Write a variable list

• A variable list does just that, it lists variables.

• It lists the given and unknown variables that are in the problem to be solved.

V = ? unknown

D = 5.0 m given

T = 2.5 s given

Step #3 – Write the equation to be used to solve the problem.

• What equation will you use?

• If you write it out, you will not forget later, and I can see your logic.

• Write it out with no numbers, only the variables so you can be sure to use the right numbers in the correct places.

Step #4 - Show your work.

• Plug in the variables you do know into the equation you just wrote down.

• Leave the unknown value as the variable letter, and then solve for the unknown.

V = 5.0m 2.5 s

Step #5 – Calculate the correct answer

• Use a calculator to compute the correct answer.

• Add, subtract, multiply, divide

• Use correct math operations to compute the correct answer.

Step #6 – Correct units / labels on all numbers.

• Numbers without units are meaningless in science.

• For example: “Give me 20!” Twenty what?• There must be correct units for each number

so we know what the values represent.

Step #7 – Correct number of Significant Figures

• Make sure your answer has the correct number of significant figures.

• This is based on the values you started with and which math operations you performed.

Summary• Math problems are generally worth at

minimum 7 points each in Mr. Neely’s class, this depends on the number of calculations to be made.

• One point per step.• The answer by itself is worth zero points.• You MUST show me how you got the answer

to earn points.• Even if you do not know how to do the

problem, at least draw a picture, and write the variable list. That will earn you partial credit.