Problem Solving TIPS:
1. Read the problem
2. Draw and label a sketch of the problem
3. Identify what you are given in the problem and what your are asked to find (aka: "Given and
Find" table)
4. Choose the correct equation for the relationship involved
5. Write the equation in its general form
6. Substitute in the numbers from your "Given and Find" table and "Plug and Chug" as Paul Hewitt always said.
7.Box in your nswer (DO NOT FORGET THE PROPER UNITS!!!!)
8. Collect your points!
Vectors vs. Scalars and Vector Signs
2. Draw and label a sketch of the problem
3. Identify what you are given in the problem and what your are asked to find (aka: "Given and
Find" table)
4. Choose the correct equation for the relationship involved
5. Write the equation in its general form
6. Substitute in the numbers from your "Given and Find" table and "Plug and Chug" as Paul Hewitt always said.
7.Box in your nswer (DO NOT FORGET THE PROPER UNITS!!!!)
8. Collect your points!
Vectors vs. Scalars and Vector Signs
Scalars (magnitude only)Distance = how far went
Speed = how far went / how long it took |
Vectors (magnitude and direction)Displacement = how far ended up from
where started Velocity = displacement / time Acceleration = Δ v / Δt = (Vf - Vi) / ∆t |
Vectors: Signs
DISPLACEMENT is + if object is LOCATED tothe right or above the zero point
DISPLACEMENT is -if object is LOCATED to the left or below the zero point.
VELOCITY is + if object is MOVING to ther right or up
VELOCITY is - if object is MOVING to the left or up.
ACCELERATION is the SAME SIGN as velocity if the object is SPEEDING UP in the direction it is moving
ACCELERATION is the OPPOSITE SIGN as velocity if the object is SLOWING DOWN in the direction it is moving
DISPLACEMENT is -if object is LOCATED to the left or below the zero point.
VELOCITY is + if object is MOVING to ther right or up
VELOCITY is - if object is MOVING to the left or up.
ACCELERATION is the SAME SIGN as velocity if the object is SPEEDING UP in the direction it is moving
ACCELERATION is the OPPOSITE SIGN as velocity if the object is SLOWING DOWN in the direction it is moving