Techniques for Error Free Problem Solving

1
Techniques for Error Free Problem Solving

• Always draw a picture of the physical
  situation,if possible.
• State any assumptions made.
• Indicate all given properties on the diagram with
  their units. Convert units to a given unit
  system.
• Label unknown quantities with a question mark.

2
Techniques for Error Free Problem Solving

• From the text, write the main equation which
  contains the unknown quantity.
• Or
• derive the desire algebraic equation by
  solving integral or differential equations.
• Algebraically manipulate the equation to isolate
  the desired quantity.

3
Techniques for Error Free Problem Solving

• Write subordinate equations for the unknown
  quantities in the main equation. Indent to
  indicate that the equation is subordinate. It
  may be necessary to go through several levels of
  subordinate equations before all the quantities
  in the main equation are known.
• Once all algebraic manipulations and
  substitutions are made, insert numerical values
  with their units.

4
Techniques for Error Free Problem Solving

• Insure that all units cancel. Check one last
  time for sign error.
• Compute the answer.
• Clearly mark the final answer. Indicate units!
• Insure that the final answer makes physical
  sense!
• Insure that all questions have been answered.

5
Skills used in Implementing Problem Solving
Strategies

• Analysis
• Use logic to
• Identify the system to be analyzed
• Identify the objective
• Identify relationships
• Divide the system into parts

6
Skills used in Implementing Problem Solving
Strategies

• Synthesis
• Use creativity to
• Develop ideas via brainstorming
• Evaluate the ideas by analysis when enough ideas
  have been generated.

7
Skills used in Implementing Problem Solving
Strategies

• Decision Making
• Use logic to
• compare the various ideas and
• select the best one(s)
• Generalization - Going from the specific to the
  broad use abstraction to
• Aid in analysis, synthesis, and decision making