When solving a specific problem:

1. Read the problem carefully all the way through. Underline important information.

2. Go back through the problem. Draw a diagram of the situation. Write down the data you are given as you come across it and also what you are trying to find or do.

3. Write down the data you are given as you come across it and also what you are trying to find or do.

4. Select the appropriate equation (or in some cases equations) and perform any re-arrangement of the equation before substituting any data into the equation.

5. Substitute the data, making sure to use both appropriate units (usually SI Units) and appropriate signs (+ or -) for all vector quantities

6. Solve the equation carefully and when you have an answer, think about it to check that it makes sense. Silly mistakes with algebra can often be corrected by having an idea of the approximate size and sign of the expected answer. Make sure you state the answer with its correct units.

Example: A cylindrical can of radius 200mm has liquid weighs 50kg. Find the height of liquid in cm in the can, if the density is 0.8g/cm3, correct to 2 d.p. Step 1: I have read carefully and highlighted the above information that is important in solving this problem Step 2:

Step 3: r = 200mm = 20cm m = 50 kg = 50 000g h = ?cm ρ = 0.8g/cm3

Step 4: ρ = m/V ρ = m/πr2h h = m/πr2ρ V = πr2h Step 5: h = m/πr2ρ = 50000g/(π▪(20cm)2▪0.8g/cm3)

Step 6: h = 49.74cm This answer makes sense and is in the correct units