SPH3U Let the physics begin…

Take notes if this applies to you… Clearing fractions means multiplying the entire equation by a denominator.

Take notes if this applies to you… 2. To isolate a variable, you always must do the opposite operation to remove anything that’s connected to it. (Ex: The opposite of adding is subtracting – not dividing).

Take notes if this applies to you… The opposite of square-root is squaring.

Take notes if this applies to you… 3. The opposite of a trig function (sin, cos, tan, etc) is an inverse trig function.

Take notes if this applies to you… 4. To solve for a variable, it must be on the numerator of an expression.

Take notes if this applies to you… 5. We use decimals in physics, not exact values. If you know the exact values of sin/cos/tan 30/45/60 cool, but I still want the decimal. I always want the decimal – that goes for the quadratic equation too.

Take notes if this applies to you… 6. Who remembers how to solve S.O.L.E.? How about when to use substitution or elimination? Use substitution when a variable is already isolated (or easy to isolate)

Take notes if this applies to you… Use elimination when your equations are arranged in the same way (or a variable is not already isolated or easy to isolate)

Take notes if this applies to you… 7. If your trig is weak, learn SOH CAH TOA! It can’t be that bad if myself and Mrs. Mohan (along with the rest of the world except the Massey Math Department) use it!

Take notes if this applies to you… 8. Pythagorean Theorem only applies to right angle triangles. There are 3 ways of writing Pythagorean Theorem (where c is the hypotenuse)

Take notes if this applies to you… 9. Use Sine Law and Cosine Law when the triangle is non-right angle. After all, Cosine Law resolves to Pythagorean theorem when it is right angle (since cos90=0), and sine law resolves to the primary trig ratio of sine when it is right angle (since sin90=1).

Take notes if this applies to you… 10. For non-right angle triangles use Sine Law when you know an angle across from a known side and are looking to find another angle or side whose angle or side across from it you know (SSA or ASA). Use Cosine Law when you have an angle contained between 2 sides (ASA) or all three sides (SSS).