PROBLEM SOLVING IN SCIENCE
PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES 1. Identify the known facts. 2. Define the answer required. 3. Develop possible solutions. 4. Analyze these solutions and choose the correct one. 5. Develop the individual steps to arrive at the answer. 6. Solve the problem. 7. Evaluate the results.
Problem Solving – The Factor Label Method This method of problem solving treats the units as factors. This method of problem solving treats the units as factors. As with common factors, these labels may be divided out. As with common factors, these labels may be divided out. The problem solution must have the correct unit label. The problem solution must have the correct unit label. This method provides a “check” on mathematical operations. This method provides a “check” on mathematical operations. The individual conversion factors ( ratios whose value is equivalent to one ) may usually be written by inspection. The individual conversion factors ( ratios whose value is equivalent to one ) may usually be written by inspection.
The Three Parts of a Problem 1. A Known BeginningGiven 2. A Desired EndFind 3. A Connecting path or conversion method Factor
SIMPLE UNIT CONVERSIONS Given: hours Given: hours Find: seconds Find: seconds Factors: Factors:___________________
Simple Unit Conversions Given: 0.84 m Given: 0.84 m Find: cm Find: cm Factors: Factors:_________________
Simple Unit Conversions Given: 31.5 cg Given: 31.5 cg Find: mg Find: mg Factors: Factors:_____________________
Simple Unit Conversions Given: mg Given: mg Find: g Find: g Factors: Factors:_____________________________
Simple Unit Conversions Given: 718 nm Given: 718 nm Find: cm Find: cm Factor: Factor:
Derived Unit Conversion Problems Given: m 3 Given: m 3 Find: cm 3 Find: cm 3 Factors: Factors:
Derived Unit Conversion Problems Given: dm 3 Given: dm 3 Find: cm 3 Find: cm 3 Factors: Factors:
Derived Unit Conversion Problems Given: 9.06 km/h Given: 9.06 km/h Find: m/min Find: m/min Factors: Factors:
Derived Units Given: 3.5 m/s Given: 3.5 m/s Find: cm/s Find: cm/s Factors: Factors:
Derived Units Given: km/h Given: km/h Find: mm/s Find: mm/s Factors: Factors: