This is more closely tailored to Physics problems, but can be applied with equal usefullness to a multitude of other situations.
NB: This is a guide on how to solve an academic problem, not on how to solve the problem of a flat tyre! :)
- Understand the Problem:
Make sure you understand all aspects of the problem to be tackled, and exactly what is being asked of you, before you begin.
- Hunt:
Hunt for the connection between known and unknown.
- Consider past problems
- Consider the laws
- Make new laws
- Plan:
Every operation (military or otherwise) requires an action plan! Take a step back and consider how you are going to go about solving your problem!
- Execute:
Execute your plan to the letter, with military precision, checking each step of the way.
- Examine:
Examine the outcome of your operation!
- Marvel:
Marvel at your efficiently deduced solution for a short period of time before checking it and realising it is incorrect.
- Repeat:
Repeat as necessary until you have reached a solution which matches that in the back of the book.
- Alternatively:
Alternatively, at any stage you can take the working result, add/subtract 63, multiply by the number you first thought of, square this product, then add or subtract a number until your answer concurrs with that in the back of the book. This method is very convenient but often fails during exams -- The silly examiners usually forget to include the answers in the back of the question paper.