Helpful Hints for Solving Numerical Problems

For detailed and helpful tips on working numerical problems, go to the Tennessee Tech library and check out the book "Math Survival Guide", by Jeffrey R. Appling (QA 11 .A664 1994). These tips can be summarized as follows:

Read through the problem carefully. Write down what the given information is. Write down what the question is asking for. Write down the equation(s) that will get you to the answer. Always carry along the units. Think about your numerical answer for a minute and ask yourself if it makes sense. Do your homework, which will make you more familiar with the variables and equations. Give yourself a practice test.

A very common error that students make is related to their ability to use their own calculator. For example, a student wants to multiply by the number 105 to convert the pressure from "bar" units to "Pascals" of pressure. They mistakenly key in:

10E5

thinking that equals 105. In fact, that equals:

10x10⁵

---

because the symbol E5 really stands for

E5 = 10⁵

In other words, be familiar with using your calculator BEFORE you go into a testing situation. I have seen juniors and seniors making this mistake. No wonder they have struggled through much of their chemistry career!!!!.