1. Give a complete description of the problem or (easier) photocopy the problem and tape it to the page.

2. Almost every problem benefits from a diagram. Label distances, angles, vectors, coordinate axes, etc. Unit vectors are helpful in preventing mistakes and in more complex problems.

3. Try to refrain from plugging in numbers until the end. Derive equations first, then substitute in numbers. Define your variables.

4. When possible, try to interpret your results. (e.g., why two values of time?, look for limits). Sometimes this uncovers mistakes.

5. Comment on how the problem could be made more interesting (e.g., with air resistance, non-uniform acceleration, higher speeds, etc.)