Engineering Problem Solving in 8 Steps
Are your old problem solving methods not working for your engineering assignments? Tired of staring at a problem not knowing where to start? If the answer is ‘yes’, then you need to update your problem solving techniques.
Engineering problems are complex and much more detailed than problems in other fields. These complexities require a different approach to problem solving.
Check out these steps that I used to use as a student. Once I started doing these steps my comprehension and grades got a big boost. Give them a try!
Read the Problem
Thoroughly read the problem. Focus on it when you’re reading it. Think about what you’re reading, not about distractions around you like the texts and social media notifications popping up on your phone next to you.
If you think about it, most of the time you’re probably only half focused on what you’re reading. Devote 100% of your attention to the problem at hand. It’ll save you time in the long run because you won’t have to keep rereading the same information.
Write the Entire Problem Statement
Yep! You need to write out that long problem statement. Even if it’s long. Even if it’s really, really long!
You’ll gain a better understanding of the problem at hand. Plus, if you skipped over an important detail when reading the statement, you’ll catch it here.
I know it’s a pain and time consuming but, trust me, it works!
This is why I write out all the problem statements for the examples I work in class and online. If my students have to write it, they’ll usually remember more.
Find the Keywords
After writing the problem statement, underline or highlight the keywords. Now the keywords will change based on the topic but there are always keywords that provide great insight into a problem.
Look at the Thermodynamics example in the pic below.
I wrote out the entire problem statement in a neat manner, neat for me at least. And then, I went back and underlined and numbered the keywords in a different color.
Below the statement I wrote down what each keyword or phrase implied. I got a ton of information from doing this!
I can’t stress enough how important this step is for classes like Thermo, Fluids, and Mechanics of Materials. There are so many possible keywords in these classes; keywords that can really help you define the problem.
Terms like incompressible, ideal gas, steady state, elastic, etc. can give you ideas on how to go about solving a problem. Figure out what the important terms are in your class and make sure you search for them in each problem statement.
Draw a Picture
Now this won’t always be possible but try to put the problem in a visual format. Draw a rough sketch of what’s going on.
Use numbers and units if you have them. It doesn’t have to be fancy but this will help you to see what’s going on in better detail.
It’s easier to do problem solving when you can actually visualize the problem in your head.
Using engineering paper makes this part easier because it has gridlines.
Write Down the Equations
Write down any equations relevant to the problem statement. The keywords will help you find them. For example, if you have a substance that can be modeled as an ideal gas, you know the ideal gas law applies.
Also, can you make any assumptions to simplify the problem? What are they?
Start Solving
Find the equation with the fewest unknowns and get to calculating!
A good calculator will help you out with this especially if you have to solve equations simultaneously.
Pay Attention to Units
How many times have you just skipped over writing the units? I know I used to do it all the time. Big mistake!!
Units are so important in your calculations. They can help you find errors in your calculations and guide you to make sure you are on the right track.
At each step check out the units and see if they make sense for your equation. If they don’t then figure out why.
I know it seems tedious but this is definitely a must do for engineering problem solving! This is especially true for unit-heavy classes like Thermodynamics.
Check the Final Answer
You’ve done all the calculations. You’ve got the final answer. Before you put a box around it, does it make sense for the problem?
If so, great! Box it and you’re done.
If not, what went wrong? Work backwards to find the error and fix it.
Engineering Problem Solving Isn’t That Bad
Engineering word problems have been a struggle for all of us. I’ve been there too.
Through these steps you will learn to better visualize and focus in on what problem you’re really solving.
If you really apply yourself and follow these steps, it will become easier.
