Lecture 4B: Engineering Design and Creativity

The Rigor of analysis and the freedom of synthesis are the dual engines of problem solving

An Experienced Problem Solver is targeted (motivated, persistent, and careful), Deep (understands core facts and principles), Segmented (breaks the problem into pieces before starting), Principled (works logically from step to step)

reduction: the ability to logically break a problem into pieces

The canvas of logic:

Given variables, what you need to find, the relationships with the main equations, and the solution (substitutions, unit cancellation, final boxed answer)

use mechanical pencils that are fine

13 step Method: working backward

  1. find

    1. label unknown quantities with a question mark.

  2. find the relationships → write the main equation and do algebra

    1. write the main equation that contains the desired quantity

    2. algebraically manipulate the equation to isolate the desired quantity

    3. write subordinate equations for the unknown quantities in the main equation.

  3. given → draw the picture, state assumptions, list properties

    1. always draw a picture of the physical situation

    2. state any assumptions

  4. solution

    1. after all algebraic manipulations and substitutions are made, insert numerical values with their units

    2. Ensure that units cancel appropriately.

    3. Compute for the answer

    4. Clearly mark the final answer

    5. Check that the final answer makes physical sense

    6. Ensure that all questions have been answered