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- M. Choose a model from the hierarchy that will help you to solve the problem.
Models summarize the mathematical content of the course. For example, if you know that your system experiences a constant acceleration, there are specific equations that you can use to describe the system’s position and velocity as time elapses. To help you get a big picture overview of the course, we have organized the most important models that you will learn into a hierarchy of models.
Strategy and the S.I.M.
When starting problems using the S.I.M. approach, it is important to understand that you cannot think of this as a “1, 2, 3” rubric. Choosing the most advantageous system when solving a problem will often require you to understand the interactions in the problem. Choosing an appropriate model will always require a good understanding of the interactions. The way that you describe the interactions will require you to think about the model you want to employ. These relationships are fundamental to a strategic approach to problem solving.
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