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SPH3U

LET THE PHYSICS BEGIN…

TAKE NOTES IF THE CONCEPT

APPLIES TO YOU…

Day 1

• REARRANGING

FORMULAS

• LINEAR EQUATIONS

• USING TRIG

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Clearing Fractions

1. Clearing fractions means multiplying the entire equation by a denominator.

2. To isolate a variable,

you always must do

the opposite

operation to

remove anything

that’s connected to

it. (Ex: The opposite

of adding is

subtracting – not

dividing).

Isolating Variables

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� The opposite of square-root is squaring.

Isolating Variables cont’d

3. The opposite of a trig function (sin, cos, tan, etc) is an inverse trig function.

Isolating Variables Cont’d

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4. To solve for a variable, it must be on the numerator of an expression.

Isolating Variables Cont’d

5. We use decimals in physics, not exact values. If you know the exact values of sin/cos/tan 30/45/60 cool, but I still want the decimal. I always want the decimal – that goes for the quadratic equation too.

We use DECIMALS!!!!

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Slope of a line

6. Slope of a line is determined using the slope equation.

7. Use substitution when a variable is already isolated (or easy to isolate)

S.O.L.E. – Solving Sets of Linear EquationsSubstitution or Elimination?

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8. Use elimination when your equations are arranged in the same way (or a variable is not already isolated or easy to isolate)

S.O.L.E. – Solving Sets of Linear EquationsSubstitution or Elimination?

Trig

9. If your trig is weak, learn SOH CAH TOA!

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Pythagorean Theorem

10. Pythagorean Theorem only applies to right angle triangles. This equation can be arranged 3 different ways.

Sine & Cosine Laws

11. Use Sine Law and

Cosine Law when the

triangle is non-right

angle.

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Sine & Cosine Laws Cont’d

12. For non-right angle triangles use Sine Law when

you know an angle across from a known side

and are looking to find another angle or side

whose angle or side across from it you know

(SSA or ASA). Use Cosine Law when you have

an angle contained between 2 sides (ASA) or all

three sides (SSS).

Today’s Task:

Worksheet #1

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Day 2

• SIG FIG RULES

• SCIENTIFIC NOTATION

Sig Figs

� Non-zero digits are ALWAYS significant

� Zeros are tricky:

� Zeros before numbers are NOT significant

� Zeros between numbers are significant

� Zeros after numbers and after decimals are sig. (expresses precision)

� Zeros after number may or may not be significant. If they can be expressed in scientific notation it will help

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Sig Figs in Calculations

� In a calculation involving x, ÷, trig functions, etc., the number of significant digits in an answer should equal the least number of significant digits in any one of the numbers being multiplied, divided etc.

� When quantities are being added or subtracted, the number of decimal places (not significant digits) in the answer should be the same as the least number of decimal places in any of the numbers being added or subtracted.

Scientific Notation

� A way of expressing really big or really small numbers

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Your Magic Button – NEVER

type x10!!!

Unit Conversions

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Today’s Task:

Worksheet #2