Carrying out calculations is an inevitable activity in solving problems in Science. This masterpiece highlights the causes of incompetence in handling calculations in Science. Four stages of handling calculations are explained and Ten guidelines for handling calculations are presented. This is a must-read for every student and instructor of Science.

1. HOW TO SOLVE
CALCULATIONS IN
SCIENCE.
By
Temple Eke

2. INTRODUCTION
Carrying out calculations is
an inevitable activity in
solving problems in Physics
and Chemistry.

3. There are two main causes
of incompetence in handling
calculations in Physics and
Chemistry.

4. The first cause of
incompetence is the lack of a
SOLID MATHEMATICAL
BACKGROUND.

5. The second cause of
incompetence is Stereotyping.
What does this mean?

6. Stereotyping means the
habit of trying to solve every
problem by recalling an
established formula and
substituting given values.

7. Rote memorization and
recall of formula cannot solve
all categories of problems in
Physics and Chemistry.

8. Many problems in Physics
and Chemistry are data-
involved and technically
mixed.

9. A better habit is to solve
problems by applying the
knowledge of the principles
and concepts involved.

10. The most important
requirement for handling
calculations in Physics and
Chemistry is a SOLID
MATHEMATICAL BACKGROUND.

11. Some basic mathematical
concepts must be understood.

12. ❏Fractions.
❏Decimals.
❏Percentages.
❏Ratio and Proportion.

13. More basic mathematical
concepts ...

14. ❏Logarithms.
❏Solution of Equations.
❏Variation.
❏Calculus.
❏Interpretation of Graphs.

15. FOUR main stages are
involved in the effective
handling of calculations in
Physics and Chemistry.

16. STAGE ONE.
COMPREHENSION:
This involves thorough reading
and total understanding of the
problem...

17. ... the data provide is
collected in orderly form, and
the unknown to be found is
identified.

18. ... the data provided can
also be represented by an
appropriate diagram.

19. STAGE TWO.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING:
This is the representation of
the given problem in
Mathematical form...

20. ... it involves a recall of the
appropriate formula or the
synthesis of a mathematical
equation specific for the given
problem.

21. ... effectiveness in this stage
requires learning and
mastering the basic principles
and concepts involved.

22. STAGE THREE.
SOLUTION.
This is the process of solving
the resulting mathematical
equation...

23. ... it involves substituting
given values from the data
provided and computational
processing...

24. ... excellent mathematical
proficiency is required in this
stage.

25. STAGE FOUR.
INTERPRETATION.
This stage involves the
appreciation of the SCIENTIFIC
SIGNIFICANCE of the result of
the calculation.

26. Here are ten (10) guidelines
for handling calculations in
Physics and Chemistry.

27. 1. Read the questions
carefully.
2. Understand the problem
thoroughly.

28. 3. Collect the data provided.
4. Check the units of the given
quantities and ensure that they
conform. Use the appropriate
conversion relationships.

29. 5. Identify the unknown to
be found and represent it by
an appropriate symbol where
necessary.

30. 6. Recall (or develop) the
appropriate formula.
7. Make the unknown the
subject of the formula.

31. 8. Substitute the given
values in the formula and find
the unknown.

32. 9. Present the result of the
calculation appropriately and
assign its unit.

33. 10. Appreciate the
SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE of
the result of the calculation.

34. References:
1. Mastering Stoichiometry by Temple
Eke.https://a.co/d/a0hTqdO
2. Mastering Chemical Kinetics and Chemical
Equilibrium by Temple Eke. https://a.co/d/harmd58
3. Mastering Electrochemistry and
Thermochemistry by Temple Eke.
https://a.co/d/aW4PstB
4. Mathematics: Mastering Number and
Numeration by Temple Eke. https://a.co/d/2LIarjx

35. THE AUTHOR
Temple Eke has been an active teacher of Chemistry,
Physics, Mathematics, and Biology for over 30 years,
helping thousands of students excel in their various
careers. He is the author of over 40 books in Chemistry,
Physics, Mathematics, and Biology. He is well known for his
simplified teaching techniques, and explicit writing styles.
His academic time is devoted to creating educational
content, engaging in academic research, and conducting
STEM training sessions for teachers and students.

36. Thank you!
Thank you!!
Thank you!!!