Answer:
First, decide where the origin of coordinates is and which axis direction is positive. It is often easiest to place the particle at the
origin at time ; then . It helps to make a motion diagram showing the coordinates and some later positions of the
particle.
2. Keep in mind that your choice of the positive axis direction automatically determines the positive direction for x velocity and x
acceleration. If is positive to the right of the origin, then and are also positive toward the right.
3. Restate the problem in words, and then translate it into symbols and equations.
4. Make a list of known and unknown quantities such as , , , , , and . Write down the values of the known quantities, and
decide which of the unknowns are the target variables. Look for implicit information.
