Physics is a very interesting subject if approached properly and maths is the basis of physics. Most students find it easy to grasp the theories but when it comes to numerical they get stuck. And let’s face it, for some students it’s painful! However, numericals are asked in defence exams and it is crucial to learn how to solve numericals. In physics, to prove the theories, we use mathematical equations, which are the tools to solve numericals. They are difficult to solve but don’t let that scare you. Understand the basics, put in practice and you’ll be solving numericals like a pro. 

All defence exams also now ask for numericals under the section of the general ability test. Around 25 questions are of physics, and hence it is very important to learn physics and how to solve numericals, to crack and score well in the exam. 

How to solve numericals the right way:

Step 1: Read through the entire question thoroughly. If the question is long, understand every chunk of the question given. This understanding will ease the process of the following steps and is crucial in obtaining the current answer. If you do not carefully and meticulously understand the question at hand, the answer is bound to be incorrect. 

Step 2: Do you want to know the secret weapon on how to solve numericals? Visualise! Picture the question and draw a diagram. Since the pattern of the exam is multiple-choice questions, a free hand diagram that makes sense to you is all you need to make the process easier. 

Step 3: Make a list and label the category as “Known variables”. Here, you will list everything that is given in the question that is known. For example, you are given values of two temperatures. Label them as T1 and T2 and note down their value.

Step 4: The next list you need to make is for unknown variables. List all the unknown variables in a separate section.

Step 5: The mathematics formula which applies to the question should be jotted down. It is important to pick the right formula for the question. Sometimes there’s confusion among students as to which formula should be used. Please understand, this confusion exists because you know the formulas applicable but you do not know the conditions in which they are the best applicable. Underneath every formula given in your textbook/ reference book, there is also a list of where the formula is best applicable. This list needs to be memorized as well. 

Step 6: Solve the equation for each unknown variable and find the correct answer. You also need to be careful and vigilant whilst solving the equation so that you do not make any mistakes or mathematical errors. 

Tips to solve numericals efficiently

Now that you know how to solve numericals, here are some tips and tricks to help you solve them correctly, quickly and effectively.

  1. This tip applies, when you are studying physics theory and practicals. When you watch tutorials, watch them in chunks. After every part/topic, pause the video and ponder over what you just learned. Scribble and write roughly about what you just learned.
  2. Visualization. Albert Einstein had said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” But why did he say that? He was a physicist and he should probably be talking about equations. That is because your imagination is so powerful and your brain remembers and locks information in long term memory in the form of images. If you can imagine physics, not only will it make your concepts strong, it will speed up your ability to solve numericals.
  3. The brain processes information better when you simplify it. Simplify a complex numerical by chunking it and making diagrams. This will ease the process of selecting the correct equation and ending up with a correct answer.
  4. Memorize all relevant equations and the conditions in which they are best applicable. Refer to step 5 in the above steps for more information.
  5. Solve basic math problems and get clear on the basic concepts of mathematics if you haven’t already. It is essential to have a grasp of basic math before you can solve numericals successfully. 
  6. Keep an “Error log”. It takes something whilst practising numericals to go back to the drawing board and see what you did wrong and what you need to do to avoid making the same mistake in future. Human beings learn through trial and error, and learning from the mistakes you made and getting feedback is the fastest way to learn anything.
  7. Finally, remember the 3 P’s to solve numericals successfully. 
  • Patience
  • Persistence
  • Practice

If you do not put in enough practice, the mastery is far away. To solve numericals successfully and quickly with the correct answer, practice is the magic formula and potion lotion you might be looking for. 

Bonus tip: Most students get anxious whilst solving numericals in exams and even during practice sessions. The solution is to calm yourself down and practice from a clear-headed space.

Conclusion:

If you apply everything that has been mentioned in the article, the headache surrounding how to solve numericals will ease, and you will also save yourself a lot of time and energy. Numericals are an integral part of physics, the practical aspect, and are used in solving problems in the real world. When you understand how to solve numericals the correct way and follow the tips and tricks in the article, a time will come when solving numericals will no longer be intimidating or difficult. It will become second nature.