General principles for solving real-world problems:
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Solving problems involving real things involves physical insight. 
Physical insight is yet another of those powers of mind that I want you to
develop.  As usual, there are no hard-and-fast rules on how to do this, as
with other skills I've stressed, including drawing, spatial reasoning,
analysis, or finding elegant mathematical solutions. 

However, developing physical insight is a common problem among beginning
students in the sciences---I had a rather bad case of it, myself.  As with
drawing, the key to which is the act of *correct* observation---and
indeed, with most of the other above-mentioned skills---there *are* ways
to *help* you develop physical insight.  Actually doing it, though, is up
to you: I *can't* do it for you.  Still, here are my recommendations,
which I hope are helpful: 

1) Write down, in your own words, just what the problem is asking.  What
exactly is it that you're trying to find?

2) Draw a picture, no matter how trivial it seems.  Even the simplest
pictures can help enormously to let you see what's going on. 

3) Get started early!  Insight often works best when you're relaxed.  If
you don't have an immediate insight into a problem, go on to another, and
maybe the "Aha!" phenomenon will hit you. This applies to both homework
and exams.

4) Remember how you get to Carnegie Hall: lots and lots of practice.


Remember also:

- Always write the units.

- Always show your work.

- Make sure your answer is clearly marked.  Use extra sheets of paper, if
needed.

- Always do _something_: give it the old college try!