To keep on track, record your facts in tables. This last column is the place to record a formula that can help you solve the problem. Sometimes the sound of your voice will jar loose the solution to a problem. Talk yourself through the solution. Read equations out loud.
Check results Work problems backwards, then forwards.
Start at both ends and work towards the middle to check your work. Take a minute to make sure you kept the units of measurement clear. Another way to check your work is to estimate the answer before you compute it. Then ask if the answer you actually got seems in the ballpark. Savor the solution Savor the times when you're getting correct answers to most of the problems in your textbook.