All the words that follow such words as if, assuming that, while, and similar constraining words, are of no use in starting a solution and must be ignored in starting a problem solution. These will be asked for when needed as the solution progresses. Continuing a problem solution Continuing a problem solution proceeds the same as starting a solution. Identify what is asked for and respond to the requests. Each step tells you what to do next.
Problems are self-solving so far as the logical organization is concerned.
The problem solver supplies knowledge and mathematical skills as needed but does not need to figure out how to solve the problem. The equations tell you what to do. More on understanding a problem Progress in understanding a problem evolves as the solution evolves much as the meaning of a sentence evolves as it is read. Frequently a problem, or a sentence, can be understood after it has been processed. Solving a problem and obtaining a result does not necessarily guarantee understanding the problem.