The textbook has many examples, the lecture has examples, the student study guide has examples, but at some point you need to solve problems on your own. You can t become a violinist by simply watching other violinists play the violin. If you do poorly on an exam go to the instructor to see the key and ask questions about where you had problems. But when it comes time for me to work the homework I m lost. I ve heard this comment thousands of times.
Problem solving is an artform that only develops over time and after hard work.
The more problems you solve the better you get at it. Here are a few pointers on becoming a good problem solver. Read the text and webnotes, then start the problems by reading a problem slowly to make sure you understand the question. Make a big figure. Write down the givens and circle the unknowns.