How do you pick the right kinematic equation?

There is more than one correct answer.

A: You try all of them until one of them works

B: You have to guess and try your luck

C: You have to look for the variable that is not needed

D: You have to get good at memorizing and recalling the equations.

Correct answer: C and D. The easiest way of picking the correct kinematic equation is figuring out which variable (time, acceleration, displacement, initial velocity, or final velocity), is NOT cared for at all in the problem. Then look for which equation is missing that variable. For example, if the problem doesn’t involve displacement, look for an equation that doesn’t include displacement ( vf = v0 + at). It will also help to just memorize all the equations!

How do you pick the right kinematic equation?

How do you pick the right kinematic equation?

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