Three Step Method
I developed the Three Step Method because I needed a better way to solve math problems. I learned the importance of careful reading and how identifying key words helped me understand what formulas to use. I learned where to place the Formula (F) and Conversions & Calculations (C&C), into the solution procedure to solve the problem.
Now I want to show you. We’ll start with this example, Volume, cylinder, gallon problem
Using the Three Step Method
FIRST. Read the question CAREFULLY and look for KEY WORDS to help you decide what formula to use.
Example 1 = How many gallons of water are in a tank that is 15 ft in Dia and 20 ft tall?
SECOND. By using the KEY WORDS you see this is a (Volume) problem, that includes (diameter and gallons).
The Formula (F) and Conversions & Calculations (C&C) are shown below.
Pro Tip: You can use the answers given to help determine what formula to use!
Cyl, Gal = 0.785 x (Dia/ft)2 x Ht, Dpth or Lgth x 7.48 gal/ft3 (F)
THIRD. Follow the solution procedure below to solve the problem!
.785 x 15 Dia/ft x 15 Dia/ft x 20 ft/tall x 7.48 gal/ft3 = 26,423.1 Gal
Not all questions are going to be this basic. The next question will include Conversions & Calculations (C&C).
This example is a Chlorination, Gas, lbs problem.
Using the Three Step Method
FIRST. Read the question CAREFULLY and look for KEY WORDS to help you decide what formula to use.
Example 2: How many pounds of chlorine do you need to disinfect a tank that is 15 ft in Dia and 20 ft tall, with a dosage of 40 ppm?
SECOND. By using the KEY WORDS you see this is a (Chlorination) problem, that includes (gas, lbs).
The Formula (F) and Conversions & Calculations (C&C) are shown below.
Pro Tip: You can use the answers given to help determine what formula to use!
Follow the steps in the Gas, lbs Formula (F)3 to determine what Conversions & Calculations (C&C) to use.
(C&C)1 and (C&C)2 are used to find MG, step 1 of (F)3
40 ppm, shown in the problem, is step 2 of (F)3
8.34 lbs/gal is the constant, and step 3 of (F)3
Cyl, Gal = 0.785 x (Dia/ft)2 x Ht, Dpth or Lgth x 7.48 gal/ft3 (C&C)1
MG = Gallons divided by 1,000,000 (C&C)2
Gas, lbs = Vol, MG x ppm or mg/l x 8.34 lbs/gal (F)3
THIRD. Follow the solution procedure below to solve the Problem!
.785 x 15 Dia/ft x 15 Dia/ft x 20 ft x 7.48 gal/ft3 = 26,423.1 Gal
26,423.1 Gal / 1,000,000 = .0264 MG
.0264 MG x 40 ppm x 8.34 lbs/gal = 8.8 Lbs
I know this seems complicated and intimidating now, but with practice the problems will become easier, and you will get better. Eventually, you will get to the point of memorization, and your confidence will grow.
Keep coming back, tackle new problems every day! Remember persistence, repetition, and studying of multiple resources over time will be your greatest benefit.