NEW APPROACHES: Analysis, graphs, approximations: a toolbox for solving problems

A simple kinematic problem is solved by using three different techniques - analysis, graphs and approximations. Using three different techniques is pedagogically sound for it leads the student to the realization that the physics of a problem rather than the solution technique is the more important for understanding. The approximation technique is a modification of the Newton - Raphson method but is considerably simpler, avoiding calculation of derivatives. It also offers an opportunity to introduce approximation techniques at the very beginning of physics study.