Determine the balanced chemical equation
Identify the reactants involved in the rate-determining step
Write the general rate law form: rate = k[A]^m[B]^n
Use experimental data to find the reaction orders m and n
Compare how changes in reactant concentration affect the reaction rate
Use the method of initial rates
Use integrated rate laws if concentration-time data are given
Use the half-life method if applicable
Use the isolation method for reactions with multiple reactants
Determine the rate constant k after finding the orders
Verify the rate law with additional experimental data