Identify the object, forces, and the constraint linking the motions
Choose coordinate axes aligned with the motion or constraint
Write the kinematic variables for each connected part
Express the constraint equation relating positions, velocities, or accelerations
Differentiate the constraint equation if needed to connect velocity and acceleration
Draw a free-body diagram for each moving body
Apply Newton’s second law along the allowed directions of motion
Include tension, normal force, friction, weight, or other relevant forces
Substitute the constraint relations into the force equations
Solve the resulting simultaneous equations for the unknowns
Check signs, units, and whether the answer matches the physical setup
Verify the result using limiting cases or simple consistency checks