The first step is to clearly define the problem and identify the known and unknown variables. This will help you determine which equations and principles to use in your solution.
Start by drawing a free-body diagram for each object, showing all the forces acting on it. Then apply Newton's Second Law of Motion to each object separately and use algebra to solve for the unknown variables.
One way to double check your solution is to check for units consistency. Make sure the units of your final answer match the units of the given variables. You can also perform a simple plausibility check by estimating the magnitude of your answer and seeing if it makes sense in the context of the problem.
Drawing diagrams is crucial in solving mechanics problems as it helps you visualize the problem and all the forces at play. It also helps you organize your thoughts and identify any potential errors in your calculations.
If you get stuck, take a step back and revisit the problem. Make sure you have correctly identified all the known and unknown variables and that you are using the appropriate equations and principles. You can also try breaking the problem down into smaller, more manageable parts to help you solve it step by step.