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Mastering Conic Sections Made EASY for the FE Exam!

December 17, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we tackle a conic sections problem step by step, helping you determine the center of the curve and identify its type. By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools and confidence to handle similar questions with ease.

Question:

In this question, we are presented with the general equation of a conic section, and our job can be split up into two objectives: First, we need to determine the center of the conic section and secondly, we must identify the type of conic section it represents. Before diving into the solution, let’s take a moment to review some essential concepts that will help us approach this problem effectively.

Determine the center of the conic section described by the following general equation, and identify the type of conic section it represents:

9𝑥² + 16𝑦² − 54𝑥 + 64𝑦 = 311

Problem Context: Conic Sections

We start off by looking at what ‘conic sections’ refers to. This can be defined as any curve formed by the intersection of a plane with a right circular cone, as illustrated here. The type of curve—whether it’s an ellipse, parabola, circle, or hyperbola—depends on the angle at which the plane intersects the cone. Mathematically, we can distinguish between the different curves created by this intersecting plane using two key angles.

The first angle, denoted as θ (theta) in the FE Handbook, represents the angle between the intersecting plane and the vertical axis of the cone. The second angle, φ (phi), is the vertex angle, measured between the vertical axis of the cone, and its slanted outer surface. If these two angles are known, we can calculate what is referred to as the eccentricity of the conic sections using the formula:

How to Avoid the Perfectionism Trap and Pass Your PE Exam

December 10, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I share actionable tips to avoid the perfectionism trap and explain how doing so can improve your chances of passing the PE exam. As engineers, we’re trained to aim for perfection—whether it’s in solving problems, designing structures, or excelling in school exams. However, when it comes to the PE exam, striving for perfection can actually work against you.

Why Perfectionism Can Be a Problem on the PE Exam

When you sit down for the PE exam, it’s natural to want to ace every question. However, this mindset can quickly lead to time mismanagement. Dwelling too long on challenging problems—what I call “time wasters”—can prevent you from addressing questions that you’re better equipped to answer.

Here’s the reality: You don’t need to get every question right to pass. Success on the PE exam is about strategic problem-solving, not perfection. The key is knowing when to move on and come back to challenging questions later.

A Proven Three-Step Process for Exam Success

Master Your FE Exam with Powerful Practice Testing Strategies!

December 3, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I dive into a topic that can seriously help you out: mastering the FE exam with powerful practice testing strategies. Trust me, if you’re an engineering student, you don’t want to miss this. Getting this right can make all the difference in your exam success!

Preparing for the FE Exam can feel overwhelming – from finding the right resources to managing time effectively and overcoming exam anxiety. Many students experience a surge of stress as the exam date nears, and it’s easy to get lost in a maze of resources that may not even align with your goals. Ineffective study habits can add to the frustration, leaving you feeling less confident and even more stressed. Sound familiar? If you’ve felt this way, know that you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: with the right practice testing strategies, you can tackle these challenges head-on and transform your study sessions into highly productive experiences. Let’s break down a few methods that can sharpen your preparation and boost your confidence on test day.

Timed Quizzes

Traffic Engineering License vs. PE License: Here’s the Difference!

November 26, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Andrew Lee, PE, TE, about the unique Traffic Engineering (TE) license: why he pursued it, how to earn it, and how it differs from the PE license.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Andrew:

Can you explain what a traffic engineering license is and why you decided to pursue it?
How has having the TE license helped you as a traffic engineer in California?
Just to clarify, this exam is separate from the PE exam’s traffic-focused section, right?
Is the TE exam entirely focused on state-specific traffic engineering and results in a unique designation?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Are You Truly READY for the FE Exam? Find out Here!

November 19, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I take a deep dive into tips to pass your PE exam while also assessing your FE exam prep to make sure you’re ready to crush it on your first try. For those who might not be familiar, the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a big deal for engineering students—it’s the stepping stone towards becoming a licensed engineer. If you’re planning to take the FE exam, it’s super important to assess your readiness.

Now, let’s break down some of the common challenges that candidates face when prepping for the FE exam. First off, many students struggle with time management. Between classes, internships, and maybe even a social life, finding time to study can feel impossible. Not to mention, understanding the exam format can be tricky too! You’ve got multiple-choice questions, and they can cover a wide range of topics. It can be overwhelming if you’re not prepared. So, what do you do when you hit these roadblocks, and how do you know when you are ready to take the exam?

Here are some key things to consider:

1. Understanding the FE Exam

Conquer the Civil PE Exam with These Strategies!

November 13, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Zachary Lenz, PE, a transportation engineer at Burns & McDonnell, who recently conquered the revamped, tougher Civil PE exam and shares how the right approach can make all the difference.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Zachary:

Can you start by sharing your overall approach to studying for the civil PE exam?
What was the most challenging part of the new civil PE exam, and how did you overcome it?
How did Burns and McDonald support you in preparing for the PE exam?
How did your practical experience as a transportation engineer help you prepare for the PE exam?
Can you explain the CBT format and how it affects exam preparation?
What study materials or resources were most helpful during your preparation?
What final piece of advice would you give to engineers preparing for the PE exam?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Getting Your P.E. License Made EASY!

November 12, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Madison Anderson, PE, a transportation engineer at Stanley Consultants, about her inspiring journey to earning her P.E. license, the motivations that fueled her, how it shaped her career, and her top exam success tips.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Madison

What are the most important steps engineers should follow when getting ready for the PE exam, based on your experience?
What challenges did you face while preparing for the PE exam, and how did you overcome them?
How did your company, Stanley Consultants, support you during your journey to getting your P.E. license?
What specific strategies or study materials were most helpful for you when preparing for the PE exam?
What are some common mistakes engineers make while studying for the PE exam, and how can they avoid them?
Has earning your P.E. license improved your engineering skills, or has it mainly boosted your confidence?
Have you thought about getting licensed in other states, and what do you know about that process and any challenges it brings?
What final piece of advice can you give to engineers just starting their journey toward earning their P.E. license?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Why the Combined Stress Formula is the BEST Way to Ace Your FE Exam!

November 5, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), we guide you through the Combined Stress Formula for a cantilevered beam, a valuable skill that will enhance your FE Exam prep and strengthen your understanding of essential engineering concepts.

Question:

In this scenario, we have a 300 mm cantilevered beam with a 20 mm x 20 mm square cross-section. One end of the beam is securely fixed, while the other end carries two applied loads: an axial force F_x = 200 N and a perpendicular force F_y = 150 N. Our goal is to determine the maximum combined stress produced by these forces at the base of the beam, focusing specifically on point A.

Problem Context: Combined Stresses

Before we jump into the question, let’s set the stage by exploring the concept of combined stress. This combined stress state occurs when an object experiences different kinds of loads at the same time. For instance, a beam subject to both axial and bending forces will develop a combination of these induced stresses throughout its structure. In general, there are five key stress types you should be familiar with to be able to solve these kinds of problems, and they are listed here as:

Axial stress
Bending stress
Shear stress
Torsional stress
Thermal stress

We’ll start off with a quick explanation of each stress case, starting off with axial stress.

Axial Stress

Becoming a Licensed Engineer: A Career-Changing Milestone You Need to Reach

October 29, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I talk with Jaime Cunningham, PE, associate bridge engineer at Pennoni, about how becoming a licensed engineer transformed her career. She shares powerful strategies for acing the exam, navigating the process, and elevating her role in the civil engineering world.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Jaime:

What motivated you to pursue the PE exam, and when did you know it was the right time in your career to take it?
Once you decided to take the PE exam, how did you prepare, and what strategies or resources were most helpful?
How did you structure your study routine, and why was a review course effective in keeping you on track?
What challenges did you face during your exam preparation, and how did you manage your time and priorities to overcome them?
What steps did you take after passing the exam to officially apply for and receive your PE license?
How did Pennoni support you financially and help you connect with colleagues who had already passed the PE exam?
Looking back, what do you think was the key factor in your success with passing the PE exam?
How do you think having a PE license will impact your future career opportunities and growth in engineering?
What final piece of advice you would give to engineers preparing for or considering the PE exam?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Mastering the FE Exam Through Reflective Studying

October 22, 2024 by Anthony Fasano, P.E. Leave a Comment

In this article (and video above), I dive into the transformative practice of reflective studying for engineering exams. Join us as we explore how adopting a reflective approach can elevate your preparation for the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam, leading you towards achieving your professional engineering license.

Preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is a significant step toward obtaining your professional engineering license. However, the journey to success in this crucial examination often demands more than mere rote memorization of equations and concepts. To truly excel, aspiring engineers must adopt a reflective and strategic approach to their study regimen. Reflective studying is a powerful tool for boosting your FE exam preparation and can be particularly effective.

But first, what exactly is reflective studying or learning?

Reflective learning typically involves looking back at something, a past experience or idea and critically analyzing the event. By looking at successful and unsuccessful aspects of an experience, reflection will help students learn from their past experiences and turn surface learning into deeper learning.

It’s not just passive absorption of information. It involves actively engaging with the material, asking yourself questions, and analyzing your understanding. This helps you identify areas of weakness, solidify your knowledge, and develop better problem-solving strategies.

Blog

Question:

Problem Context: Conic Sections

Why Perfectionism Can Be a Problem on the PE Exam

A Proven Three-Step Process for Exam Success

Timed Quizzes

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Andrew:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Here are some key things to consider:

1. Understanding the FE Exam

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Zachary:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Madison

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

Question:

Problem Context: Combined Stresses

Axial Stress

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Jaime:

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

But first, what exactly is reflective studying or learning?

Here Are Some Benefits of Reflective Studying for FE Exam Preparation: