First, sketch the problem properly—two masses, 3 kg and 5 kg, on a pulley’s two sides. The acceleration is a = (m2 - m1)g / (m1 + m2), so here it is (5-3)*9.8 / (3+5) = 2.45 m/s². Tension T = m1(g+a) = 3*(9.8+2.45) = 36.75 N. This precise calculation reminds me of stitching signatures in a notebook—each step must be exact, or the whole binding goes askew, much like your son’s physics formulas must be.
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