Phoenix Firefighter cheat sheet

Main idea is the central point of a passage; supporting details explain or prove it, and it is often stated in the first or last sentence.

An inference is a conclusion logically implied by the text but not stated directly; it must be supported by specific evidence.

Sequence words such as first, then, before, after, and finally indicate the order of steps or events.

Context clues include definition, example, contrast, and cause-effect signals that reveal an unfamiliar word's meaning.

Author's purpose is usually to inform, persuade, entertain, or instruct; tone and verb choice often reveal which one.

A fact can be verified; an opinion is a judgment or belief, often signaled by words such as should, best, or beautiful.

Transition words show relationships: also and moreover add, however and but contrast, because and since show cause, therefore and thus show effect.

In technical procedures, imperative verbs mark steps and signal words such as must, never, only, and warning indicate required or prohibited actions.

Flow rate formula: Q = A × V, where Q is flow, A is cross-sectional area, and V is velocity; keep units consistent.

Area formulas: rectangle = length × width; circle = πr², where r is half the diameter; triangle = ½ × base × height.

Volume formulas: rectangular prism = length × width × height; cylinder = πr²h; 1 cubic foot ≈ 7.48 gallons; 1 gallon = 231 cubic inches.

Pressure and head: 1 psi ≈ 2.31 feet of water; elevation change produces about 0.5 psi per foot of rise or drop.

Pump discharge pressure: PDP = nozzle pressure + friction loss + appliance loss + elevation loss or gain.

Friction loss formula: FL = C × Q² × L, where C is the hose coefficient, Q is flow in hundreds of gpm, and L is length in hundreds of feet.

Percentage: part = percent × whole; percent change = (new value − old value) ÷ old value × 100.

Average = sum of values ÷ number of values; a ratio a:b compares two quantities and proportions are solved by cross-multiplying.

Elapsed time: subtract start time from end time, borrowing 60 minutes when the minutes of the start time are larger.

First-class lever has the fulcrum between effort and load; second-class lever has the load between fulcrum and effort; third-class lever has the effort between fulcrum and load.

Lever mechanical advantage = effort arm length ÷ load arm length; a longer effort arm reduces the force needed to move a load.

A fixed pulley changes direction only and has a mechanical advantage of 1; a movable pulley reduces effort, and its advantage equals the number of rope segments supporting the load.

Meshed gears rotate in opposite directions; a larger gear turns slower and delivers more torque, with the ratio set by the numbers of teeth.

Wheel-and-axle mechanical advantage = wheel radius ÷ axle radius; a larger wheel increases turning force at the axle.

Pascal's principle: pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions; force = pressure × area, so a larger piston produces greater force.

Inclined plane mechanical advantage = ramp length ÷ ramp height; a longer, gentler ramp reduces the force needed to raise a load.

Friction opposes motion and increases with normal force and surface roughness; lubrication and smoother surfaces reduce friction.

Compass bearings: north = 0° or 360°, east = 90°, south = 180°, west = 270°; bearings increase clockwise.

Grid coordinates are read right then up: first the easting, then the northing.

Map scale: actual distance = map distance × scale factor; multiply before converting units such as inches to feet.

Contour lines close together indicate steep terrain; widely spaced lines indicate gentle slopes; a V-shaped contour points upstream.

A mirror reverses left and right but not up and down, and the object's distance from the mirror equals the image's distance.

A 90° clockwise rotation maps point (x, y) to (y, −x); a 90° counterclockwise rotation maps it to (−y, x).

In a cube net, opposite faces never share an edge; fold along each edge to confirm which faces meet.

Line of sight is blocked when a straight segment between observer and target crosses an obstruction; raising the observer can restore visibility.

Communication loop: sender encodes a message, sends it through a channel, receiver decodes it, and feedback confirms understanding; noise can distort any stage.

Active listening uses paraphrase, clarifying questions, and reflection of feelings while avoiding interruption and judgment.

Conflict resolution separates people from the problem, focuses on interests rather than positions, and seeks mutual gain.

Unity of command means each employee reports to only one supervisor for a given task, preventing conflicting orders.

Span of control is the number of subordinates one supervisor can effectively manage; fire service guidance often suggests three to seven.

An assertive message describes the behavior, states its impact, and requests a specific change without passive or aggressive language.

Team roles should be explicit: the leader sets direction, while followers execute tasks and report results, reducing duplication and gaps.

Stress warning signs include rapid breathing, tunnel vision, and racing thoughts; a deliberate tactical pause and controlled breathing can restore focus.