- Determine the support reactions (vertical forces) at the supports of the simply supported beam using equilibrium equations.

- ΣF_y = 0 (Sum of vertical forces equals zero)

- ΣM = 0 (Sum of moments about a point equals zero)

- Start from the left end of the beam.

- The shear force at the starting point is equal to the reaction force at that support.

- As you move along the beam, the shear force will change due to applied loads.

- For a point load, the shear force changes abruptly by the magnitude of the load (upwards for upward load, downwards for downward load).

- For a uniformly distributed load (UDL), the shear force changes linearly. The slope of the shear force diagram is equal to the magnitude of the UDL.

- Continue until you reach the end of the beam. The shear force at the end should be equal to the reaction at the other support (with opposite sign).

- Start from the left end of the beam. The bending moment at the starting point is usually zero for a simply supported beam.

- The bending moment at any point is the area under the shear force diagram up to that point.

- For sections where the shear force is constant, the bending moment changes linearly.

- For sections where the shear force changes linearly (due to UDL), the bending moment changes parabolically.

- The maximum bending moment usually occurs where the shear force is zero.

- The bending moment at the end of the beam should be zero for a simply supported beam.

- Indicate the values of shear force and bending moment at critical points (e.g., where loads are applied, where shear force is zero).

- Note the sign conventions: Usually, upward shear force and clockwise bending moments are taken as positive.