Simple Pendulum and harmonic motion

[Husker70]

Homework Statement

A sim[le pendulum has a mass of .25kg and a length of 1.0m. It is displaced
through an angle of 15degrees and then released. What are (a) the maximum
speed, (b) the maximum angular acceleration, and (c) the maximum restoring
force? Solve the problem once by using the simple harmonic motion model for
the motion of the pendulum, and then solve the problem more precisely by
using more general principles.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

The problem that I am having is getting started. I know this isn't
hard. I got the part (c) for the second on with the restoring force to be
mgsin theta = .634N and it is correct. I know the answer for the simple
models are close to the more precise ones but I can't find any way to
start.
Thanks for any help,
Kevin

 

[phyzmatix]

Think of where the bob will reach its maximum speed. You might also want to make use of the law of conservation of energy