[The Tao]

What is the p^H of 0.53M potassium formate, HCOOK?

This is the question, do they not need to give more information? At least the K_a?

As far as I can get is the acid/base formula, which I am not sure is even correct:

HCOOK + H₂O <---> COOK^- + H₃O⁺

I am not asking for the answer, but perhaps a hint?

[LQ43]

HCOOK + H₂O <---> COOK^- + H₃O⁺

no, not correct

potassium formate is a salt. Which ion will affect the pH?

Ka/Kb is probably in a table in your textbook

[The Tao]

Is it:

HCOOK + H₂O <---> CO₂ + K⁺ + H₃O

?

And I don't think I'm supposed to look it up in a table, they don't really do questions like that. But is that the only way you can see I would be able to answer the question?

[LQ43]

Is it:

HCOOK + H₂O <---> CO₂ + K⁺ + H₃O

Sorry still not correct

there are 2 steps
1. dissociate the salt into its cation and anion
2. decide which ion will affect the pH

You are trying to do both of these things at once. (please focus on #1 - what is the cation? then the anion?)
Your textbook should have information on what kinds of cations and anions will affect pH.

H₂O will react with one of these ions to affect the pH.

And I don't think I'm supposed to look it up in a table, they don't really do questions like that. But is that the only way you can see I would be able to answer the question?

Yes, there is a partial ionization and this is reflected in the equilibrium constant. The inital concentration alone is not enough.