What are good memorization strategies to memorize math formulas?

Question

Small study groups

flashcards

color code steps to problem

one on one tutoring

Answer 1

Memorization is not a skill I emphasize in mathematics. It is important at times: You need to remember the difference between sine and cosine, and it's too slow to rederive the quadratic formula or the derivative of tan x on an exam, but memorization is often overemphasized by students with gaps in their understanding that should be addressed instead. Make sure you are "friends" with each piece of a formula and understand why it is there.

If you must memorize some formulas, get enough sleep. This helps you to form memories. Staying up to cram is at best myopic. Make a formula sheet where you choose the most important formulas and write them out. (Don't just write everything. Think about what single tattoo you would get for the course.) Both choosing and writing will help you to remember them. If you are not allowed to bring a formula sheet into an exam, write out the sheet anyway and review it just before the exam. Then spend the first minute of the exam writing out key formulas from your short term memory.

Answer 2

One of the best tricks is to create shortcuts or fun phrases that help you remember. For example, instead of memorizing the full quadratic formula, turn it into a rhyme or say it like a rap. You can even use your own words or letters that make sense to you. The goal is to make it stick in your head

Or by using simple words or patterns that make sense to you. For example, to remember trigonometric ratios, just say:

SOH CAH TOA –

Sine = Opposite / Hypotenuse

Cosine = Adjacent / Hypotenuse

Tangent = Opposite / Adjacent

Easy to say, easy to remember!

Answer 3

I always encourage my students to write the formula every time they're using it. Writing is the one strategy that incorporates visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Also, encourage them to say them out loud while they're using them, doesn't have to be at full volume, but they need to hear themselves say it.

Answer 4

Those are all great strategies! Another method that has worked well for me is taking a sheet of paper and writing the same formula over and over until the entire page is filled. It might seem a bit tedious, but the repetition helps build muscle memory.