How to Memorize Math Formulas

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    Memorizing mathematical formulas isn’t always easy for children. In this article, I’m going to share some of the best ways to memorize math formulas quickly and effectively so you can solve math problems with confidence. 

    Key Points

    • Kids need to use strategies tailored to their learning styles to effectively memorize math formulas.
    • The best way to memorize math formulas is with the help of a math tutoring platform like Brighterly, which uses a personalized learning approach. 
    • They also enhance problem-solving and retention skills, abstract thinking, and real-world math application.

    How to remember math formulas easily?

    You can remember math formulas easily by breaking them up into smaller parts, connecting them to visual aids, and regularly practicing by solving mathematical problems.

    Now, let’s look into 10 techniques for memorizing math formulas quickly. 

    How to memorize math formulas fast? 10 techniques 

    1. Learning with a math tutoring platform 
    2. Create a mental image of the formula 
    3. Understand the formula
    4. Practice problems 
    5. Break the formula into smaller parts 
    6. Relate the formula to real life 
    7. Use mnemonics
    8. Practice with flashcards 
    9. Practice spaced repetition 
    10. Turn it into a rhyme or a song

    If you are wrestling with questions like ‘How to memorize math formulas fast?’, the abovementioned techniques can help. You can use several methods simultaneously or choose the one that suits your learning style the best.

    Best way to memorize math formulas: Learning with a math tutoring platform

    The best way to memorize math formulas is through a math tutoring platform. Some platforms use personalized learning approaches and tailor lessons to focus on areas you need the most help with. Moreover, these platforms use props, AI, and visual aids to cater to different learning styles.

    One of these platforms is the Brighterly math tutoring platform. Let’s discover in detail its approaches to the ‘How to memorize math formulas quickly?’ question.

    What is Brighterly math tutoring platform?

    Brighterly is an online 1-on-1 tutoring platform for elementary and middle school students. Brighterly math program is Common Core-aligned and blends interactive, game-based learning with a structured STEM-focused approach. Brighterly reviews have a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot, making it one of the leading math tutoring services. 

    How to memorize math formulas with Brighterly?

    Learning math formulas with Brighterly math tutors 

    To help kids remember math formulas, they first teach them to understand how formulas are used and then progress to core complex concepts of how to memorize formulas using children’s unique learning styles. Knowing what works best for your child is key and can be the best way to help memorize math formulas.

    In addition, the program is adaptive and customized to each student, allowing children to focus on the math formulas they need help with. This fosters problem-solving skills and a more profound understanding of math concepts that children can later relate to real-life experiences. 

    Learning math independently with Brighterly math worksheets

    If you’re looking for how to memorize math formulas in PDF format, Brighterly offers printable free math worksheets and additional resources available any time. They are completely free of charge and accessible to all, even if you don’t subscribe to Brighterly tutoring. The worksheets and practice tests are great for self-learning, focusing on how to understand math formulas and other math skills like numbers, addition, division, algebraic equations, geometry, statistics, money management, etc. 

    Moreover, Brighterly knowledge base provides articles on various math concepts covering every math topic your child needs. This resource is ideal for self-learners who prefer exploring topics at their own pace.

    Note: Take a Free diagnostic math test by Brighterly to find out your child’s current skill level, pinpoint specific challenges, and receive personalized recommendations for improvement.

    Create a mental image of the formula

    Creating a mental image of the formula is a fun and effective way to memorize complex math formulas, especially for visual learners. Mental visualization is a powerful tool when you don’t know how to remember math formulas — start here if traditional memorizing techniques don’t work. 

    How to remember formulas via creating a mental image

    • Break down the formula and identify all of the separate components you need to learn.
    • Assign visual symbols to each component, i.e., A as a name, π as a pie, etc. 
    • Create a storyline, i.e., A = πr2 — person A went to get a pie and two roses. 

    The important thing here is to create as many unique visual clues as possible. If you struggle with how to memorize formulas for math, this method will help you create associations needed for memorizing constants, variables, and operations in the formula you want to learn. Repeat the story a couple of times and practice the formula by writing it down, following that exact storyline. Mental images are one of the best ‘how to memorize algebra formulas’ methods. 

    If you wish to have more mental math practice to boost your memory, check out these two articles on what mental math is and mental math practice.

    Understand the formula

    Understanding math formulas is among the most powerful tricks of how to remember formulas. Blindly memorizing math formulas won’t do you any good if you don’t understand their concepts. Make sure you invest your time in grasping the underlying principles and how to approach them when trying to solve the math problem.

    How to remember formulas via understanding the formula 

    It is a good idea to read about the formula in your textbook or knowledge base. If you know the reason or process behind it, it will help you memorize math formulas quickly.  

    Learn what a formula does to an equation and what steps are in the process — and if you have doubts or questions, seek help from your teacher or a trusted tutor.

    Practice problems 

    If you can’t use a formula on a math problem, knowing it is useless. Make sure you practice problems once you’re fully familiar with the theory.

    How to memorize formulas in 1 hour by practicing problems

    Doing a set of problems for an hour can be enough for you to etch it in your mind. Some formulas may take longer, but if you have plenty of practice or do it regularly, memorizing formulas shouldn’t be a problem. 

    Break the formula into smaller parts 

    If you have to memorize a poem, you’re most likely to break it down into smaller parts. The same goes for math formulas — if you dissect it and center on each component, the probability of memorizing it is way higher.

    How do mathematicians remember formulas? They do exactly that — breaking it down into pieces!

    How to remember formulas by breaking them into smaller parts 

    • Identify the components: terms, variables, and constants. 
    • Learn what each component represents. 
    • Understand how these parts are related. 
    • Practice each mathematical operation separately.

    And finally, master one part before moving on to the next. 

    Relate the formula to real life 

    As silly as it sounds, you can actually relate the formula to real life. In fact, math formulas don’t just exist to confuse you in class; they are used in construction, engineering, and architecture, where precise measurements and calculations are crucial. 

    How to remember formulas by relating them to real-life

    If you want to learn the formula, relating it to real life can help you memorize it. For example, the formula for time calculation (Time = Distance ÷ Speed) can be used to determine how long it will take to drive to a certain point.

    You can practice this during family trips or just driving to a friend’s house or a doctor’s appointment. 

    Use mnemonics

    The mnemonic technique relies on fun, easy-to-remember sentences that start with the letter of what you want to remember. Since math formulas involve plenty of letters, this technique is excellent for memorizing them. Next, I will explain how to use mnemonics properly.

    How to remember formulas by using mnemonics

    If you don’t know how to memorize equations or formulas, this is the way to go:

    • Break down the formula.
    • Create a memorable sentence that relates to it.
    • Attribute familiar things to the formula’s letters.
    • Repeat and visualize for better reinforcement. 

    For example, the phrase ‘Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally’ (parentheses, exponents, multiplication, addition) is used to help remember the formula and solve order-of-operation problems.

    Practice with flashcards 

    If you’re a student who has tried everything, even googling ‘how to memorize math formulas’ on Reddit, practicing with flashcards could be a good idea. Although it may seem old-fashioned and dull, it’s a foolproof method for effective memorizing. 

    How to remember formulas by practicing with flashcards

    To create math formula flashcards, write the names of the formulas on one side of the cards and the formulas themselves on the other side. Try to memorize the formulas and turn the flashcards so you only see names. Next, recall the formula and flip your flashcard over to check if you’re correct. 

    Practice spaced repetition

    Spaced repetition entails reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. This method is quite effective if you don’t have enough self-learning skills to accompany your journey of memorizing math formulas.

    How to remember formulas by practicing spaced repetition 

    You can use the Anki app to practice spaced repetition. Create a couple of detailed flashcards and memorize the formulas. Anki will automatically show you the flashcards more often in the beginning and space them out more as you advance.

    Turn it into a rhyme or a song

    Finally, you can turn your formulas into a rhyme or a song. If memorizing mathematical formulas seems boring to you, making a fun activity out of it can be of help. 

    How to remember formulas by turning them into a rhyme or a song

    For students who have a hard time remembering the entire formula, putting it into a song can be effective. You can find many songs on YouTube for common formulas. Don’t like the songs available? Unleash your creativity and make up your own!

    Conclusion: how to memorize math formulas

    When learning math, memorizing formulas is unavoidable. They are not only important in practical mathematics but also help improve problem-solving skills, understand abstract concepts, and apply mathematical reasoning to real-world problems.

    If remembering formulas takes a toll on your math understanding, the Brighterly math tutoring platform can help. Book your first demo session today and discover how to memorize math formulas with ease! 

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