Most students have trouble learning math for different reasons, including difficulty remembering formulas. But if you're preparing for the ACT, it's important to know these to get a good score.
Remember that your learning style plays a big role in how quickly you memorize them, but there are general ways you can keep it stuck in your head. So, what are they?
Whether you want to boost your test scores or improve your math skills, here are a few ways to memorize math formulas!
1. Make a Visual Representation
If you're a visual learner, one of the best ways to remember math formulas is by creating a mental image or visual representation. You can do this by breaking it down and assigning symbols to each component. Some also add a storyline to make it more interesting.
Keep in mind that this can vary based on your thinking. So, focus on using visual cues you're familiar with or likely to understand.
2. Use or Create Mnemonic Devices
Lots of people use mnemonic devices as a technique for memorization, even across different subjects. Here, you can formulate acronyms, rhymes, or phrases based on the formula's components.
A study finds that mnemonic device strategies are effective in boosting long-term memory among younger students. It's because information becomes easier to recall with unique cues or key features.
Additionally, it can help you simplify complex formulas, making it easier for you to digest the main idea and remember it with clear understanding.
3. Keep Reusing It
Repetition is undoubtedly an effective way to memorize information. So, take your time to keep repeating it, no matter what method. It can be through writing, recitation, or even using it over and over again to answer problems.
If you want to get more creative or keep it fun, try singing the formulas based on easy beats or songs you like. You can also write it in a way that seems more interesting by adding meaning to the symbols or stories in the sequence.
4. Break It Down or Simplify It
Breaking down a formula into smaller components can give you a better idea of why it came to be. At the same time, it allows you to simplify it in a way that still makes sense.
Doing this also keeps it manageable and gives you a deeper understanding of the role of each component and how they fit together. So, you can easily grasp and recall how to use it.
5. Prioritize Understanding Over Memorizing
As much as possible, you want to remember a formula because of understanding rather than memorizing it as it is. This way, you can feel confident using it once you recall it.
Moreover, understanding helps you remember them naturally. It's because you know the details about each component and how they make up the formula.
If you're learning these to prepare for the ACT, it helps to get an idea of what the math section is about. This way, you can understand each formula based on how it applies to those questions.
Try Different Ways to Memorize Math Formulas for a Test
There are many ways to memorize math formulas. But when you're learning them in preparation for a test, you might feel more pressure than usual.
It's best to focus on methods that keep you engaged as you focus on learning the formulas. So, you can understand them following your personal pace while ensuring it stays in your long-term memory.
