How to Memorize Math and Physics Formulas

One of the hardest things about learning math and physics is keeping all the formulas you need straight in your head. Don't worry! There are a few ways that you can memorize the formulas you need. Using a mnemonic device can help you recall the formulas. If you understand the components of each formula and what they mean, you might be able to rebuild a formula, even if you can't remember it right away. Make sure you take care of your body by sleeping well and eating a nutritious diet so all of your studying stays in your head!

Memorization Help

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using Mnemonic Devices

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    Use an already established mnemonic device. Some math and physics formulas have mnemonic devices that have been around for a long time. Your teacher might have used a few to teach you the formula in the first place. Use those mnemonic devices to try memorize formulas you have a hard time with.[1]
    • For example, you might have learned the formulas for sine, cosine, and tangent of an angle with the mnemonic device “SOH CAH TOA.” Here, Sine is the length of the Opposite side over the length of the Hypotenuse, Cosine is the length of the Adjacent over the length of the Hypotenuse, and Tangent is the length of the Opposite side over the length of the Adjacent.
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    Make up your own mnemonic device. Not every formula has a common mnemonic device that you can use. In that case, make up your own! Use the parts of the formula to tell yourself a story or spell out a word that you can remember.[2]
    • For example, if you're trying to remember that E = mc squared, you could remember it by saying that Elephants (E) are afraid of mice and critters.
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    Use a memory palace. A memory palace is a specific type of mnemonic device that uses visual clues to help you remember things. You should always use the same location, and “travel” through it, looking for the things that will help you remember the formula.[3]
    • For example, think about the house where you grew up. Say that you're trying to remember that the area of a circle is Pi x radius squared. You can remember it by thinking of your kitchen, where there was always pie on the windowsill, next to two rolling pins.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Understanding Each Formula

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    Break down the parts of the formula. If you focus on just memorizing the formula, chances are you won't be able to remember it for very long. But if you understand each part of the formula and how they work together, it can be easier to remember them.[4]
    • So let's say you know that speed is the amount of time it takes an object to travel a certain distance. So to figure out speed, you need to know how far the object went and how long it took to get there: so divide the distance traveled by the amount of time it took to get there. If you know all this, you can figure out that speed = change in distance/change in time.
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    Review what the formula builds on. Most physics and math formulas build on things you've already learned. If you're having trouble memorizing new formulas, go back and review the formulas that came before.[5]
    • For example, say you're having a hard time remembering the formula for velocity, but you know velocity is an object's speed in a specific direction. Review the formula for speed, which is distance over time. Then you know that velocity is just speed with a direction attached.
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    Practice each formula. The more you practice with each formula, plugging in different values, the more you'll understand how it works. Understanding how it works can help you to remember the formula itself.
    • Practicing each formula will take a bit of time, but it's worth it, especially if you have a big exam coming up, or if you're going to need these formulas for your career.
    • You can find practice questions in your textbook, or search for practice tests online. If you're having a hard time find extra questions to practice with, ask your teacher for some.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking Care of Your Body

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    Relax. If you're super stressed out or worried you won't be able to learn the material, you're going to have a hard time remembering those formulas! Before you study, sit down at your desk. Take a deep breath, letting each of your muscles relax.[6]
    • If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, put your work aside, and take another deep breath. Give yourself a break to relax a little bit.
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    Eat a light snack. If you're hungry or thirsty while you're trying to study, you're going to be distracted. If you're distracted, you'll have a harder time concentrating and you probably won't be able to memorize things as well. Keep a light snack, like fruit, and some water near you while you study.[7]
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    Exercise after you study. It might sound a little weird, but exercising after you study can help you memorize formulas better. The endorphins your body releases during exercise actually help improve your memory, so take a walk or go for a run when you're done studying.[8]
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    Get enough sleep. It's important to get enough sleep before and after you study so your brain can remember what you've studied. You should get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, in a room that's dark.[9]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Is there a way to memorize formulas more easily?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try associating the formulas with certain things in your life that you enjoy (like a TV show, for example). When you want to remember a particular formula, just think of whatever you associated it with, and it will automatically come in your mind.
  • Question
    How can I learn formulas well enough that I don't forget them during tests and exams?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could use Quizlet -- it is a very good flashcard website that turns your flashcards into games. You can bookmark certain cards with an asterisk and only study those. Other ways include printed flashcards, having someone else test you and doing practice tests.
  • Question
    How do I remember the formulas that I've memorized during an exam?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Write each formula on a sticky note and put them in places where you will be likely to see them often. For example, put linear equation formulae sticky notes on your desk shelf, on your laptop screen, on the bedroom door and on your maths book of course! Put your sticky notes on places where you look at the most, possibly even your phone (e.g. a phone case with formulae on it.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.princetonreview.com/med-school-advice/mcat-study-guide/mcat-memorization-tips
  2. ↑ https://www.princetonreview.com/med-school-advice/mcat-study-guide/mcat-memorization-tips
  3. ↑ https://www.princetonreview.com/med-school-advice/mcat-study-guide/mcat-memorization-tips
  4. ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/equation-formula.html
  5. ↑ https://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/equation-formula.html
  6. ↑ https://www.lonsdaleinstitute.edu.au/reduce-stress-while-studying/
  7. ↑ https://share.upmc.com/2019/08/healthy-snacks-to-power-studying/
  8. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/need-to-remember-something-exercise-four-hours-later
  9. ↑ https://www.med.upenn.edu/csi/the-impact-of-sleep-on-learning-and-memory.html

About This Article

Bess Ruff, MA
Co-authored by:
Bess Ruff, MA
Environmental Scientist
This article was co-authored by Bess Ruff, MA. Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group. This article has been viewed 470,445 times.
115 votes - 89%
Co-authors: 38
Updated: December 3, 2022
Views: 470,445
Categories: Memorization Skills | Physics | Mathematics
Article SummaryX

If you need to memorize math and physics formulas, use a mnemonic device, where you make a new sentence using the first letter of key words or variables in the formula so you can recall the formula more easily. You can either use an established mnemonic device or you can create your own. As you memorize the formula, try to understand each part of the formula and how they all work together, so in addition to just recalling it, you’ll be able to accurately apply it when you’re solving a problem. Keep reading to learn how getting a good night’s sleep can help you memorize formulas.

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