If math makes you feel like your brain is about to explode, it might be time to rethink your approach. Many students attempt to memorize formulas by rote, but this strategy often falls short. The best way to learn math is to first engage with the material. First, ask and answer: what am I doing? and why does this work? Following this, you need to remember what you learned. That’s where great mnemonics come in!
What Are Mnemonics?
Mnemonic devices (or simply mnemonics) are strategies that make memorization easier and more effective. Rather than relying on repetition alone, mnemonics employ silly, creative, personalized tricks to help information stick. There are four common types of mnemonics:
1. Acronyms
Acronyms are words formed by taking the first letter of each item in a list. A well-known math example is PEMDAS, which helps students remember the order of operations:
- P – Parentheses
- E – Exponents
- MD – Multiplication and Division
- AS – Addition and Subtraction
PEMDAS gives students a simple “recipe” for solving complex expressions.
2. Association
Association involves connecting new information to something familiar. For example, to remember that “>” means “greater than,” students can imagine the symbol as an alligator’s mouth–always open toward the greater number because the alligator wants to eat more.
3. Chunking
Chunking breaks large pieces of information into smaller, more manageable parts. For instance, a 10-digit phone number becomes easier to recall when split into chunks, like this: (650) 331-3251. The same idea applies to breaking down complex equations or multi-step problems in math.
4. Songs and Rhymes
Rhyming and rhythm can be powerful memory aids. They are catchy and often memorable. A popular math song is the quadratic formula song, sung to the tune of “Pop Goes the Weasel”:
“X equals negative b
Plus or minus the square root
Of b squared minus 4ac
All over 2a”
What Makes a Good Mnemonic?
A good mnemonic is anything that sticks. The best ones tend to be:
- Silly and vivid – The brain tends to remember unusual, goofy, or absurd imagery better than basic, boring, and drab visuals.
- Short and snappy – A good mnemonic should simplify, not complicate.
- Personally meaningful – The more a student connects with the idea, the more effective it becomes.
For example, a goofy phrase like “Dancing Monkeys Smell Badly Regularly” can help students remember the steps of long division:
- D – Divide
- M – Multiply
- S – Subtract
- B – Bring down
- R – Remainder (or Repeat)
It’s goofy. It’s fun. It’s memorable.
Mnemonics aren’t a substitute for understanding; they’re a bridge between knowing and remembering. By combining clear conceptual learning with creative memory tools, students can build confidence in math!
