|
Math mnemonics that actually help with remembering formulas?
|
As a struggling student, I need all the help I can get. I've tried some math mnemonics that actually help, like PEMDAS for order of operations, but I'm looking for more.
What are your favorite trigonometry identity mnemonics or exponent rules memory aids? Also, are there any PEMDAS alternatives that work better for certain types of problems? I'm preparing for standardized tests and need all the math shortcuts for standardized tests I can find.
For trigonometry identity mnemonics, I use SOH CAH TOA" for right triangles: Sine = Opposite/Hypotenuse, Cosine = Adjacent/Hypotenuse, Tangent = Opposite/Adjacent.
For the unit circle, remember "All Students Take Calculus" to know which trig functions are positive in each quadrant: All (I), Sine (II), Tangent (III), Cosine (IV).
Order of operations memory tricks: PEMDAS (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication/Division, Addition/Subtraction). Some people use Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally."
For PEMDAS alternatives, some prefer BODMAS (Brackets, Orders, Division/Multiplication, Addition/Subtraction). Same concept, different acronym.
Exponent rules memory aids:
1. a^m × a^n = a^(m+n) (multiply add exponents)
2. a^m ÷ a^n = a^(m-n) (divide subtract exponents)
3. (a^m)^n = a^(m×n) (power to power multiply)
4. a^0 = 1 (anything to zero power is 1)
5. a^(-n) = 1/a^n (negative exponent reciprocal)
For quadratic formula, some students use the song to remember: x equals negative b, plus or minus square root, b squared minus 4ac, all over 2a."
For the discriminant (b² - 4ac), remember it tells you about the roots: positive = 2 real roots, zero = 1 real root, negative = no real roots (complex).
For logarithm calculation shortcuts, remember: log(ab) = log a + log b, log(a/b) = log a - log b, log(a^b) = b log a.
Also, ln e = 1 and log 10 = 1 (for base 10). These basic values come up frequently in problems.
These math mnemonics that actually help are exactly what I need! The trigonometry identity mnemonics SOH CAH TOA" and "All Students Take Calculus" are classics but they work.
The quadratic formula song is new to me - I'll definitely try that. Do you have any exponent rules memory aids for when to use which rule? I mix them up sometimes.
|
