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Often if you understand the equations you can "half re-derive" them from the given information. That is, you can start to work them out from first principles to
by llamaz 10y ago
Often if you understand the equations you can "half re-derive" them from the given information. That is, you can start to work them out from first principles to jog your memory, then write the rest from memory.
Other times, e.g. in probability theory, there are just a lot of equations, so even if you do a lot of practice problems, you will not have memorised all the equations. In these cases, usually a formula sheet is permitted on the final exam. Otherwise, you have to study math the same way you do biology - summarising and constant revision.
- godelski 10y agoI'm out of school. But I can't help but think there is a better way. I always get the answer "When you understand it enough you'll have it memorized." I hate this answer because it is easily provable as false. Like my example in the other comment, the Laplacian is an easy concept, but remember it in spherical coordinates isn't trivial like it is in Cartesian. If I can memorize a list of 20 random items for years with minimal repetition I don't see why I can't do this with equations. It isn't about memorizing everything, it is about memorizing what is useful so I don't have to look it up on google every few weeks when I need it. As for testing, when I was in school most classes didn't allow me to have a formula sheet. And anyone that does the physics GRE knows how much has to be remembered. But to me it is more about quick and easy access. Motivation isn't about some test.