Have you ever had difficulty memorizing a long number or formula? You are not alone. Worthwhile studying skills are hard to come by and rarely taught. But you don’t need to be superhuman. You just need a proven study system. There are techniques for memorization that can help you memorize just about anything.
This article is an introduction to the best study tips for number memorization. How to improve your memory and retention of single digits. For more advanced study tips on numbers, click here.
You Don’t Need to Be Superhuman
Some people seem to accomplish miracles with numbers. In 2017, Zou Lujian of China memorized a deck of cards in under 15 seconds, breaking the world record. Zou's fellow countryman Lu Chao was able to recite more than 67,000 digits of pi (π) in 2005.
I used to wonder how these superhumans could possibly exist, since I struggled with retaining new phone numbers and names.
You Need the Right Technique
Are some people naturally smarter than others? Of course. But what we're talking about here has more to do with technique than simple intelligence.
In school, students are instructed to reread or rewrite material for the purpose of committing it to memory. But this approach is extremely inefficient and allows us to reach only a fraction of our potential. Without an effective system in place, it doesn’t matter how many times you read through a shuffled deck of cards—you’ll never memorize all of them.
If a system exists that can help us memorize thousands of digits of pi, why don’t we teach it to every student? Why don’t schools teach the same system that memory champions and top achievers utilize?
Random Numbers Are Easy to Forget
Occasionally, when a number correlates with a lucky number or a birthday, it becomes memorable. But, for the most part, numbers are boring, repetitive, and easy to forget.
Think Like a Memory Champion
In order to memorize numbers reliably and accurately, memory champions give the digits meaning and turn them into images. Since humans think in pictures, it makes sense that memorization is more effective when it involves images. For more information on the importance of imagery in memorization, check out Top Study Tips for Improving Memory from Over 2,000 Years Ago.
So how do we turn numbers into pictures? The answer depends on your needs. Do you need to memorize a few digits here and there? Or do you need to memorize long strings of numbers? In this article, we’ll focus on single digit memorization.
Memorizing Single Digits
The goal here is to turn the numbers 0 through 9 into images. One strategy is to morph them into images based on their shapes. What does the number 1 look like? A sword? A pole? A javelin? How about the number 2? Here are some ideas, but feel free to come up with your own, as you will be more likely to retain pictures you create yourself.
After creating a unique image for each number, assign each one an action: A sword stabs. A swan flies. Assigning actions will make it easier to link the digits together. Linking numbers with action chains helps us to further solidify the memories.
Example List of Pictures and Corresponding Actions
For more information on action chains, click here.
How to Remember Dates in History
It’s easy to forget that 1776 was the year America declared independence, but you’ll never forget this fact again if you simply picture the year. Imagine the 1 as a sword, the first 7 as a diving board, and the final 7 and 6 as a 76-gas station globe. To recall America’s independence, imagine George Washington holding a sword high in the air, jumping on a diving board that sits atop a big orange gas station globe.
Linking together picture reminders will make numbers and formulas much easier to memorize.
Memorizing Complex Numbers
The simple method we just discussed is probably enough for any learner trying to memorize a light amount of material, like a few formulas. If you need to remember a ton of numbers, however, creating a double-digit system will be key.
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