An ordinary person can usually remember a series of about seven digits through working memory at any given time. Using the techniques described in this article, however, you can memorize many, many more. The key is to use mnemonic methods, which means building associations that are easier to remember than a random series of numbers. Remember that math goes far beyond mere mechanical repetition by heart - deep knowledge requires an understanding of higher level concepts.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using the Phonetic Conversion System
Step 1. Learn the rules
This technique is also called "consonant system" and allows you to establish associations between each number and a sound. Since words are easier to remember than numbers, you can form a term with each number set and memorize it.
You can choose and create the associations you prefer. There is no right or wrong method as long as you stick to the same criteria while using this technique
Step 2. Study which consonants usually correspond to certain numbers
Each digit is assigned to a consonant, based on a certain recognizable relationship between the two:
- 0 - z, s, sc; "z" is the first letter of the number zero, while the others have a similar sound;
- 1 - d, t; the letter "t" is written with a stroke very similar to 1, while the letter "d" has a sound similar to "t";
- 2 - n; "n" has two dashes down;
- 3 - m; "m" has three dashes down, it also looks like the number "3" resting on its side;
- 4 - r; is the last consonant of "four";
- 5 - l; "L" is the Roman numeral for 50;
- 6 - sweet c or g; the letter "g" has a lower ring that resembles the number "6";
- 7 - k, hard c or q; the capital letter "K" contains two "7";
- 8 - f, v; the letter "f" in lowercase italics looks like an "8";
- 9 - b, p; the "P" is the mirror image of "9", while the "b" has a similar sound to "p".
Step 3. Note that similar sounds are grouped together
The system is based more on sounds than on spelling and letters with unused phonics (vowels and consonants "w", "h" and "y") can be inserted anywhere in the word without changing the "value" of the same.
Step 4. Practice taking a few words and determining which numbers can be associated
After a few minutes, you will learn about the system.
- "Fame" = 83 (remember the affinity between the spelling of letters and that of numbers);
- "Store numbers" = 334004234.
Step 5. Get some phone numbers to build words and phrases with their respective letters
Add the vowels between the consonants so that the terms have full meaning. Use your imagination, try to come up with whimsical and funny words (which are easier to remember). Within a short time the process will become automatic and you will be surprised at how easily you are able to form unforgettable words from seemingly random numbers.
- 31415926 (the first eight letters of pi) = "To Matera from Bologna";
- 7713370 (a made-up phone number) = "quiz mama's coconut".
Step 6. Break the large numbers into sentences
If the number you need to remember consists of many digits, break it down into a series of words and then memorize them using one of the following techniques:
- System of mental associations;
- Technique of the loci;
- Technique of the memory palace.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Dominic System
Step 1. Learn the rules
As with the phonetic system, you must assign a number to each letter, although these associations are arbitrary. Once you've turned the figures into letters, you can link these to people or actions to create a story.
Step 2. Turn each number into a letter
Choose the most common ones that allow you to easily make connections. Consider using the examples listed below:
- TO;
- B;
- C;
- D;
- AND;
- S;
- G;
- H;
- N;
-
OR.
Memorize Numbers Step 9 Step 3. Divide the letters into pairs
Mentally separate the sequence of a long number into pairs of letters to be able to remember it better. For example 827645 = HB GS DE.
Memorize Numbers Step 10 Step 4. Associate the initials of a person's name with each pair of letters
Try to think of an acquaintance of yours whose name has these initials. By linking an individual's memory to the image of numbers, you can remember them better.
Memorize Numbers Step 11 Step 5. Associate each person with a particular action
The purpose of this step is to make the memory process even easier. In this system, connection is the determining factor. Connect the pair of numbers to an action that is easier to remember than a simple list of random digits.
As you assign meaning to each pair, alternate people with actions
Method 3 of 3: Using Math
Memorize Numbers Step 12 Step 1. Learn the rules
Using simple math problems is a perfect way to help your mind remember long numbers. The association between a sequence of digits and a logical mathematical equation is a foolproof technique for memorizing.
Of course, this method really only works for the numbers you can choose, because not all number sequences can be traced back to a math equation
Memorize Numbers Step 13 Step 2. Choose figures that fit this technique
When you need to remember passwords, PIN codes, or phone numbers, choose a series of digits that can be related to simple math problems. This way, you can memorize them without replacing the original numbers with letters.
Memorize Numbers Step 14 Step 3. Come up with simple math problems to remember numbers
Think about the ones that can also be transformed into algebraic functions and opt for these. You can use the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions - basically any mathematical technique you want - as long as they allow you to remember the number sequence.
- For example, the number 5420 can be easily remembered as 5x4 = 20.
- Example: 62311 becomes 6 + 2 + 3 = 11;
- Example: 21293 becomes 21 = 2x9 + 3.
