Memorization in Math

Do you need to memorize things in math? Yes, of course. Knowing your tables really does pay dividends if you want to count fast.

These factoring patterns are worth remembering because they appear frequently in algebra, calculus, and other math areas.

• Difference of squares: $a^2-b^2=(a-b)(a+b)$
• Perfect square trinomial: $a^2+2ab+b^2=(a+b{)}^2$ or $a^2-2ab+b^2=(a-b{)}^2$
• Difference of cubes: $a^3-b^3=(a-b)(a^2+ab+b^2)$
• Sum of cubes: $a^3+b^3=(a+b)(a^2-ab+b^2)$