IDK why we'd assume that there's a different cognitive process for learning mathematics with radix 10 than with radix 16?

Mathematics_education#Methods https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematics_education#Methods :

> [...] Rote learning: the teaching of mathematical results, definitions and concepts by repetition and memorisation typically without meaning or supported by mathematical reasoning. A derisory term is drill and kill. In traditional education, rote learning is used to teach multiplication tables, definitions, formulas, and other aspects of mathematics.

I think they mean that it is very useful to “cache” these primitive results, but it is absolutely possible to regenerate them if one is missing or the like.

It should be understood first, and memorized later.

If you do not memorize small things that you frequently need, it will slow you down.

But if keep memorizing things without understanding, at some moment your memory will return an incorrect result, and you will be unable to notice it.