Mathematics and Numerical Intelligence: Concepts, Development and Symptoms

Mathematics and numerical intelligence concepts, which are frequently encountered in the world of education and psychology, provide important information about the cognitive abilities of individuals. As Yeditepe University Hospitals, we aim to increase the knowledge of students and families on this subject by detailing these two types of intelligence.

What is Mathematics Intelligence?

"Mathematical Intelligence", defined as mathematical-logical intelligence in Howard Gardner's "Multiple Intelligence Theory", is a type of intelligence that covers all of people's numerical, logical and analytical thinking abilities. People with mathematical intelligence have abilities such as abstract thinking, logical reasoning, problem solving and rapid calculation and analysis. 

What is Quantitative Intelligence?

Quantitative intelligence refers to the ability of individuals to process, analyze and use numerical data. This type of intelligence includes the ability to solve mathematical problems and understand numerical relationships. Mathematical intelligence can be considered a subset of numerical intelligence

Is Numerical Intelligence Genetic?

Numerical intelligence is shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. While genetic factors can affect an individual's numerical abilities, education and environmental factors largely determine the development of this intelligence.

What are the characteristics of people with mathematical intelligence?

People with mathematical intelligence stand out with their distinctive personality traits in both daily and business life. They can be more successful in fields such as engineering, mathematics, informatics, physics and economics, especially because they act with a certain thinking pattern and strategy and their problem-solving abilities. 

Has analytical thinking ability; The most distinctive characteristics of these people are analytical thinking and analysis. Therefore, they can observe the events and situations they encounter in detail and draw logical conclusions. Even if the problem they face is large, they can solve the problem by dividing it into small parts with this ability.

Has abstract thinking skills; This feature, which is especially important in advanced scientific studies and theoretical mathematics development, is also observed in people with mathematical intelligence. At this point, they can realize their thinking using mathematical concepts, numbers and symbols.
Strong logical reasoning and problem-solving ability; Since they can analyze an event or situation very well with cause and effect relationships, they can produce quick solutions by analyzing even the most complex problems correctly. Because of these features, they are fast and practical in problem solving. 
Mental mathematics and patterning abilities are developed; These people are very successful not only in terms of analysis and problem solving, but also in calculations. He/She can perform numerical operations quickly and accurately in his/her mind. These people can also easily recognize numerical and logical patterns, establish relationships between data and draw new conclusions from these relationships.

Has a strong system development and organizing aspect; People with mathematical intelligence are very successful in organizing a complex situation or process, along with their analysis and problem-solving abilities. These people can develop a good strategy and plan accordingly. 

Strong logical reasoning and problem-solving ability; Since they can analyze an event or situation very well with cause and effect relationships, they can produce quick solutions by analyzing even the most complex problems correctly. Because of these features, they are fast and practical in problem solving. 

Mental mathematics and patterning abilities are developed; These people are very successful not only in terms of analysis and problem solving, but also in calculations. He/She can perform numerical operations quickly and accurately in his/her mind. These people can also easily recognize numerical and logical patterns, establish relationships between data and draw new conclusions from these relationships.

Has a strong system development and organizing aspect; People with mathematical intelligence are very successful in organizing a complex situation or process, along with their analysis and problem-solving abilities. These people can develop a good strategy and plan accordingly. 

What are the Signs of Quantitative Intelligence?

Individuals with strong numerical intelligence can easily perform operations related to numbers and data and are successful in data analysis. They can grasp numerical relationships quickly and accurately. They also deal with numerical puzzles and analytical problems.

How Do Mathematics and Numerical Intelligence Contribute to a Person's Daily Life?

Mathematical intelligence is very useful not only in carrying out professional or academic studies, but also in finding shortcuts in one's daily life. It will be enough to look at the following examples to see what mathematical intelligence adds to a person's daily life. 

Problem Solving Skill: Problem solving skills, which are extremely important in every field, are more active in people with mathematical intelligence. These people can solve many problems much more practically and easily, from dealing with traffic problems to repairing devices at home, from creating a family budget to larger problems.
 
Finance, Budget Management: Thanks to their skills in numbers and problem solving, these people are also very skilled in creating and managing income and expense budgets. They can easily handle financial issues as they think and analyze many details such as creating the budget of any project, planning income and expenses, determining possible risks, and interest rates. 

Logical Decision Making: The need to make strategic and logical decisions in daily life is a situation that everyone may encounter from time to time. People with mathematical intelligence are also skilled at making quick and logical decisions on issues such as time management and creating the right travel route.

Time Management, Planning, Organization Ability: These people, who generally have the ability to make strategic and logical decisions, are naturally very successful in planning and organizing time. They can easily solve even a complex situation or problem with their skills in different areas such as managing the budget, creating a schedule, assigning and managing. 

Ability to Think Critically and Create Patterns; With his mathematical intelligence, a person can develop a different perspective on social events. He/She can make different predictions by recognizing patterns in the events around him/her. For example, while watching or reading the news, these people question and evaluate from a different perspective. As a result, it can be more resistant to manipulations. 

Using Technological Tools: One of the most important gains provided by mathematical thinking is the ability to use technological devices much more easily. These people are more skilled than other people in matters such as the operation, working mathematics and features of all kinds of technological products.
 

How to Develop Mathematics Intelligence?

Although some people have an innate talent in this regard, it is possible to develop this ability with some work done in daily life. It is possible to strengthen mathematical intelligence with appropriate methods developed by taking advantage of the flexible and changeable structure of the brain. 

Try to solve problems regularly

The first thing that can be done to improve analytical thinking and problem solving skills is to solve problems at different levels. In addition to the problems to be solved during education, producing different solutions to problems encountered in daily life can be beneficial in this regard. The difficulty level of the problems should also be increased over time. 

Solve logic-based puzzles

One of the most beneficial subjects in terms of logical reasoning and especially pattern building is playing strategy, reasoning and logic games such as chess, sudoku and Rubik's cube. These exercises, done regularly, will help strengthen a person's mathematical thinking skills. 

Try to understand/explain math concepts

Understanding the basic concepts in mathematics in depth and avoiding just memorizing them is important for improving mathematical intelligence. Therefore, understanding why a formula works or how a theory emerged will provide flexibility in making this information more permanent and using it in the problem solving phase. Not only learning, but also explaining to others what has been learned will be a different method. Because explaining any subject to others will make it easier to understand. 

Incorporate mathematics into your daily life

It is necessary to know the subjects that require mathematics in daily life. It is necessary to remember and constantly practice issues such as changing the proportions in recipes, planning the household budget, and comparing prices while shopping. While doing all this, try not to use a calculator whenever possible. 

Attend math-related lectures and courses

Participating in mathematics courses at universities or online platforms and benefiting from resources prepared on this subject are among the methods that can be applied to gain advanced mathematical skills. Additionally, learning computer programs is one of the methods that can increase analytical thinking skills and mathematical intelligence.

How to Develop Numerical Intelligence?

To improve numerical intelligence, it is important to do various activities and exercises related to numbers and data. Solving numerical puzzles, performing statistical analyses, and taking part in data-based projects can strengthen numerical intelligence. It is also effective to participate in training programs that increase mathematical thinking and analytical skills.

Can Mathematics Intelligence Be Developed at Any Age?

Thanks to the flexibility of the brain, that is, its capacity called "neuroplasticity", it is possible to learn new skills and improve our existing abilities, regardless of our age, and mathematical intelligence is one of them.  Of course, depending on the age of the person, there will naturally be some differences, especially in the learning process.

How can mathematical intelligence be developed during childhood and youth? 

This period can be stated as the most productive period in terms of brain development. The brain is most receptive to learning in childhood and adolescence. Therefore, developing mathematical skills at an early age provides significant gains in later ages. At this age, learning is very rapid as the brain can process new information and skills much faster and make easy connections between them. Therefore, it would be beneficial to have children and young people play math games, solve puzzles that require problem-solving skills, and play games that require logic and patterns, such as math games and chess. 

How Can Mathematics Intelligence Be Developed During Adulthood?

Although it is not as easy as childhood and adolescence, there are things to do in adulthood as well. It is possible to improve mathematical thinking and problem solving skills, especially by using continuous and accurate methods. Trying to develop abstract thinking skills and using mathematics as much as possible in daily life will be beneficial

How can mathematical intelligence be Developed in old age? 

Since learning ability decreases with age, developing mathematical intelligence may be more difficult with old age. However, because neuroplasticity continues in the brain, engaging in mathematical skills helps keep the mind active. Keeping the brain active with these types of activities can slow cognitive decline and support problem-solving skills. Therefore, especially mathematical games, puzzles and mental exercises will be beneficial in strengthening memory and maintaining mental sharpness in elderly individuals.