Yes, a person with average IQ can become a mathematician with dedication, hard work, and strong problem-solving skills. IQ does not determine one’s ability to succeed in mathematics.
Detailed responses to the query
Can a person with average IQ be a mathematician? Absolutely. While a high IQ can be an advantage in understanding complex mathematical concepts quickly, it is not the sole determining factor for success as a mathematician. Dedication, hard work, and strong problem-solving skills are also crucial elements. As mathematician Terence Tao once said:
“Mathematics is not about how many IQ points you have, but rather how hard you are willing to work.”
Interestingly, there have been studies that suggest that too high of an IQ can actually be a disadvantage in certain areas of mathematics. According to professor John A. Paulos, “The over-reliance on one’s IQ can actually be an obstacle to mathematical creativity because it can prevent people from seeing problems in a new and insightful way.”
Here are some other facts to consider:
Many of history’s most famous mathematicians, such as Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, were not considered geniuses as children.
The renowned mathematician John Horton Conway once said, “Most mathematics is done in groups, and if you’re not social, you won’t be a good mathematician.”
There are many different areas of mathematics, each with their own unique challenges and techniques. Finding your niche can be key to success.
A strong foundation in basic math skills is necessary for advanced work in mathematics.
To further illustrate the point, here is a table of famous mathematicians and their estimated IQs:
Mathematician
Estimated IQ
John von Neumann
190+
Terence Tao
225
Andrew Wiles
170
Carl Friedrich Gauss
180-190
Ada Lovelace
170
Paul Erdős
160-170
Euclid
Unknown
In conclusion, becoming a successful mathematician is not solely about possessing a high IQ. Hard work, dedication, and effective problem-solving skills can help anyone achieve their mathematical goals. As the mathematician Henri Poincaré once said, “To doubt everything or to believe everything are two equally convenient solutions; both dispense with the necessity of reflection.” So, doubt your limitations and believe in your potential to excel in mathematics.
Answer in video
In the video “Does Intelligence Matter For Math?”, the speaker explores whether intelligence plays a role in studying math. While some people may have a natural aptitude for certain math subjects, the speaker notes that this doesn’t necessarily mean they work harder or have better study habits. However, struggling with one math subject doesn’t mean someone isn’t smart; everyone has strengths in different areas, so it’s important not to give up on math altogether.
There are alternative points of view
There is absolutely no reason why a person with an “average” IQ could not become a good mathematician.
More interesting questions on the issue
Is mathematics related to IQ?
Response to this: Doing math will help because it develops their ability to notice relationships between numbers. A strong co-relation has also been found between a child’s relational skills and IQ scores.
Does high IQ mean good at math?
Response will be: Not surprisingly, at the start of the study, kids with high IQs performed the best at math. But in a vindication of exacting Tiger Moms everywhere, effective studying techniques and motivation, not IQ, predicted who had most improved their math skills by 10th grade.
Can someone with an IQ of 120 get a PhD in math?
Possibly. The average is thought to be around 145 for PhDs in math. Graduate-level math is hard.
Which mathematician has the highest IQ?
Response will be: Srinivasa Ramanujan – (IQ 185) Ramanujan was a child prodigy and a mathematical genius.
What IQ do mathematicians have?
Response to this: Mathematicians are averaging a score of +2 SD (> 130) in IQ. Geniuses (or gifted geniuses) are certainly worthy of the title. Do mathematicians have high IQ?
Should I get a PhD in mathematics with a low IQ?
Someone who has a measured IQ of, say, 95 but gets a degree from a reputable university with excellent grades in challenging courses and competitive test scores: of course such a student should seriously consider getting a PhD in mathematics if they are interested, and should not be dissuaded at all by their "low IQ".
What is the average IQ of a scientist?
The reply will be: This is also why in science, just like in any other field, you will typically find smart-to-very smart people (IQ 120-140) in top positions, but actual genius level intelligence is very very rare (I’ve yet to meet one such professor in person, and I work in a branch of theoretical physics!).
How much IQ do you need to be a professor?
Response will be: The mystery is easily solved using the Window of Comprehension. Students with an average IQ of 125 become professors with an average IQ of 125, so the average professor is quite a bit away from the lower border of the Window around 150 (131.. 139, depending on how optimistic you are).
What IQ do mathematicians have?
Mathematicians are averaging a score of +2 SD (> 130) in IQ. Geniuses (or gifted geniuses) are certainly worthy of the title. Do mathematicians have high IQ?
What is the average IQ of a scientist?
This is also why in science, just like in any other field, you will typically find smart-to-very smart people (IQ 120-140) in top positions, but actual genius level intelligence is very very rare (I’ve yet to meet one such professor in person, and I work in a branch of theoretical physics!).
What is a good IQ for a PhD student?
Answer to this: The average score on an IQ test is 100. Most people fall within the 85 to 114 range. Any score over 140 is considered a high IQ. A score over 160 is considered a genius IQ. What is the average IQ of a PhD student?
Is a high IQ a genius?
If genius is defined by having a high IQ (which according to the Stanford Binet Intelligence scale it is) and standardized test scores, virtually all mathematicians are geniuses, regardless of how much recognition they later get in their careers. Can you have a high IQ without being good at math?
