Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCharacteristics and ExamplesDevelop Logical Mathematical IntelligenceTips and StrategiesBenefits
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Table of Contents
Characteristics and Examples
Develop Logical Mathematical Intelligence
Tips and Strategies
Benefits
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Logical mathematical intelligence is one of eight intelligences that Howard Gardner, a professor of cognition and education at Harvard University, proposed in histheory of multiple intelligences, which he outlined in his bookFrames of Mind.Gardner’s theory posited these types of intelligence:
Instead, Gardner theorized that there are a number of kinds of intelligence that we each may have, that we may vary in the degree we have of each one, and that we may have more or less of each of these throughout our lifetimes. Logical mathematical intelligence isone of the intelligenceshe described, and it represents the ability to use numbers effectively, to reason well, and to recognize and solve problems using logical patterns.
In this article, we’ll review the characteristics of logical mathematical intelligence, discover how to develop it, explore strategies to enhance it, and look at the benefits of this kind of intelligence.
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Characteristics and Examples of Logical Mathematical Intelligence
People who have logical mathematical intelligence solve problems using logic, can quicklycalculate math problems, and like when things are categorized in a rational way. They’re also good at understanding patterns, the relationships between things, and understanding complex ideas.
Thus, logical-mathematical intelligence encompasses the following:
According to Berens, examples of logical mathematical intelligence include “fluently solving multi-step equations, [solving] language-based mathproblems, interpreting and analyzing scientific findings, and designing experiments.”
Mannis explains that mastery of basic facts and concepts that leads to the ability to adapt those facts and concepts into more complex tasks and to new settings is a hallmark of logical mathematical intelligence.
For instance, Mannis gives the example of a third grader with strong logical mathematical intelligence who not only knows how to distinguish between perimeter and area but can also use those formulas for other things. The child can apply “that information to a math challenge to design a playground… where they are tasked with determining what the area of a complex shape would be if there were sections of semicircles or squares within that figure ‘cut out.’ They would also be able to then identify the cost of paving the entire play area given a particular per foot fee.”
For those of us who are more inclined toward verbal linguistics or another type of intelligence, this may seem beyond our reach, but it is possible to build your strength in the more mathematical areas of intelligence.
How to Develop Logical Mathematical Intelligence
Decades of research indicate that higher-level skills, such as those seen in logical mathematical intelligence, require the mastery of foundational skills, says Berens. As a result, “Young learners require explicit instruction and repeated practice to fluency in core math skills such as numeracy, basic computation, fractions, decimals, percents, and ratios," she says. “They also require fluent reading skills and fluent comprehension, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.”
Mannis explains that some children are better at memorizing facts and drawing connections between concepts than others, but there are ways to develop these skills.
These methods include:
Mannis provides an example of the last point: “A child usually reads a book in four days and would like to borrow the series to read during the three weeks between the end of the school year and sleep away camp. How can they estimate how many books they will get through? How does being free of homework shift their estimate? That is an example of living math that offers a chance to systematize, use concepts such as ratios and estimating, and also encourage them to engage through creating a system to make their estimate.”
Strategies for Enhancing Logical Mathematical Intelligence
To enhance logical mathematical intelligence you first have to learn the basics, so explicit instruction and repeated practice in math skills is essential, says Berens.
Moreover, per Mannis, to enhance skills in logical mathematical intelligence further:
For example, Mannis speaks of a middle school class she consulted with that timed its geometry unit so it was right before the school carnival. “After completing the basics of the course, the students were put in charge of designing, creating, and manning some of the carnival stations using” what they learned. This allowed them to use the skills they got from the course and enhance their logical mathematical intelligence.
Benefits of Logical Mathematical Intelligence
People with logical mathematical intelligence are good at rational thinking, analyzing problems logically, and thinking about issues scientifically. “Not only does mastery of high-level math skills produce long-term academic success,” says Berens, “but it also gives learners access to careers in science, technology, and engineering.”
We have a lot of complex problems in these fields to solve, such as climate change, and we need people with logical mathematical intelligence to solve them, she says.
Takeaway
While some people may have more innate ability with logical mathematical intelligence, anyone can enhance their abilities. Developing math skills, engaging in strategy games and logic problems, explaining your thinking, and using your skills in the real world can help develop your logical mathematical intelligence and have you on your way to unlocking your problem-solving potential.
What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have? Take the Quiz to Find Out
3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gardner H.Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. 10th anniversary ed. BasicBooks; 1993.Arani HK, Mobarakeh SD.Metacognitive strategies and logical/mathematical intelligence in EFL context: Investigating possible relationships.TPLS. 2012;2(2):304-313. doi:10.4304/tpls.2.2.304-313Šafranj J.Logical/mathematical intelligence in teaching English as a second language.Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 2016;232:75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.10.019
3 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gardner H.Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. 10th anniversary ed. BasicBooks; 1993.Arani HK, Mobarakeh SD.Metacognitive strategies and logical/mathematical intelligence in EFL context: Investigating possible relationships.TPLS. 2012;2(2):304-313. doi:10.4304/tpls.2.2.304-313Šafranj J.Logical/mathematical intelligence in teaching English as a second language.Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 2016;232:75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.10.019
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Gardner H.Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. 10th anniversary ed. BasicBooks; 1993.Arani HK, Mobarakeh SD.Metacognitive strategies and logical/mathematical intelligence in EFL context: Investigating possible relationships.TPLS. 2012;2(2):304-313. doi:10.4304/tpls.2.2.304-313Šafranj J.Logical/mathematical intelligence in teaching English as a second language.Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 2016;232:75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.10.019
Gardner H.Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. 10th anniversary ed. BasicBooks; 1993.
Arani HK, Mobarakeh SD.Metacognitive strategies and logical/mathematical intelligence in EFL context: Investigating possible relationships.TPLS. 2012;2(2):304-313. doi:10.4304/tpls.2.2.304-313
Šafranj J.Logical/mathematical intelligence in teaching English as a second language.Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences. 2016;232:75-82. doi: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2016.10.019
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