INTJs and Math

**aparkedcar** · 07-27-2008, 10:04 PM

Since the INTJ type is typically, but not always, associated with engineering and scientific professions I was wondering if the vast majority of INTJs excel at math (algebra, calculus, trig, etc). I myself do not (unless we're talking about statistics). Am I a rare exception?

**rain** · 07-27-2008, 10:15 PM

	Originally Posted by aparkedcar To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Since the INTJ type is typically, but not always, associated with engineering and scientific professions I was wondering if the vast majority of INTJs excel at math (algebra, calculus, trig, etc). I myself do not (unless we're talking about statistics). Am I a rare exception?

i used to be good at math. my best subject in high school was math. i haven't practiced it since. i took calculus, loved it, but then got interested in men and shopping after i turned 18
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**Henry** · 07-27-2008, 10:15 PM

	Originally Posted by aparkedcar To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Since the INTJ type is typically, but not always, associated with engineering and scientific professions I was wondering if the vast majority of INTJs excel at math (algebra, calculus, trig, etc). I myself do not (unless we're talking about statistics). Am I a rare exception?

I learned algebra and calculus with ease.

I struggle with boring memorization like you need to in trig, so struggled there.

Stats...depends on the content.

**ColonelTroll** · 07-27-2008, 10:49 PM

Algebra...no problem, maybe a little rusty
Geometry...no problem
Simple calculus...mmm, I'll try
Adv. calculus...just shoot me now
Statistics...love it (probabilities, statistical process control, sample sizes, all of it).

**Azazello** · 07-28-2008, 01:22 AM

I haven't studied math for 20 years, yet I solved Monte's last problem in 3 hours.

Well almost. I calculated the 2nd smallest answer instead of the smallest.

**Monte314** · 07-28-2008, 05:26 AM

I am a professional mathematician.

My "day job" is as a Technical Fellow and Chief Cognitive Research Scientist for Northrop-Grumman Corporation, where I lead the scientific team for the Advanced Systems Group.

I serve actively on three faculties where I teach mathematics, engineering, and statistics.

I'm also on the technical advisory boards for one college, and one university.

**ssrprotege** · 07-28-2008, 05:45 AM

This is an INTJ wishing to be a mathematician (second Monte? Who knows?). I have loved math since I was a kid, and my interests lie in theoretical math, especially number theory.
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Well, with some psychology-related work as my second profession, possibly.....

**hauteur** · 07-28-2008, 05:55 AM

Math. Blech - I just threw up in my mouth a little.
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I've never really liked math. I don't know why, but it never really got my interest. I'm about to take a finite mathematics class in school (I haven't taken a math class for many years), so I'll get to find out how well/not so well I do at it.

**Uytuun** · 07-28-2008, 06:20 AM

I wasn't good at it even though I'm intrigued by the concept.

**Reon** · 07-28-2008, 06:22 AM

	Originally Posted by aparkedcar To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Since the INTJ type is typically, but not always, associated with engineering and scientific professions I was wondering if the vast majority of INTJs excel at math (algebra, calculus, trig, etc). I myself do not (unless we're talking about statistics). Am I a rare exception?

I was horrible at math, especially geometry and the sort. I can do statistics well though because they represent something of interest. If I apply that to all the math I do, I might start enjoying it Excelling in it I don't know about though.

**IgnoranceIsKind** · 07-28-2008, 06:26 AM

I've never really been good at math, but that's probably because I never practiced. I held stubbornly to the notion that if you're naturally good at it, you'll do well no matter how much effort you put in. Well, that lead me down a slippery slope which resulted in an irrational hatred for mathematics for four years. When I was 17, I realised I should have taken math instead of literature at my current college because I'm so darn excited whenever I see numbers. I'd frequently borrow calculus textbooks in the library just to look at it and see if I can understand.

Maybe this truly is an INTJ thing. I can't say for sure. But if given the chance, I would definitely take up Math again. And I'll take it seriously this time.

**Jakalwarrior** · 07-28-2008, 07:26 AM

I to sucked at math! I was more of a biology, psych, computer person. Heck, I am much better in english than I am math.

Trying to fix my weakness now on my own time though.

**Flamethrower** · 07-28-2008, 07:55 AM

I find math really exciting and think it is beautiful even. But I don't have a natural ability with it. I wish I did but am not great with details so I am only good at what I practised in the recent past. I sort of have an intuitive understanding. Throw a big gnarly theoretical math problem at me and I will stare at it for ages and then after some time some things will collide in my mind and I will understand it .... then forget 5 seconds later!!! I have always been hopeless at basic things like arithmetic but am fascinated by theories and the history of math. I guess I must have some sort of ability though because one year I ended up in the top class in my school. I also have a room full of puzzles with a mathematical bent and I love doing technical jobs. In one of my future lives (wishful thinking) I want to be a mathematician.
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**rokxal** · 07-28-2008, 08:03 AM

Currently double majored in Computer Science and Math. A lot of computer science theory is math driven, either fundamentally or on a proof based level. That got me interested in pursuing applied mathematics in order to supplement to my interest in CS theory.

**Flamethrower** · 07-28-2008, 08:05 AM

	Originally Posted by rokxal To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Currently double majored in Computer Science and Math. A lot of computer science theory is math driven, either fundamentally or on a proof based level. That got me interested in pursuing applied mathematics in order to supplement to my interest in CS theory.

Actually I am interested in Computer Science as well.

**lambpox** · 07-28-2008, 08:23 AM

I suck at math. The numbers never really connected with me. I was pretty good in Algebra though! This year I'm taking Analysis and Functions, and I'm sort of nervous...
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**comfortofeyes** · 07-28-2008, 08:30 AM

	Originally Posted by aparkedcar To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Since the INTJ type is typically, but not always, associated with engineering and scientific professions I was wondering if the vast majority of INTJs excel at math (algebra, calculus, trig, etc). I myself do not (unless we're talking about statistics). Am I a rare exception?

Well I used to be very good at math with the exception of statistics which I hate very much. I'm specializing in English language and English literature, though!

**Fej** · 07-28-2008, 10:10 AM

I'm not good at math but I'm thinking that maybe I will like statistics, it seems interesting.

**eyebyte_AtWork** · 07-28-2008, 10:52 AM

I never knew I was good at math until a mathematician challenged me with algebraic puzzles.

After that I soaked it up like a sponge. Especially in relation to it applications which tended to be scientific in nature. Thus I studied physics in college.

I would not have done math on my own because I was under the impression that I was supposed to be business oriented. Needless to say that I am glad that my life unfolded the way it did.

**Erika Redmark** · 07-28-2008, 01:28 PM

I was thought to be good at math when I was in school, but I sort of lost interest around ninth grade. Calculus was fun, though.

**Jgib5328** · 07-28-2008, 04:06 PM

I'm more of a right-brained person, but I'm still good at math and do well in advanced math courses at my college. I don't think math is that great though, I'm only majoring in it to complement my finance major.

**aliena** · 07-31-2008, 01:38 AM

i am studying computer science, we have lots of math

i've always liked math, though i seem to like too many things and sometimes think, that some other school would be a better fit for me
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The only thing i've always really hated on math is geometry. All the punctuality and straight lines; and I hate rulers. And the outcoming pictures didn't even look nice, I have a different feeling of aesthetics
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**Monte314** · 07-31-2008, 05:29 AM

It surprises me that so many of us dislike math. I suspect it is because we were not introduced to it in the right way early-on. Does this make sense, or is it really a built-in aversion?

I've always felt that innumeracy was less about "learning disability" and more about "teaching disability".

**Azazello** · 07-31-2008, 05:34 AM

Maybe math ability is not related to myers briggs type. I have also loved math.

**ssrprotege** · 07-31-2008, 05:34 AM

	Originally Posted by Monte314 To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	It surprises me that so many of us dislike math. I suspect it is because we were not introduced to it in the right way early-on. Does this make sense, or is it really a built-in aversion?

As a math lover, I find it surprising. The way math is taught in Korean schools is not great; but fortunately I met a good mentor in a private academy. A handful of students, including myself, and a mentor just solved challenging math questions every Sunday for six hours. Lots of discussions, many ways to attack the problems were discussed. Given that students chose to only have one break in a six-hour session, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Plus, Dad emphasized that math is all about learning fundamental principles, not memorizing formulae but understanding. These environments greatly stimulated my N.
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As a result, I seriously consider studying math further.

By the way, an interesting writing about why math is unpopular.

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07-27-2008, 10:04 PM	#1
aparkedcar New Member [01%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 28	Since the INTJ type is typically, but not always, associated with engineering and scientific professions I was wondering if the vast majority of INTJs excel at math (algebra, calculus, trig, etc). I myself do not (unless we're talking about statistics). Am I a rare exception?
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07-27-2008, 10:49 PM	#4
ColonelTroll Member [02%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 93	Algebra...no problem, maybe a little rusty Geometry...no problem Simple calculus...mmm, I'll try Adv. calculus...just shoot me now Statistics...love it (probabilities, statistical process control, sample sizes, all of it).
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07-28-2008, 01:22 AM	#5
Azazello New Member [01%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 20	I haven't studied math for 20 years, yet I solved Monte's last problem in 3 hours. Well almost. I calculated the 2nd smallest answer instead of the smallest.
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07-28-2008, 05:26 AM	#6
Monte314 Core Member [407%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 16,304	I am a professional mathematician. My "day job" is as a Technical Fellow and Chief Cognitive Research Scientist for Northrop-Grumman Corporation, where I lead the scientific team for the Advanced Systems Group. I serve actively on three faculties where I teach mathematics, engineering, and statistics. I'm also on the technical advisory boards for one college, and one university.
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07-28-2008, 05:45 AM	#7
ssrprotege Core Member [113%] MBTI: xxxx Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4,541	This is an INTJ wishing to be a mathematician (second Monte? Who knows?). I have loved math since I was a kid, and my interests lie in theoretical math, especially number theory. To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Well, with some psychology-related work as my second profession, possibly.....
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07-28-2008, 05:55 AM	#8
hauteur Member [16%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 659	Math. Blech - I just threw up in my mouth a little. To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. I've never really liked math. I don't know why, but it never really got my interest. I'm about to take a finite mathematics class in school (I haven't taken a math class for many years), so I'll get to find out how well/not so well I do at it.
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07-28-2008, 06:20 AM	#9
Uytuun Member [26%] MBTI: INTj Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,062	I wasn't good at it even though I'm intrigued by the concept.
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07-28-2008, 06:26 AM	#11
IgnoranceIsKind Member [11%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 445	I've never really been good at math, but that's probably because I never practiced. I held stubbornly to the notion that if you're naturally good at it, you'll do well no matter how much effort you put in. Well, that lead me down a slippery slope which resulted in an irrational hatred for mathematics for four years. When I was 17, I realised I should have taken math instead of literature at my current college because I'm so darn excited whenever I see numbers. I'd frequently borrow calculus textbooks in the library just to look at it and see if I can understand. Maybe this truly is an INTJ thing. I can't say for sure. But if given the chance, I would definitely take up Math again. And I'll take it seriously this time.
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07-28-2008, 07:26 AM	#12
Jakalwarrior Member [20%] MBTI: INTj Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 800	I to sucked at math! I was more of a biology, psych, computer person. Heck, I am much better in english than I am math. Trying to fix my weakness now on my own time though.
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07-28-2008, 07:55 AM	#13
Flamethrower Member [17%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 703	I find math really exciting and think it is beautiful even. But I don't have a natural ability with it. I wish I did but am not great with details so I am only good at what I practised in the recent past. I sort of have an intuitive understanding. Throw a big gnarly theoretical math problem at me and I will stare at it for ages and then after some time some things will collide in my mind and I will understand it .... then forget 5 seconds later!!! I have always been hopeless at basic things like arithmetic but am fascinated by theories and the history of math. I guess I must have some sort of ability though because one year I ended up in the top class in my school. I also have a room full of puzzles with a mathematical bent and I love doing technical jobs. In one of my future lives (wishful thinking) I want to be a mathematician. To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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07-28-2008, 08:03 AM	#14
rokxal Member [02%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 105	Currently double majored in Computer Science and Math. A lot of computer science theory is math driven, either fundamentally or on a proof based level. That got me interested in pursuing applied mathematics in order to supplement to my interest in CS theory.
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07-28-2008, 08:23 AM	#16
lambpox Member [12%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 511	I suck at math. The numbers never really connected with me. I was pretty good in Algebra though! This year I'm taking Analysis and Functions, and I'm sort of nervous... To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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07-28-2008, 10:10 AM	#18
Fej Banned MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 509	I'm not good at math but I'm thinking that maybe I will like statistics, it seems interesting.
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07-28-2008, 10:52 AM	#19
eyebyte_AtWork New Member [01%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 17	I never knew I was good at math until a mathematician challenged me with algebraic puzzles. After that I soaked it up like a sponge. Especially in relation to it applications which tended to be scientific in nature. Thus I studied physics in college. I would not have done math on my own because I was under the impression that I was supposed to be business oriented. Needless to say that I am glad that my life unfolded the way it did.
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07-28-2008, 01:28 PM	#20
Erika Redmark Member [15%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 611	I was thought to be good at math when I was in school, but I sort of lost interest around ninth grade. Calculus was fun, though.
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07-28-2008, 04:06 PM	#21
Jgib5328 Member [47%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,896	I'm more of a right-brained person, but I'm still good at math and do well in advanced math courses at my college. I don't think math is that great though, I'm only majoring in it to complement my finance major.
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07-31-2008, 01:38 AM	#22
aliena New Member [01%] MBTI: INxJ Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 31	i am studying computer science, we have lots of math i've always liked math, though i seem to like too many things and sometimes think, that some other school would be a better fit for me To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. The only thing i've always really hated on math is geometry. All the punctuality and straight lines; and I hate rulers. And the outcoming pictures didn't even look nice, I have a different feeling of aesthetics To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
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07-31-2008, 05:29 AM	#23
Monte314 Core Member [407%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 16,304	It surprises me that so many of us dislike math. I suspect it is because we were not introduced to it in the right way early-on. Does this make sense, or is it really a built-in aversion? I've always felt that innumeracy was less about "learning disability" and more about "teaching disability".
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07-31-2008, 05:34 AM	#24
Azazello New Member [01%] MBTI: INTJ Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 20	Maybe math ability is not related to myers briggs type. I have also loved math.
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