Are mathematicians smarter than us?

Supposedly, good mathematicians have better...

a) Short term memory/retention of data in short term

b) Ability to problem solve with numbers

Now, a lot of good mathematicians are able to take a problem and arrive at an answer using logic and, well, smarts as it may be called. In this sense, mathematicians are quite smart, but are they smarter than other people? Just because a person can't solve a math problem, doesn't mean that they can't solve real-life problems. But it does depend on how you define intelligence. If it is indeed defined by level of short term memory, and ability to solve math problems, then mathematicians are smarter than the rest of us mere mortals. Indeed it is quite interesting, the way we gauge intelligence in our world. For instance, SAT tests, which you need to take to get into college in America, they test you on two things: English, and Mathematics. Now the English one makes perfect sense; it tests your command of the English language, and the Essay shows your ability to use language to formulate your thoughts. But it could be that someone does excellently on the math portion, and horribly on the English part (I'm working under the assumption that English is this person's mother-tongue). And then another person does bad on the math, but great on the English. Which one is smarter than the other?

It cannot be determined. At least, not by these methods. Intelligence is manifested in different ways and in different areas of knowledge in different people.

So does short term memory improve mathematical ability? It certainly seems helpful, and an advantage in problem solving.

OK I just took a break from this blog to work on math homework. Thankfully, my Mom helps me with it... I have now concluded that mathematicians are indeed smarter than the rest of us, and that we owe them all a debt of gratitude. Thus I conclude my blog assignment.