Math and Numbers in the Brain
- skduo9
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
by Sucharita Desu
Mathematics is defined as the study of numbers and shapes; more commonly, it may be considered the process of calculating using numbers. Overall, we know that it is an academic subject we learn throughout our educational journeys to be able to solve problems. Math can involve many different shapes, symbols, rules and reasonings, numbers, and more! But, how do we come to understand all of this?
To start our discussion, it is important to understand that the process of learning numbers and doing mathematics involves several different parts of the brain.
One of the major neural networks activated while performing mathematical tasks and skills is the intraparietal sulcus (IPS). The IPS is a groove in the outer (lateral) surface of the parietal lobe in the brain. In addition to helping out with visual attention, spatial processing, and action planning, one of its roles is numerical cognition. More specifically, the IPS is responsible for representing numerical quantities, comparing numbers, and performing arithmetic operations. Some other areas of the parietal lobe that are involved in math are the superior parietal lobule (SPL), which involves in spatial attention and mental rotation (used in geometry, graphing, and visualizing math problems); the angular gyrus, which involved in verbal number processing and retrieving math-related facts (i.e. the multiplication tables); the supramarginal gyrus, which is involved in working memory and helps with multi-step calculations; and the postcentral gyrus, which is typically used for hands-on math learning.
Another major neural network that is activated while dealing with numbers and math is the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The PFC is one of the regions in the brain’s frontal lobe. It is made of multiple subareas, each with their own specific tasks and responsibilities. For the purposes of this being an introduction article, we will look at the PFC as a whole rather than in its separate parts. In general, the PFC is your brain’s executive control centre. This means it is involved in higher level cognition, from planning and making decisions to how you behave in social settings. In the context of doing math, the PFC is involved in working memory to hold numbers and remember the steps to solving problems. It is also involved in planning to figure out the order of steps you need to take. Additionally, the PFC helps you choose the best way to approach problems! Furthermore, the PFC makes sure you’re working effectively, from filtering out distractions and impulsive/incorrect answers, as well as allowing you to switch between techniques and different types of math.
The last major neural pathway activated is the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). This is a brain structure that surrounds the corpus callosum and is responsible for integrating emotional and cognitive functions. In fact, it works very closely with the PFC! The ACC has a few important roles when it comes to math. The first is that it detects errors in your calculations or strategy. It is also responsible for recognizing any conflicts, such as multiple possible answers. Lastly, it is important in helping you stay focused and identifies how much mental effort is required, making sure you have enough resources and creating adjustments as you go.
While there are a vast number of brain regions involved, math and number processing follows a certain order in activation. Typically, it is your IPS that is first activated. The numbers are identified and sent to the PFC where it is held in working memory. From there, the PFC and ACC helps you come up with a way to tackle the problem, figure out where you might be wrong, and eventually reach the right solution for the given math problem.
Neuroplasticity also plays a big role in the brain’s ability to learn math and numbers. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to change and adapt by forming new synapses. Overall, it is a type of reorganization that the brain constantly goes through as you experience new stimuli and situations. Doing math changes the structure and function of the different brain areas mentioned above. The more you use certain math skills, the stronger the synapses become and the more likely they are to be activated! Similarly, when you don’t do certain types of math (i.e., mental math), the neurons usually activated for it weaken and readapt to be used for other processes.
If you’re interested in improving your math skills, one of the recommendations is training your working memory so that you can manipulate numbers better! For more tips and tricks, we encourage you to learn more about how our brains process math and numbers by checking out the following links:
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