Can We Tell if You're Better with Words or Numbers?

Steven Miller

5 Min Quiz

Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

Most of us will have a preference for math or language, and it's likely that this predilection comes from many years of either positive or negative experiences in school and the real world. For example, if you've ever had a school counselor tell you that you should avoid taking a college major that involved any level of mathematics, it would seem likely that you gravitated a lot more towards language skills in your life.

If you're someone who can do complex calculations in your head and you consider people like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Stephen Hawking to be your heroes, then it seems rather obvious that you're someone who prefers the logical and predictable world of math and science.

On the other hand, if you rely completely on a calculator or your phone to take care of anything to do with numbers and you have a grand total of zero people's phone numbers memorized, then we'll be leaning much more towards language as your preference. Should you wow us with the depth of your vocabulary and the amount of reading you do, then we might just put you into "The Poet" category.

One, two, three, four, let's find out just where you score.

Do you enjoy tasks like creating budgets and balancing the checkbook?

I love doing stuff like that.

I'm not sure that I enjoy it, but I'm good at it.
I can do things like that, but I'm not a fan of it at all.

I pay someone else to do stuff like that for me.

Have you ever written any poetry?

I've written a lot of poetry in my life.

I've tried to write a few poems. I think they were alright.
I have, but it was embarrassing.

I never have and I never will.

What is a synonym for the word "spectacular"?

Awesome.

Memorable.
Nearsighted.

Breathtaking.

What is the square root of 169?

13.

338.
28,561.

16.9.

Which is the best use of "there", "their" and "they're"?

They're not sure if there luggage will meet them there.

There not sure if they're luggage will meet them their.
They're not sure if their luggage will meet them there.

Their not sure if there luggage will meet them they're.

Which number comes next in the series of 48, 36, 25, 15?

10.

6.
9.

7.

Do you prefer to talk on the phone or text message?

We can chat on the phone, but let's keep it short.

I'd rather talk on the phone, for sure.
I'd much rather text. I can't stand talking on the phone.

I'm good with either. I love communication in all forms.

Of the following, which class in high school did you like the most?

Language Arts.

Foreign language.
Science.

Math.

Which word are you most likely to use to express that something is better than anything else?

Top.

Leading.
Best.

Preeminent.

Which of the following multiplication problems can you do in your head?

9987 x 765.

25 x 34.
2 x 4.

786 x 54.

Do you use a calculator to figure out the tip at a restaurant?

Yes, I have an app that does it very quickly for me.

I might have to use some paper to do the calculations.
I usually ask someone else to do the calculations for me.

No, I can manage it in my head just fine.

What part of speech is the word "happy" in the sentence, "John is a happy person."?

Adjective.

Preposition.
Noun.

Adverb.

If gas costs $2.98 a gallon and your car gets 20 miles per gallon, how much would it cost you to go 500 miles?

$74.50

$89.40
$3,389.83

I'll just fill it up when it gets low, so I don't worry about the details like that.

What's the most advanced level of math that you feel like you've mastered?

Adding.

Algebra.
Geometry.

Calculus.

Which of the following comes first in the order of operations?

Exponents.

Multiplication/Division.
Parentheses.

Addition/Subtraction.

Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert?

People are crazy. I prefer to avoid them as much as possible.

I do prefer the company of others, but I need my alone time occasionally.
I am the life of the party.

I generally prefer quiet alone time, but I need to mix it up once in a while.

How good are you at remembering names?

It usually doesn't take me long to remember someone's name.

I'm pretty awful. It takes a few interactions for it to truly stick.
I have rhyming tricks to help me remember people's names. I'm great at it.

I forget people's names that I've known for years.

How big is your vocabulary?

I have an impressive collection of words at my disposal.

I'll admit, my vocabulary is pretty limited.
I probably know more words than most people.

I try not to use big words.

Which usage of "it's" and "its" is correct?

The donkey kicked it's hind legs. Its a good thing you weren't standing there.

The donkey kicked its hind legs. Its a good thing you weren't standing there.
The donkey kicked it's hind legs. It's a good thing you weren't standing there.

The donkey kicked its hind legs. It's a good thing you weren't standing there.

How often do you use exclamation points in your writing?

That's almost unheard of.

It's pretty rare.
I use exclamation points fairly regularly.

My writing is filled with them.

What does "circumspect" mean?

I'm guessing it has something to do with circumcision.

To look back on something in the past.
That sounds dirty to me.

Unwilling to take risks.

Which famous person who recently passed away is most fascinating to you?

Stephen Hawking.

Kate Spade.
Anthony Bourdain.

Avicii.

When was the last time you used a thesaurus?

I've definitely used one in the past few months.

It's been a very long time.
I used one in the past couple of days.

I don't think I ever have.

Which career path sounds most appealing to you?

Writer.

Physicist.
Teacher.

Accountant.

Of the following, which movie would you rather watch?

"A Beautiful Mind".

"Good Will Hunting".
"Misery".

"Dead Poets Society".

Which of the following words means "devoid of intelligence"?

Fatuous.

Mute.
Dim.

Astute.

How many books did you read in the last year?

I prefer to listen to audiobooks.

I've read a few books.
I don't read books.

I've read countless books this year.

Of the following, which cable network would you be most likely to watch?

Discovery Channel.

Hallmark Channel.
I don't watch TV.

History Channel.

Which TV show listed below do you like the most?

"Game of Thrones".

"Big Bang Theory".
"Westworld".

"Numbers".

How many phone numbers do you still have memorized?

I don't remember any phone numbers. My phone takes care of that for me.

I actually still have a lot of phone numbers in my head.
I remember one or two numbers, but that's about it.

I think I could come up with a handful of phone numbers if I had to.

About HowStuffWorks Play

How much do you know about dinosaurs? What is an octane rating? And how do you use a proper noun? Lucky for you, HowStuffWorks Play is here to help. Our award-winning website offers reliable, easy-to-understand explanations about how the world works. From fun quizzes that bring joy to your day, to compelling photography and fascinating lists, HowStuffWorks Play offers something for everyone. Sometimes we explain how stuff works, other times, we ask you, but we’re always exploring in the name of fun! Because learning is fun, so stick with us!

6 Minute Quiz 6 Min