Mathematicians study and research numbers. They create new theories and try to solve problems using those theories.

Mathematical work falls into two classes:

• Theoretical
• Applied

Theoretical mathematicians study and test new mathematical ideas or theories. They try to find connections between existing theories. The discoveries made by theoretical mathematicians may advance areas such as science or engineering.

Theoretical mathematicians may study:

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Number theory
• Logic

Applied mathematicians use math theories to solve problems. For example, mathematicians look at mathematical studies of the effects of new drugs on disease. They analyze numbers to predict how the drugs will impact diseases.

They also study ways to apply math to:

• Science
• Engineering
• Economics
• Computers

Mathematicians may discuss research problems with people in other fields to gain more information. Some mathematicians teach at the college or university level. If they have a teaching certificate they can teach in high school.

Other people who work with math and numbers are statisticians, actuaries, and operations research analysts. They focus on a single area of math.