Probably not. Knowing more stuff doesn't make you "smarter". Nor would mastering kinds of math that many people find challenging prove you are more intelligent.

Probably not. Knowing more stuff doesn't make you "smarter". Nor would mastering kinds of math that many people find challenging prove you are more intelligent. Clearly many intelligent people are not great at math or don't know algebra. But exercising your curiosity and practicing the art of learning will always increase your mental fitness and the ability to apply your intelligence better. It's always good to keep in shape - mentally too. I don't think it matters much what the subject is. It doesn't have to be algebra, as long as it captures your interest. Algebra is very challenging because it requires thinking in abstract concepts, so it's a great subject. It will indirectly lead to deeper understanding in many other fields too, including computer science. Intelligent people are often curious and desire to learn new things, so No I don't think learning algebra makes you smarter - but I think the desire to is a possible symptom of this kind of curiousity.