What Is Mathematics?
The study of wholes and parts, and the relationship between them. Moving objects, according to rules.
Mathematics is the study of numbers, patterns, shapes, and relationships—and how they all work together. At Mathnasium, we describe it as understanding wholes and parts, and how those parts relate to each other. It’s also about how things change or move according to specific rules.
Math helps us describe and understand the world around us:
- Counting and measuring
- Recognizing shapes and patterns
- Solving problems and making predictions
- Understanding time, money, speed, distance, and more
In math, everything follows rules. Whether you’re adding, multiplying, solving equations, or analyzing data, you’re working within a system where logic and structure help you make sense of things.
Mathematics includes many areas, such as:
- Arithmetic – working with numbers and basic operations
- Algebra – using symbols and variables to describe relationships
- Geometry – studying shapes, sizes, and space
- Statistics – collecting and interpreting data
- Calculus – studying how things change, grow, or accumulate over time
Math isn’t just about getting the right answer—it’s about learning how to think, reason, and solve problems in creative ways. And whether you're doing a word problem, analyzing a graph, or just figuring out the best deal at the store, you're using math skills.
How Do Students Learn About Math?
Students begin learning math from a very young age—often before they start school. As they grow, they explore different parts of mathematics step by step.
Preschool & Kindergarten - Early Math Concepts
Students start with counting, recognizing shapes, and understanding simple comparisons like more, less, and equal.
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Preschool & Kindergarten - Early Math Concepts
Students learn basic addition, subtraction, number patterns, place value, and begin to solve simple word problems.
Grades 3–5 – Expanding Math Skills
Students explore multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, geometry, and introductory data analysis. They begin to think more critically about math and apply their skills to solve real-world problems.
Grades 6–8 – Strengthening Core Math Concepts
Middle school students are learning algebra, geometry, ratios, percentages, and introductory statistics. They also begin solving more complex, multi-step problems.
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Grades 9–12 – Advancing to Higher-Level Math
High school students start tackling advanced algebra, pre-calculus, calculus, and deeper geometry and statistics. They apply math to real-world scenarios and prepare for college-level work.
