Mathematics is a pure science, a language, an integral part of the humanities and the social sciences, and an applied science. It has a completeness of its own and a use as a tool to organize and analyze information in many other disciplines.
In studying mathematics, students are learning ways to organize their thinking and to solve problems. We intend that students gain a proficiency and understanding of numerical and geometric concepts, both for immediate application and as a foundation for future analytical studies and applications. However, in mathematics education, process is as important as the product, and the final answer is only one component. Just as valuable are the mastery of basic skills and the development of mental agility, creativity, persistence, and patience. Moreover, with the changes in the availability of technology to aid in problem solving and the exploration of concepts, the ability to use these tools effectively has become an integral component of the teaching of mathematics.