Mathematical characteristics

1. It has an abstract object. (memiliki objek kajian abstrak)

Mathematics has an abstract object, but not all abstract objects are mathematical.
While some mathematicians are budging object od mathematic is “concret” in their minds.
There are four objects of mathematical study, that is fact, operation, concepts dan
principles.
a. Fact
Facts are agreements or conventions in mathematics which are usually expressed
through certain symbols.
b. Concept
The concept is an abstract idea that can be used to classify or categorize a set of
objects, whether a particular object is a concept sample or not.
c. Operation and relation
Operation is counting process, algebra process and other athematic process. While
relation is relationship betwenn two or more element.
d. principle
principle is mathematic object that complex, comprised from a few fact, a few
concept that associated by some relation or operation.
2. Based on the agreement
Symbols and terms in mathematic is agreement on important convention. Symbol and
term that has been agreed on mathematic then the next discussion will be easy carried out and
communicated.
3. Deductive thingking pattern
In mathematic only accepted mindset deductive character. Deductive mindset simply
can be thought of originate from generala thing that applied or directed to special things.
Deductive mindset can be realized in a simple form but can be realized in a not simple form.
4. Consistent on the system
In mathematic there is various kind of system that formed by a few axiom and contain
some theorem. There are related system, there are also systems that can be viewed
independently of one another. Algebra system with geomtric system can be viewed
independently of one another. In the algebra system there is some another system
that smaller accepted of one another. Thus on geometry system.
5. Has an empty symbol in the meaning
In the mathematics so many symbol form Latin alphabet, Yunani alphabet, or special
symbols. That symbols form a sentence in mathematics which is ussualy called mathematic
model. Mathematic model can be equation, inequation and function. There are also
mathematic model form picture like a geometric builds, grafic , and diagram .
6. Show the universe of talk
In connection with the empty meaning of mathematical symbols,then if we
use should show the universe of talk. The universe of talk can be narrow or large. We talk
about number , then the symbols show the number too. So if we talk about transformation
geometry ( like a translation, rotation and others ) then mathematic symbol show
transformation too. Correct or not solution of question or problem, and also determined by the
universe of talk that used.
Characteristic Mathematic of School

There is the different between mathematic as a science with mathematic of school.

1. Presentation
Presentation of mathematic doesn’t have to start with theorem or definition, but it must
be adjusted to the intellectual development of students.
2. Mindset
Learning mathematic of school can use deduktif mindset or induktif mindset. This must
be adjusted to the topic and intellectual level of students. As a general criterion, usually in
elementary school use an inductive approach first because this allows students to capture more
the meaning in question. While for junior and high school, deductive mindset it is more pressed.
3. The universe of talk
As same as with the level of intellectual development of students, the mathematics is
presented in the education level also adjusts in universe. The increase development progress
period student intelectual, then the universe of mathematic is increasingly expanded.
4. Level of abstractness.
Level of abstractness mathematic must the level of mathematical abstractness must also
be adjust to the level of intellectual development of students. In elementary school it is possible
to "concretize" mathematical objects so that students better understand lesson. However, the
higher the school level, the level of object abstractness more clarified
The nature of mathematic

The word mathematics comes from Latin words mathematics which was originally taken
from Greek words mathematike which means study. The words have their origin mathema which
means knowledge or science. Mathematike words also related to other words that are almost the
same, namely mathein or mathenein meaning learning (thinking). So, based on the origin of the
word, then mathematical words mean science knowledge obtained by thinking (reasoning).
Mathematics pressed activities in the world of ratio (reasoning), it does not emphasize the results
of experiments or observations mathematics is formed because of human thoughts, which are
related to ideas, processes, and reasoning (Russeffendi ET, 1980: 148).

C. Mathematics is deductive science

Mathematics is known as deductive science, because the process of finding truth
(generalization) in mathematics is different from other natural sciences and others.
The truth-seeking method used is the deductive method, it cann’t with inductive method . In
natural science is an inductive and experimental method.

D. Mathematics Is Structured Science

Mathematics is an organized structured science. This is because of mathematics
starting from an element that is not defined, then the element defined to the axiom / postulate and
finally on the theorem. The concepts of mathematics are hierarchically arranged, structured,
logical, and systematic starting from the simplest concept to the concept the most complex.
Therefore to study mathematics, the previous concepts were be a prerequisite, must be truly
mastered in order to understand the topic or the next concept.

Mathematical structures are as follows:

a. Elements that are not defined
For example: points, lines, arches, planes, numbers etc.
These elements exist, but we cannot define them.
b. Elements that are defined
Of the elements that are not defined, elements are defined.
For example: angles, rectangles, triangles, prism, simple closed arches, numbers
odd, decimal fractions, FPB and KPK etc.
c. Axioms and postulates
Of the elements that are not defined and defined elements can be made
assumptions known as axioms or postulates.
d. Postulate or theorem
Of the elements that are not defined and axioms, theorems are arranged
the arguments whose truth must be proven by deductive means.

E. Mathematics Is the Science of Patterns and Relationships

Mathematics is referred to as the science of patterns because mathematics is often sought
for uniformity such as sequentialness, the interrelation of patterns from a particular set of
concepts or models that are represent it to make generalizations.

F. Mathematics is the language symbol

Mathematics which consists of symbols that are very solid in meaning and international.
Solid meaning means mathematical symbols are written in a short way but have a broad meaning.
The purpose of mathematic instruction

Mathematics taught in schools carries a very important mission, which is to support the
achievement of national education goals. In general, the purpose of school mathematics can be
classified into:
1. A purpose that is formal, emphasizes the arrangement of reasoning and shapes the
personality of students.
2. Material objectives emphasize the ability to solve problems and apply mathematics.

In more detail, the purpose of mathematics learning is presented in the book on mathematics
competency standards as follows:
1. Practicing of thinking and reasoning in drawing conclusions, for example through
investigation, exploration, experimentation, showing similarities, differences, consistency
and inconsistencies.
2. Develop creative activities involving imagination, intuition, and discovery by
developing divergent, original thinking, curiosity, making predictions and predictions,
and experimenting.
3. Develop problem-solving skills.
4. Develop the ability to convey information or communicate ideas, among others,
through oral talks, graphics, maps, diagrams, in explaining ideas.