THE USEFULNESS OF PRIMARY MATHEMATICS IN EDUCATION

The mathematics that was taught in primary schools in the past was called arithmetic which compress mainly, the study of numbers and the application of four basic binary operations addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on real numbers, usually positive numbers, and the use of numbers menstruation and measurement. Situation however has since changed and people have discovered with time that the day-to-day activities of every individual is more than just the mathematics of numbers and arithmetic laws.

In the light of this, the new label which contain the isometric of the past, together with the new ideas and drop it came into being and be put together are now named primary mathematics. The curriculum for primary mathematics was first made by the federal ministry of education in 1979.

WHAT IS MATHEMATICS?

Mathematics could be said to be the study of pattern and the relationship which can be express in symbol. Embrace many important idea about numbers and face which involves problem solving activities and a very powerful ways of communication.

Numbers are however, abstract. Numbers are not object that we can hold, or. They are concept that exist only in our mind. Although we can see three mangos, so good, 1 orange ttc. And of course we can see numbers meeting at 1, 2, 3, and also which a simple symbols to represent the various qualities they stand for.

NOTE THIS

1. Abstract: separated from what is real or concrete eg a flower is beautiful, but beautiful item is an act which does not represent object, since it isn't
2. Concepts : ideas underlying a class of teens ie an idea, education or a model god through the process of

THE OBJECTIVES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS

The objectives of primary school education is clearly state in the 1980 edition of the national policy of education. In line with the national policy on education therefore, the teaching of mathematics in primary schools will be broken down into two broad goals which are as follows:

1. Looking at the utility value of a mathematical ideas and processes in domestic, business and professional life of each individual, primary education will fail in one of the most important object of equally every individual adequately for life after school. If mathematics is not taught in primary schools. In the light of the above therefore, the knowledge of mathematics up to the primary school level is of great importance in the day to day lives of every citizen, no matter his or her profession in life. In other words, we teach mathematics in primary school in order to prepare every individual for useful living in the society.
2. We are all aware of the fact that primary education gives the necessary preparation for secondary school. The primary mathematics teaching will lead the other schools subject that requires the use of mathematics..               

    For ease of understanding, the goals of mathematics teaching and learning at the primary school level  are as follows :

• to help children develop their abilities in the use of mathematical ideas in their daily life activities.
• To help children develop positive attitude to the learning of mathematics,
• To help children develop logical thinking,
• To help children to require basic knowledge and skills in numbers, quantitative and geometrical figures,
• To provide a solid foundation for further learning of mathematics.