Mathematics as One of the Basic Sciences

Before talking about school mathematics it is better to discuss first what is meant by mathematics. There have been many experts who define "mathematics" implicitly but until now there has not been one definitions are explicit and standard.

As stated by Galileo (1638) that the universe was written in the mathematical language and its function consists of triangles, circles and shapes other geometries (Naga DS, 1984: 258). Then Soedjadi (1985) emphasized that mathematics has abstract objects along with several symbols as well images as a result of abstraction and idealization, have now been seen as a tool for reasoning, computational tools, communication tools. As a communication tool, mathematics is the key to unmasking the secrets of nature

Fehr (1967) said that "For the scientific world, mathematics too acting as a symbolic language that makes communication possible careful and precise. Mathematics in relation to scientific communication has double role, namely as a queen as well as serving science "(Darwis, 1994).

So the nickname of mathematics as queen and servant of science, means mathematics has two meanings, namely (1) mathematics as a tool in learning science other knowledge (in the sense of mathematics as a servant), and (2)mathematics does not depend on other sciences to develop, because mathematics as a deductive science so that its truth is based on the truth of a statement which preceded it, (in the mathematical sense as queen).

However, to make it easier to get to know mathematics thoroughly close, it can be seen that the definition presented by Dajono (1976: 10), namely: There are three elementary mathematical notions as follows:

1. Mathematics as a science of numbers and spaces
2. Mathematics as the study of science about classification and construction various structures and patterns that can be imagined.
3. Mathematics as an activity carried out by mathematicians.

Soedjadi (1985: 1) states that "It is not surprising that there are parties which defines mathematics as the study of structures and patterns ". Whereas on the other hand said that mathematics is the study of science abstract and other parts. Furthermore Soedjadi (1985: 1) reiterates that: Although there are various opinions that appear different, it can still be drawn the same characteristics, among others are:

1. Mathematics has abstract study objects
2. Mathematics bases itself on agreements
3. Mathematics uses the full deductive mindset
4. Mathematics imbued with consistent truth.

Mathematics as one of the basic sciences, both its applied aspects and aspects reasoning, has an important role in efforts to master knowledge and technology (Sukahar: 1996). The development of mathematics is very sustaining advances in science and technology. Mathematics as a science has four basic objects namely facts, concepts, operations and principles. Mathematical development uses patterns deductive-axiomatic thought.

On the other hand, mathematics needs to be mastered by all Indonesian citizens, both regarding the application and mindset. Such mathematics is what called school mathematics. So it is impossible to include all the elements the development of mathematics and science into the school curriculum. So it needs to be chosen carefully to include the elements of science and technology development into school.

According to Soedjadi (1995) school mathematics is elements or parts based mathematics chosenand oriented to

(1) the meaning of education, that is to develop abilities and personalities learners.
(2) the demands of the real development of the ever-present environment develop along with the progress of science and technology.

This is according to what Sukahar (1997: 8) said that school mathematics is part of mathematics chosen on the basis of developmental interests intellectual abilities and personality of students and the development of science and technology, and anticipate the future