The document discusses the origins and nature of mathematics. It defines mathematics as the science of quantity, measurement and special relations. The history of mathematics is described as investigating the origin of discoveries and methods from the past. Key contributions include the Chinese place value system and early Greek concepts of number and magnitude. The nature of mathematics is explained as a science of discovery, intellectual puzzle, tool, intuitive art with its own language/symbols, abstract concepts, and basis in logic and drawing conclusions. Needs, significance, and values of teaching mathematics are provided along with areas of study and contributions of great mathematicians like Euclid, Pythagoras, Aryabhatta, and Ramanujan. Notable mathematics-related days are