Which of the following statements is NOT correct with regard to nature of mathematics ?

The correct answer is "Primary level mathematics is concrete and does not require abstraction."

Explanation:

To understand why this statement is incorrect, let us analyze the nature of mathematics at the primary level:

1. Abstraction in Primary Mathematics: Even though primary school mathematics starts with concrete objects (like counting beads, blocks, or apples), mathematical concepts themselves are inherently abstract. For example, the number "3" is an abstract concept representing a quantity, regardless of whether it refers to 3 apples or 3 cars. Learning numbers, basic operations (+, -), and shapes requires a degree of abstraction even at the primary level.

2. Hierarchical Nature: Mathematical concepts build upon one another sequentially. For instance, addition is required to understand multiplication. Thus, mathematical concepts are hierarchical in nature.

3. Argumentation Skill: Constructing mathematical knowledge requires logical reasoning, reasoning patterns, and argumentation to verify mathematical truths.

4. Special Vocabulary: Mathematics uses specific symbols, terms, and precise vocabulary (e.g., sum, product, fraction, angle) to communicate ideas accurately.

Therefore, the statement claiming that primary level mathematics "does not require abstraction" is NOT correct, making it the correct option for this question.