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hartfire I think of simple counting as the start of learning arithmetic in primary school or kindergarten.
Mathematics starts when one gets into equations more complex than just addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
It is the abstract science of number, quantity, and space, either as abstract concepts (pure mathematics), or as applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering (applied mathematics).
Yes, music theory definitely involves applied mathematics - and is fascinating. I once did an introductory course in it at the University of New South Wales. The laboratory and its equipment were awesome, and so was the lecturer - so many experiments showing how music works the way it does.
And even more amazing when one discovers it works equally well with the different tone, pitch and rhythmic signatures of other cultures.
But poetry has been one of my main studies these last six years and, so far, I've found nothing in it that I'd call mathematical.
I do know of a Latin novelist who uses mathematical themes in his magical realism - a real head-spinner.
And I remain open to hearing of or discussing any poem, or poet, that works via or with math. That would amaze and mesmerize me.
