Math is all about the logic of arrangements, interrelationships and quantities. These things are mastered by encountering them in successively more challenging levels of complexity.  Doing so requires a combination of mathematical technique as well as  capacity for ever greater levels of  abstraction.   While imagination and inventiveness are requisite, mastery of numerous methods, from arithmetic to algebraic, geometric, trigonometric and beyond  are fundamental.  Ontario has gleefully embraced the former while woefully ignoring the latter.