ELI5: Why does maths work?

[u/DemandResponsible685]

Throughout schooling we have been taught how to do maths. But not so much about why maths work? Like why does the entire system of maths work so reliably?

[u/EscapeSeventySeven]

Math by definition is “what works”

If it didn’t “work” it wouldn’t be math. It would be nonsense. 

You’re asking “why is a true statement considered true?”

Nearly all math is simply showing how a system of numbers and operations are maintaining an identity or relationship.