So people like to say. I say math was based on counting, and counting is fundamentally connected with material reality and cause and effect. People are amazed at how well math connects with reality (Einstein is famously quoted in that regard). It doesn't amaze me: math was engendered FROM reality directly.

When you imagine a "circle" you are imagining a "physical representation" that exists within the fundamental rules of reality in our universe. And indeed, maths have been worked out that DIDN'T seem connected to our reality (but as offshoots of maths that DID), and then were SUBSEQUENTLY shown to "work" with newly discovered realities.

Maths are of interest only as they (and because they) have a one to one correlation with external reality.