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"Mathematics is..." or "Mathematics are..."

Why does the noun Mathematics end in an "s"? Is it singular or plural?

In England, the word used is Maths...again, singular or plural?

Using a dictionary search, we find that the word mathematics comes from the French mathematiques, which comes from the Latin mathematica.

But, the Romans supposedly could not agree: Is mathematica feminine singular or neuter plural. The uncertainty was due the fact that the Latin mathematica was borrowed from the Greek mathematika and the Greek mathema (meaning understanding).

Unfortunately, I am not an etymologist, but the presence of the "s" has always fascinated me. And, do I write/say "Mathematics is..." or "Mathematics are...."

For an interesting journey with little closure, do a Google search: Is Mathematics singular or plural..." You will find new concerns: physics, ethics, politics, or social studies...