Mathematics plays a crucial role in the study of number theory and its applications in cryptography. In number theory, mathematical concepts and techniques are used to study properties of integers, prime numbers, and their relationships. These mathematical foundations are essential for developing cryptographic algorithms that are secure and efficient. Cryptography relies heavily on number theory for tasks such as generating large prime numbers for encryption keys, prime factorization for encryption and decryption processes, and modular arithmetic for various cryptographic operations. Overall, mathematics provides the theoretical framework necessary for understanding, analyzing, and implementing secure cryptographic systems in real-world applications.