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Mathematics in The Modern World: Patterns and Numbers in Nature

The pattern is increasing the difference by 6 each time. Therefore, the next number in the sequence is 305.

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alex medina
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51 views

Mathematics in The Modern World: Patterns and Numbers in Nature

The pattern is increasing the difference by 6 each time. Therefore, the next number in the sequence is 305.

Uploaded by

alex medina
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Mathematics in the Modern World

Module 1 – Lesson 1
Patterns and Numbers in
Nature
Edgar M. Adina
Lesson 1: Patterns and Numbers in Nature

Mathematics goes beyond arithmetic. It is a language by


which the universe is elegantly designed. Its value
transcends the intellectual, the practical, and even the
aesthetic standards.
Intended Learning Outcomes: At the end of the section,
students should be able to:
1. explain the nature of mathematics;
2. discuss how mathematics is exhibited in nature; and
3. apply the principles of mathematics to resolve issues
that pertain to human activities, natural occurrences, and
social systems.
Introduction

One cannot simply base a person’s potential in


mathematics on numeric skills, in the same way that a
good writer is not judged by his or her penmanship.

Mathematics is not all about numbers. Rather, it is more


about reasoning, making logical inferences and
generalizations, and seeing relationships in both the
visible and invisible patterns in the natural world.
Patterns and Numbers in Nature

Patterns are the most fundamental feature of


mathematics.

Mathematics can be considered as the science of


patterns.

The relationships that these patterns exhibit at


varying levels of abstractions propel the
advancement of mathematics.
Patterns and Numbers in Nature

3 Types of Patterns
i. Numeric Patterns
ii. Geometric Patterns (or patterns of shapes)
iii. Patterns of Change

Patterns have conceivably evolved to new


perspectives bringing about a more relevant approach
in modeling the processes that are taking place in the
natural world. Thus, one may now also speak of
patterns in structures, patterns in changes, and
random patterns in shapes (fractals) and occurrences
(chaos).
Numeric Patterns in the Affairs of Man

Example 1: Think of the practical value of


the sequence:
31, 28, 31, 30, 31, 30, 31, 31, 30, 31, 30, 31
Example 2: More than simply seeing a
sequence of even numbers, what real-life
scenario can you associate with this
sequence: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, ... ?
The Fibonacci Numbers

Introduced by Leonardo Pisano (a.k.a Fibonacci)


• started with a newly-born pair (male and
female) of rabbits which are able to mate after
one month.
• Then another month of gestation will produce
exactly one pair (also male and female) of
rabbit and so on ...
• Resulting number pattern: 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21, ...
The Fibonacci Numbers

Fibonacci numbers paved the way to quantify


observable patterns
• Golden angle : 137.5o
• Golden Ratio (divine proportion)
• Golden rectangle (or triangle)
Geometric Patterns (Shape)

Natural occurrences:
• vibrant designs of flowers and leaves of certain plants
• fascinating designs in the skin of some animals
• Cloud formations
Man-made designs:
• symmetric designs of bridge supports
• wind mills
• house roofs
• Church interior designs
Geometric Patterns (Shape)
Philippine setting:
• Symmetry (almost perfect) of Mt.
Mayon
• Chocolate hills in Bohol
• Sand dunes in Ilocos
• Textile designs usually associated
with various Filipino ethnic
communities
• Architectural designs (churches and
mosques)
• Church interior designs
Patterns of Change

• Velocity, speed : describes how distance is changing


with time
• Acceleration : how velocity changes with time

• Changes in wind directions

• Population growth

• Changes in economic variables


Fractals and Chaos

Fractal : a type of random pattern with each part


having the same characteristic as the whole
• Mountain formation and erosion
• Wind flows
• Crystal structures
• Branching of trees
Fractals and Chaos

Chaos : superficial randomness originating from


deterministic behavior, on the principle that
even with seemingly chaotic phenomenon,
there is an underlying pattern, a sense of
repetition and periodicity
• Weather conditions
• Celestial mechanics
• Population models (bacteria)
• Predictive modelling
Exercise

Determine the next number in the sequence:


17, 15, 25, 53, 105, 187, ___
Explain your answer by describing the pattern given.
Exercise

The answer is 305.


17 15 25 53 105 187 305
Subtract: -2 10 28 52 82 118
Subtract: 12 18 24 30 36
Subtract: 6 6 6 6
(constant already!)

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