What is mathematics? It is only a systematic effort of solving puzzles posed by nature.

–Shakuntala Devi

Mathematics in Our World

• Mathematics plays a central role in the modern world, and it helps us to understand the world, thru

• patterns, relationships and possibilities. The world is interconnected and math shows these
connections on a daily basis.

• Math helps us understand the world

Patterns and Numbers in Nature and the World

• A pattern is an arrangement of lines or shapes, especially a design in which the same shape is repeated
at regular intervals over a surface.

• Patterns in nature are visible regular forms found in the natural world. These patterns recur in different
contexts and can sometimes be modelled mathematically.

Nature Pattern

Symmetry

• There is symmetry when a shape looks identical to its original shape after being folded, flipped or
turned.

• Symmetry is a mirror image.

•Symmetry can be reflective and rotational.

• When an object or image can be turned around a center point and match itself some number of times
(as in a five pointed star), there is rotational symmetry.

Fractal

• Fractals are a never-ending pattern. These are extremely intricate patterns that are similar across
different levels, created by doing a simple process repeatedly in an ongoing feedback loop.

Spiral

• Spirals are ordinary in some plants and animals. A spiral is a coiled or curved pattern that focuses on a
center point and a series of circular shapes that revolve around it.

Waves

• Waves are disturbances that transmit energy as they travel. Mechanical waves spread by means of air
or water.

Tessellation
• A tessellation is a pattern of shapes that fit perfectly together. When a surface is covered with a pattern
of flat shapes so that there are no overlaps or gaps, then tessellation is done. This is more popularly
known as tiling.

Spots, stripes

• These patterns may be explained in terms of their functions that increases the chances that the
offspring will survive and reproduce. One function of animal patterns is disguise.

Cracks

• Cracks are openings that develop in materials to release stress.

Mathematics is the study of patterns; it is not just confined to numbers and arithmetic. When you use
patterns to analyze and solve problems, things are made easier.

The “Fibonacci” Sequence

• Leonardo Pisano Bogollo (1170 -1240)

• Nickname “Fibonacci” means Son of Bonacci

• 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55,…

The Rule is xn = xn−1 + xn−2

•xn Is term number “n”

•xn−1 is the previous term (n−1)

•xn−2 is the term before that (n−2)

X9= x9−1 + x9−2

= x8 + x7

= 21 + 13

= 34

Golden Ratio 1.61803398875 (Vitruvian Man)

MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE AND SYMBOL

LANGUAGE – a systematic way of communication with other people use of sounds or conventions
symbols.

IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE

*Language- invented to communicate ideas.

* The language of mathematics was designed:

•NUMBERS
•SETS

•FUNCTIONS

• PERFORM OPERATIONS

SYMBOLS COMMONLY USED IN MATHEMATICS

*digit numbers: 0,1,2,3…

*Operations : +,-,x,÷..

*variables: a,b,c,y….

*Special symbols: =, <, >, ≤,≥,π

*logic symbols: ~, ^,v

Symbols commonly used in mathematics

1. Sets:
U ( union of sets)
∩ (Intersection of sets)
– -( difference)

‘ ( complement)

∆ (Delta)

2. The set notations:

GRAMMAR OF MATHEMATICS

The mathematical notation used for formulas has its own grammar, not dependent on a specific natural
language, but shared internationally by mathematicians regardless of their mother tongues.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MATHEMATICS LANGUAGE

*PRECISE

*CONCISE

* POWERFUL

The grammar of mathematics

*The word “is” could mean equality, inequality or member in a set.

* Different use of number ( ordinal, cardinal, nominal, ratio)

* The word “and” and “or” may mean differently in mathematics than English use.

Sets

◦A set is a group or collection of objects.

◦It is named using capital letter.

◦Each object in a set is called a member or an element of a set

◦Example: A = {shoes, jacket, t-shirt, hat}

◦Set A – things that we wear.

Sets

◦N={1,2,3,…} the set of natural numbers.

◦W={0,1,2,3,…} the set of whole numbers.

◦Z={…-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,…} the set of integers

◦Z+={1,2,3,…} the set of all positive integers

◦Q= the set of rational Q’ =the set of irrational

◦R = the set of real numbers.

Sets

◦Even numbers; A = {2,4,6,8,…}

◦ Odd numbers; A = {1,3,5,7,…}

◦ Prime numbers; A = {2,3,5,7,11…}

◦ Composite numbers; A = {4,6,8,…}

◦ Perfect square; A = {1,4,9,16,25…}

◦ Multiples of 2; A = {2,4,6,8,10…}

◦ Factors 6; A = {1,2,3,6}

Empty or null set

◦A set with no members or elements. It is denoted by the symbol {} for empty set and Ǿ for null set

◦A = {set of triangles with 4 sides}

° A= {} or ø

SERIES OF OPERATIONS ON SET

Intersection of sets (COMMON)

Union of sets ( Combination)

◦The union of sets A and B, written A U B, is the set of all the elements that are in A, or in B, or in both A
and B.

Complement of a Set ( Ang wala sa set)

°The complement of a set A, written A’, is the set of elements in the universal set that are not in A.

Cardinality ( number of element/s)

°The number of (distinct) elements in a set A is called the cardnality of A and is written |A|.