1.

1 The Meaning of Mathematics

“We have developed a formal system of thought for reorganizing, classifying, and exploring
patterns called Mathematics” ( Stewart, p.1 )

Mathematics may be viewed in different perspectives. In its wildest significance, it is the

development of all of formal deductive reasoning. Generally, it is said to be the science of
calculation. Others view it as a Science of numbers and space and others say that it is a science
of measurement, quantity and magnitude. Locke said “Mathematics is a way to settle in the
mind of children a. habit of reasoning." It is a discipline investigating “formal structures"
(Bernays), it is the "science of orders" (Russell), it is the “ science of order in progression”
(Hamilton). Mathematics has been seen also as a logical construct that is based on a lot of axioms
of either set theory or number theory.
Traditionally, mathematics is presented deductively at school. And is often perceived as
well structured and problems are algorithmically approached. Merriam dictionary defines
mathematics as the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations,
generalizations, and abstractions and of space configurations of their structure, measurement,
transformations and generalizations.
Mathematics is derived from the ancient word manthanein meaning "to learn". The
Greek root mathesis means "knowledge" or its other form máthema meaning science,
knowledge, or learning, and mathematikós or mathemata means "fond of learning". These
might have been the notion of the early mathematicians and philosophers that is why they
continue to seek for knowledge and the truth. Mathematics could then be defined as a desire for
a particular kind of 'knowing. Knowing that is self-contained on the individual or may be seen
as an autonomous thinking (Schaaf, 1963).

Mathematics is described in so many ways that fits within the area of human knowledge.
Basically it is seen as a study of patterns and relations. It is also a way of thinking. Mathematics
is seen as an art which is characterized by order and internal consistency. It is a language that
uses carefully defined terms and symbols. Thus, mathematics is a tool (Reys, Lindquist,
Lambdin, Smith and Suydam, 2004).
Hardy (1941) states that the beauty of mathematics resides in the fact that mathematics is
all about, not just patterns, but patterns of ideas. Devlin defines mathematics as the "science of
patterns" and then more fully as: "the science of order, patterns, structure, and logical
relationships" (Devlin, 2001, p. 73). Mathematics has also often been described as the language
of science. Since the mixture of symbols and words is so powerfully descriptive and
communicative perhaps the definition: "mathematics is the language of the science of order,
patterns, structure and logical relationships' may be considered. Whatever form or way one defines
mathematics so long as it becomes meaningful to the user then it would be a definition for that
user

1.2 Mathematics in Nature

Euclid said that "The laws of nature are but the mathematical thoughts of God." Galileo
affirmed by stating that "Mathematics is the language in which God has written the Universe."
Mathematics is everywhere, it is seen anywhere in the universe. With the development
of a formal system of thought for recognizing, classifying, and exploiting patterns; one could
systematize and organize these ideas of patterns. It would be here that we could discover great
secrets of nature's patterns. They are not just there to be admired; they are vital clues to the rules
that govern the natural process.
Analyzing thoroughly, having the essentials of mathematics as our basis, we could further
discover mathematics in our world and unravel the mystery of the universe. The majority of our
knowledge of mathematics and modern science is strictly based and supported by our
observations of our environment. What was once seen as the randomness of nature is now
distinguished as the intricate applications of mathematics and illustrates the complexities of our
natural world.

A. SHAPES

Geometrv is the branch of mathematics that basically describes shapes and establishes
the relationships between them. Figures with regular shapes are categorized as polygons.
Polygons arc fascinating, especially when they are approximated in nature. When looking
carefully, one can see them all around us.
Spatial patterns can be represented by a fairly small collection of fundamental
geometrícal shapes relationships that have corresponding symbolic representation. To make
sense of the world, the human mind relies heavily on its perception of shapes and patterns. The
artifacts around us (such as buildings, vehicles, toys, utensils and basic things we use in life) and
the familiar forms we see in nature (such as animals, leaves, stones, flowers, and the moon and
sun) can often be characterized in terms of geometric form. Some of the ideas and terms of
geometry have become part of everyday language. Although real objects never perfectly match
a geometric figure, they more or less approximate them. The properties and characteristics about
geornetric figures and relationships can be associated to objects. For many purposes, it is
sufficient to be familiar with points, lines, planes; triangles, rectangles, squares, circles, and
ellipses; rectangular solids and spheres; relationships of similarity and congruence; relationships
of convex, concave, intersecting, and tangent; angles lines or planes; parallel and perpendicular
relationships between lines and planes; forms of symmetry such as displacement, reflection, and
rotation; and the Pythagorean theorem.
Both shape and measurement (magnitude) or scale can have important consequences for
the performance of systems. For example, triangular connections maximize rigidity, smooth
surfaces minimize turbulence, and a spherical container minimizes surface area for any given
mass or volume. Changing the size of objects while keeping the same shape can have profound
effects owing to the geometry of scaling: Area varies as the square of linear dimensions, and
volume varies as the cube. On the other hand, some particularly interesting kinds of patterns
known as fractals look very similar to one another when observed at any scale whatever—and
some natural phenomena (such as the shapes of clouds, mountains, and coastlines) seem to be
like that.
Some Common Shapes Visible in Nature
Sphere. A sphere is a perfectly round geometrical object in three-dimensional space, such as
the shape of a round ball. The shape of the Earth is very close to that of an oblate spheroid,
a sphere flattened along the axis from pole to pole such that there is a bulge around the
equator.
Hexagons. A hexagon is a Two-dimensional six-sided closed polygon. For a beehive, close
packing is important to maximize the use of space. Hexagons fit most closely together
without any gaps; so hexagonal wax cells are what bees create to store their eggs and larvae.
Cones. A cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape that tapers smoothly from a flat,
usually circular base to a point called the apex or vertex. Volcanoes form cones, the
steepness and height of which depends on the runniness (viscosity) of the lava. Fast, runny
lava forms flatter cones; thick, viscous lava forms steep-sided cones.
Parallel lines. In mathematics, parallel lines stretch to infinity, neither converging nor
diverging. The parallel dunes in the Australian desert aren't perfect - the physical world
rarely is.
Interesting figures in
nature Fractals
'Like other figures, fractals are also geometric figures. Fractals involve dilation. They are
objects with fractional dimension and most have self-similarity. Self-similarity is when small
parts of objects when magnified resemble the same figure. The boundaries arc of infinite length
and arc not differentiable anywhere (never smooth enough to have a tangent at a point). Thus,
fractals have basic components that arc similar to the whole. This means that you can find similar
shapes even if you zoom the figure. However, fractals involve a complex process because it gocs
through an infinite number of iterations.

Fractals can also be observed in nature such as the trees, the flowers, clouds, ocean
waves, etc. Even the human body also has fractal structure.

Fractals possess the following characteristics: self-similarity, fractional dimension and

formation by iteration.

Natural objects exhibit scaling symmetry, but only over a limited range of scales.
They also tend to be approximately self-similar, appearing more or less the same at different
scales of measurement. Sometimes this means that they are statistically self-similar; that is to
say, they have a distribution of elements that is similar under magnification.

Below are some manifestations of fractals in nature.

Ferns Clouds

Lightning Waterfalls

The world around us seems to make up of several distinct patterns, evolving various
complex steps of formation. However, looking more deeply we see many similarities and
resemblances. The numerous models explained above have no experimental proof and may not
be correct, but they definitely show linkages between patterns formed under highly contrasting
natural conditions e.g. (a zebra coat and sand dunes) and also show that the mechanisms between
the formations of these patterns need not necessarily be complex.

B. SYMMETRY
Symmetry is a type of invariance: a property that something does not change under a set
of transformations. It is a mapping of the object onto itself which preserves the structure.
Symmetry in everyday language refers to a sense of harmonious and beautiful proportion and
balance. Although these two meanings of "symmetry" can sometimes be told apart, they are
related. Plainly, symmetry is when a figure has two sides that arc mirror images of one another.
It would then be possible to draw a line through a picture of the object and along either side the
image would look exactly the same. This line would be called a line of symmetry.

Kinds of Symmetry
One is bilateral symmetry in which an object has two sides that arc mirror images of each
other. The human body would be an excellent example of living being that has bilateral
symmetry.

Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man showing the proportions and symmetry of the human body
Another kind of symmetry is radial symmetry. This is where there is a center point and
numerous lines of symmetry could be drawn. The most obvious geometric example would be a
circle.
There are other types of symmetry depending on the number of sides or faces that are
symmetrical. Take a look at these images given at the ENGAGE portion of this module.
This starfish has a five - fold symmetry Spiderworth with three - fold symmetry

C. PATTERNS

Though every living and non-living thing of the world may seem to follow a pattern of
its own, looking deeply into the geometry and mechanism of the pattern formation can lead you
to broadly classify them into merely two categories:
Self-organized patterns/ Inherent organization
• Invoked organization
Self-Organized patterns
A self-organizing pattern, follows a simple set of rules, and they use only local
information to determine how a particular subunit evolves. They are represented by successive
patterns. This pattern can be represented as successive horizontal rows; the 'successor' pattern is
just under its predecessor. When the basic rule just defined is applied to that row (the active row)
and then to subsequent rows, a complex pattern develops. Thus, self-organization is a process in
which pattern at the global level of a system emerges solely from numerous interactions among
the lower level components of the system. Moreover, the rules specifying interactions among
the system's components are executed using only local information, without reference to the
global pattern. In other words, the pattern is an emergent property of the system, rather than a
property imposed on the system by an external influence.
Therefore, if rules are to be useful for understanding the patterns in life, such as the
stripes on a zebra's coat, there must be a specific rule. The zebra's coat alternates in
contrasting areas of light and dark pigmentation. Hence the patterns of the zebra's coat reflect
the early interaction of chemicals as they diffused through the embryonic skin.
 Invoked Organization
Not all patterns that occur in nature arise through self-organization. A weaver bird uses
its own body as a template as it builds the hemispherical egg chamber of the nest. A spider
when creating a web follows a genetically determined recipe in relation 10 its slicky orb and
the various radii and spirals it creates. A similar invoked organization is that of the honeycomb
made by bees. In these cases, the structures are built something of an architect that oversees and
imposes order and pattern. There are no sub units that interact with one another to generate a
pattern. Each of the animals acts like a stonemason or laborer, measuring, fitting, and moving
pieces into place.

This is an example of a social insect architecture. The wasp nests, an example of invoked
organization in nature.

More than this biological system existing on the patterns created in nature, there is a great
mathematics embedded in it aside from the plain geometric figure. The geometry of the patterns
could also be linked to mathematical numbers directly or indirectly. The series of numbers seem
to have been forced to them. The Fibonacci numbers or sequence and the Golden ratio are but the
basic example of them.
Supplemental Reading: https://www.freshvista.com/2014/natures-self-organizing-patterns/

1.3 Mathematics as a Study of Patterns

Mathematics is the science of patterns and relationships. Patterns provide a sense of order.
It allows one to make an educated guess. A lot of disciplines are based on making hypothesis and
hypotheses are often based on patterns. Assumptions are also based on patterns, recurring patterns.
Thus, the understanding of patterns aids in the development of mental skills needed in the
transformation of ideas to information then to knowledge.

As a theoretical discipline, mathematics explores the possible relationships among

abstractions without concern for whether those abstractions have counterparts in the real world.
Investigating the patterns that one finds in numbers, shapes, and expressions would lead to making
mathematical discoveries. Patterns, relationships, and functions constitute a unifying theme of
mathematics. Patterns are a way to demonstrate the relationship between variables. It provides
opportunities to model and to analyze situations. The opportunities to analyze, extend, and create
a variety of patterns and to use pattern-based thinking to understand and represent mathematical
and other real-world phenomena are of a great essence in developing mathematical skills. It gives
opportunities for problem solving, making and veri9ing generalizations, and building
mathematical understanding and confidence.
The abstractions can be anything from strings of numbers or letters to geometric figures to
measurements to sets of equations. Inquiries such as “Does the interval between prime numbers
form a pattern?" —Is there an expression for the change in the surface area of any regular solid as
its volume approaches zero?

An ordered list of numbers such as

-3, 1, 5, 9, 13 . . .
 is called a sequence. The numbers in a sequence that are separated by commas are the
terms of the sequence. Sometimes the words 'series' or 'progression' are used in place of sequence.
In the above sequence, - 3 is the first term represented by al, 1 is the second term represented by
a2, 5 is the third term represented by a3, 9 is the fourth term, and 13 is the fifth term. The three
dots :…"indicate that the sequence continues beyond 13, which is the last written term. It is
customary to use the subscript notation an to designate the nth term of a sequence.

Notations, specifically subscript notation, is very helpful in Mathematics. The following

are used in sequences : a1 is used to represent the first term of a given sequence,
a2 is used to represent the second term of a given sequence,
a3 is used to represent the third term of given sequence,
a4 is used to represent the fourth tern of a given sequence
.
.
.
an is used to represent the last term of given sequence,
In the sequence -3, 1, 5, 9, 13,

= 5, a4 = 9, and a5 = 13
With the given sequence we usually ask what would be next?, how could one determine the
next value ? are there ways to generate them?

The initial method that could be done is by the construction of a difference table. The table
simply shows the difference between successive turns. Thus for the sequence -3, 1, 5, 9, 13
Sequence -3 1 5 9 13

First difference 4 4 4 4

The differences of the sequence is taken from the adjacent numbers of the sequence.
That is 1— (-3) = 4, 5—1 = 4, 9—5 = 4, 13 — 9 = 4. The first difference are all the same.
Therefore, if we wan to predict the next number, then we need to add to the last term the
common difference which is 4. Thus, the next number is 13 + 4 = 17.
There are instances that the first difference would not be the same. The next thing to be done is
To take the differences of the first differences. This process will continue until a common
difference is arrived at.

Let us look at the sequence, 17, 15, 25, 53, 105, 187,

Sequence 17 15 25 53 105 187

First difference -2 10 28 52 82

Second difference 12 18 24 30

Third difference 6 6 6

It is at the third differences that we arrived at a common difference. To predict the next term we
move backwards. Six would be added to 30 resulting to 36, Thirty six is the difference of a number
and 82, which would result to 118. One hundred and eighteen is the difference of the term needed
and 187. Thus the next term is 118 + 187 which is 305.
 It is at the third differences that we arrived at a common difference. To predict the next

term we move backwards. Six would be added to 30 resulting to 36, Thirty six is the difference of

a number and 82, which would result to 118. One hundred and eighteen is the difference of the

term needed and 187. Thus the next term is 118 + 187 which is 305.

Nth term Formula

There are instances wherein a given sequence may be in a form of a formula. Say a n= 2n2
+ 1. Here n may take a value from 1 to a desired nth value. Thus upon supposition of say, n = 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, we would have al = 3, a2 = 9, a3 = 19, a4 = 33, and a5 = 51.

There is a generalization if ever that the first difference is common to all. They are
usually called the arithmetic sequence. In such cases, an nth term may be predicted and so with
its sum.
If the sequence is represented by a 1 a2, a3, a4, a5, …an and there exists a common
difference between consecutive terms say a value d then
a1 = a1,

a2 = a1 + d,

a3 = a2 + d = a1 + d + d = a1 + 2d,

a4 = a3 + d = a1 + 2d + d = a1 + 3d,

a5 = a4 + d == a1 + 3d + d = a1 + 4d,
,

Analyzing the relation of the subscript and the multiplier of the common difference, we can say
that the multiplier is a value less one of the number of the subscript. Therefore to predict the
nth term, an = a1 + (n — 1) d.

Illustrative Examples:

1. Mic decided to save money for one week from his allowance. Each day he saves 12 pesos
more than the previous day. If he started saving 8 pesos in the first day, how much will he
set aside in the 5th day? After a week, how much would he have saved?

Solution:

The sequence starts with 8 then add 12 until the fifth day.
a1 = 8, d = 12 a5 = 8 + 12 ( 5 – 1 ) = 56
𝑛
For the total savings after a week, use 𝑆 = (𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑛 )
2

𝑛 𝑛
Equivalently, 𝑆 = 2
(𝑎1 + 𝑎𝑛 + 𝑑 ( 𝑛 − 1 ) = 2
[2𝑎1 + 𝑑 (𝑛 + 1 )

7
So,𝑆7 = [2(8) + 12 (6) = 308 𝑝𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑠
2

1. Find the 7th term in the sequence 5, 14, 27, 44, 65...

14 – 5 =9
27 – 14 = 13
 44 – 27 = 17
65 – 44 = 21
Note that the pattern is adding 4 more than the number added in the previous number. So
the next to be added is 25, and then 29
Thus, 65 + 25 = 90 Then, 90 + 29 = 119

Answer: The 7th term is 119.

There are instances that a common ratio between terms exists rather than a common
difference. An ordered list of numbers such as

3, -3/2, 3/¾-3/8, 3/16....

is an example. It is called a geometric sequence. Sequences of numbers that follow a pattern of
multiplying a fixed number r, from one term to the next are called geometric sequences, The
following sequences are geometric sequences:
Sequence A: 1, 2, 4, 8,16 , … r=2
Sequence B: 0.01, 0.36 , 2.16 , 1296 , … r=6
Sequence C: 16 , -8 , 4 , -2 , 1, … r = -1/2

The r-value can be calculated by dividing any two consecutive terms in a geometric
sequence. The formula for calculating r is..

𝑎𝑛
𝑟𝑛 =
𝑎𝑛−1

where n is any positive integer greater than l.

In Sequence A, with a1 = 1.
To get the second term, a2 1 x 21= 2
The third term, a3 1 x 2 x 2 = 1 x 22 = 4
The fourth term, a4 1 x 2 x 2 = 1 x 23 = 8

Fill up the table for the above given sequences:

Sequence A Sequence B Sequence C

5
nth
term
th
In general, to find the n term of a geometric sequence, the formul used. The sum of
which is

Patterns essentially provides a means of recognizing broader aspects that can be showed
down in order to arrive at a specific answer to a particular problem. The benefit of
understanding patterns opens many doors where there is knowledge that can be applied. The
study of patterns gives an opportunity for one to develop the sense of observation,
hypothesizing, experimenting, discovering and creating. Predicting and estimating and
 thought-provoking activities of recognizing patterns emphasizes the role and purpose of
mathematics itself.

Other Common Patterns

A. LOGIC PATTERNS
Logic patterns are related to geometric patterns and number patterns. It helps us classify
objects or figures. One kind of logic patterns deal with characteristics of various objects.
Another kind deals with orders: there is a sequence of objects and a pattern in the attributes
the objects possess. They are commonly part of aptitude tests. The development of numeracy
literacy and geometric literacy follows one develops a sense of patterns involving logic or
reasoning through association or through relation.

Example 1. In a polygon, a diagonal connects two vertices that are not already connected by
an edge.

How many diagonals can be drawn in a hexagon?

Example 2. Look at the following pattern.

How manv circles will be in the next figure in the pattern?

40 B. 39 c. 36 D. 27

B. GEOMETRIC PATTERN
A geometric pattern is a kind of pattern formed of sequences of lines and curves
to form geometric shapes and figures. A motif, pattern, or design depicting abstract
nonrepresentational shapes such as lines, circles, ellipses, triangles, rectangles, and
polygons. We generally associate geometric patterns with wall paper designs and tiling.
They could also be associated to number patterns and predict the next geometric shape that
would follow the sequence.

Examples: Determine what shape, figure, or series of figure would follow the sequence-
Lesson 1.4 The Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio
Leonardo Pisano, known Fibonacci began the study of the sequence of numbers by
posing the problem in his book, Liber Abaci: "How many pairs of rabbits will be produced
in a year, beginning with a single pair, if in every month each pair bears a new pair which
becomes productive from the month on?"
This problem gives rise to the sequence l, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13,…in which any term after the
first two can be found by summing the two previous terms. In functional notation we could
write f(n) = f (n - 1) + f ( n – 1 ) + f ( n – 2 ) using f(0) = 1 I and q l)

The Fibonacci Sequence can be derived from Pascal's Triangle by adding numbers in
Pascal's Triangle diagonally. The diagonal sequence of numbers on the upper right represents
the first nine terms of the Fibonacci sequence (excluding the initial zero). They are seen to be
the sums of numbers in Pascal's Triangle connected by diagonal lines

Surprisingly, the Fibonacci numbers are found to occur in a wide variety of unexpected
situations.
Indeed, their occurrence is very common in nature including images of flowers and of fruits
and vegetables. There are many examples of biological growth involving the Fibonacci
numbers such as branch in trees, the reproduction of bees, the pattern of petals in many flowers
and plants. They also form the number of leaves and seed grains of many plants. A unique and
beautiful spiral pattern is observed in mature sunflowers which also display Fibonacci numbers.
In particular, it is seen that the sunflower has F( 10) = 55 spirals in one direction and F(11) =
89 spirals in the other direction representing fairly large Fibonacci numbers- The scale patterns
on pineapples and pine cones provide excellent examples of Fibonacci numbers. The scales of
pineapples are, indeed, hexagonal in shape.
A pine cone (Figure la) exhibits the pattern of spirals of both directions — 13 clockwise
and 8 counterclockwise (13 and 8 are consecutive terms of the Fibonacci Series). The seed of
the sunflower (Figure 1b) follows a logarithmic spiral pattern. The shell of a snail (Figure lc)
is also in the shape of spiral.
 Figure la Figure 1b Figure lc
Interestingly, the ratio between two consecutive terms of this series tends to the number
1.61803399.
It is a number commonly encountered when taking ratios of distances in simple geometric figures
such as pentagons, decagons and dodecagons. It is denoted by PHI, and is called the divine
proportion, golden mean, or golden section.

Another geometrical figure that is commonly associated with Phi is the Golden
Rectangle. This particular rectangle has sides A and B that are in proportion to the Golden Ratio.
It has been said that the Golden Rectangle is the most pleasing rectangle to the eye. If we talc
the isosceles triangle that has the two base angles of 72 degrees and we bisect one of the base
angles, we should see that we get another Golden triangle that is similar to the first. If we continue
in this fashion, we should get a set of Whirling Triangles.

Out of these Whirling Triangles, we are able to draw a logarithmic spiral that will converge at
the intersection of the two blue lines, (see Figure 2)

A logarithmic spiral that is a commonly observed pattern in nature.

Figure 2

The Golden Ratio

Mathematics deals with harmony. Harmony is the balance and order within a system. It
is beauty, a quality that is present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep
satisfaction to the mind. The pleasure maybe arising from sensory manifestations (as shape,
color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else such as a personality in
which high spiritual qualities are manifest. The attraction that one has is dependent on the ratio
one sees. The ratio is of high degree of proportionality.
Leonardo da Vinci's drawings of the human body emphasized its proportion. The ratio
of the following distances is of the Golden Ratio: (foot to navel) :n (navel to head).
The word golden section was known to the Greek mathematicians as 'division of a line
in mean and extreme ratio' that appeared in the celebrated quotation of Johann Kepler (1571—
1630): "Geometry has two great treasures: one is the theorem of Pythagoras; the other, the
division of a line in extreme and mean ratio,
The first we may name as a measure of gold, the second we may name as a precious jewel."
 F x E y D x D y C The
golden ratio (or the golden number or the golden section) is defined by dividing a line segment
AB = a by the point C, as shown in Figure le (the golden rectangle) into two unequal parts x and
y such that Cy < x) in such a wav that the ratio of the larger part x to thc smaller part y is equal to
that of the total length x + y a to thc larger segment x, that is,

This could also be derived in Figure If (in similar triangles), where y < x. Segment AC is
equal to x.

The Golden Ratio is a product of early Greek mathematics, which saw the development
of the related concepts of ratio and proportion. If p and q are any two natural numbers or positive
integers, represents the ratio of p to q. A ratio is the quotient of two numbers or quantities. When
𝑝 𝑟
two ratios are equated, one obtains a proportion. Thus, 𝑞 = 𝑠 represents a proportion.
Proportions of the type are known as continuous proportions. One particular type of continuous
𝑝 𝑞
proportion, 𝑞 = (𝑝+𝑞) was very special to the ancient Greeks, who named it the Golden
Proportion. The Golden Proportion is the simplest of continuous proportions because it has only
two unknowns and uses the most basic arithmetic operation, addition. It follows from the Golden
Proportion that:

Simplifying the right fraction:

𝑞 𝑝
= +1
𝑝 𝑞

𝑞
Multiplying both sides of the equation by 𝑝 ∶

𝑞 2 𝑞
( ) = +1
𝑝 𝑝

𝑞
The ratio derived from the Golden Proportion was called the Golden Ratio by the ancient
𝑝

(1±√5)
Greeks, and its exact value is obtained by solving x 2 — x — 1 = 0 for x, the Golden
2

𝑞
Ratio being represented by x. The Golden Ratio became the standard of perfection in Greek
𝑝
art and architecture. This tradition was continued by the Romans and carried on into the Middle
Ages, where the Golden Ratio is represented in the architecture of the great cathedrals. The great
artists and architects of the Renaissance inherited this cultural legacy and passed it on to their
heirs in the Modern Age.

The description of this proportion as Golden and Divine is fitting perhaps because it is
seen by many to open the door to a deeper understanding of beauty and spirituality in life. That's
an incredible role for a single number to play, but then again this one number has played an
incredible role in human history and in the universe at large.
 It is a mathematical fact that the ratio of a Fibonacci number to the number that precedes
it in the sequence approaches the Golden Ratio at the limit of the sequence. It is also a
mathematical fact that any Fibonacci number can be represented by a general formula, known
as Binet's Formula that incorporates the Golden Ratio. Letting F(n) represent the nth number of
the Fibonacci sequence,

𝑛 𝑛
1 1 + √5 1 − √5
𝐹 (𝑛) = [( ) −( ) ]
√5 2 2
The golden number ɸ is related to a lot of functions. It may be expressed by continuous
radicals.

Examples: How to get the nth number of the Fibonacci Sequence using Binet’s Formula

1. Find Fib (22)

22 22
11 + √5 1 − √5
𝐹 (22) = [( ) −( ) ]
√5 2 2

= 17,711
2. Find Fib ( 24 )

24 24
1 1 + √5 1 − √5
𝐹 (24) = [( ) −( ) ]
√5 2 2

= 46, 368

ELABORATE
Starting with 0 and 1, the succeeding terms in the sequence can be generated by adding the
two numbers that came before the term.

0+1=1 0, 1, 1
1+1=2 0, 1, 1, 2
1+2=3 0, 1, 1, 2, 3
2+3=5 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5
3+5=8 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8
5 + 8 =13 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13
… 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …
While the sequence is widely known as Fibonacci sequence, this pattern , is said to have been
discovered much earlier in India. Fibonacci sequence has many interesting properties. Among
these is that this pattern is very visible in nature. Some of nature’s most beautiful patterns like the
spiral arrangement of sunflower seeds, the number of petals in a flower, and the shape of a snail’s
shell – things that we looked at earlier in this module – all contain Fibonacci numbers. It is also
interesting to note that the ratios of successive Fibonacci numbers approach the number
ɸ(𝑷𝒉𝒊), 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝑶𝑳𝑫𝑬𝑵 𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶) whose value is 1.61803399
SUMMARY:

PATTERNS AND NUMBERS IN NATURE AND THE WORLD

PATTERNS are regular, repeated, or recurring forms or designs.

- commonly observed in natural objects, such as the six - fold symmetry of
snowflakes, the hexagonal structure and formation of honeycombs, the tiger’s
stripes and hyena’s spots, the number of seeds in a sunflower, the spiral of a
snail’s shell, and the number
 of petals in flowers.
- indicate a sense of structure and organization that it seems only humans are
capable of producing these intricate, creative, and amazing formations.
Humans are hard wired to recognize patterns and by studying them, we discovered the
underlying mathematical principles behind nature’s designs.
THE FIBONACCI SEQUENCE
SEQUENCE is an ordered list of numbers, called terms, that may have repeated values. The
arrangement of these terms is set by a definite rule. The terms of a sequence could
be generated by applying the rule to previous terms of the sequence.

FIBONACCI SEQUENCE if formed by adding the preceding two numbers, beginning with 0
and 1. Ratios of two Fibonacci numbers approximate the Golden Ratio, which is considered as
the most aesthetically pleasing proportion.
MATHEMATICS FOR OUR WORLD
Mathematics helps organize patterns and regularities in the world. Mathematics helps predict the
behavior of nature and phenomena in the world, as well as helps humans exert control over
occurrences in the world for the advancement of our civilization.
The following are the application of mathematics in solving societal problems:
1. Mathematics for organization.
Examples: a. Business establishments can gather data on shopping habits of its customers and
make necessary adjustments to help us make sound analysis and better
decisions.
b. Sciemtists can plot bird migration routes to help conserve endangered animal
populations

2. Mathematics for prediction.

Examples: a. Mathematical models using existing data to generate
analysis and interpretations can be used to make predictions.
b. The concept of probability can be used by experts to calculate the chance of the
occurrence of an event . Weather forecasting is a prime example.

3. Mathematics for control.

Example: a. Photographers could capture a single moment though a snapshot; videographers
could record events as they unfold.
Observations about nature, as well as their interactions and relationships, could be more
elegantly described by means of mathematical equations.

THOUGH THE USE OF MATHEMATICS, MAN IS ALSO ABLE TO EXERT

CONTROL OVER HIMSELF AND THE EFFECTS OF NATURE.