Module # 1 in MMW
Module # 1 in MMW
Overview
Humans have always used observations of patterns to help mankind survive with a better
understanding of the world in which we live. Some of these patterns seemed to have only
recreational value when first discovered, but later on they have been shown to be valuable
tools in describing weather systems, economic behaviors, biological interactions, and other
important aspects of life.
In this module, we shall talk about the nature of math, the patterns that we see in nature
and in the world in general. We shall also learn logical patterns, numerical patterns, and
isometries.
Learning Outcomes
After completing the study of this module, you should be able to:
What is mathematics?
How do you describe mathematics?
Mathematics has been called the greatest and most original invention of the human
mind and is one of the great social institutions built up by cooperation during the long history of
civilization. It is a mode of thinking that is necessary for the evolution of the human race. It relies
on both logic and creativity, and it is pursued both for a variety of practical purposes and for its
intrinsic interest.
Those who study mathematics for intrinsic interest believe that the essence of
mathematics lies in its beauty and its intellectual challenge. As a theoretical discipline,
mathematics explores the possible relationships among abstractions without concern for
whether those abstractions have counterparts in the real world. This kind of mathematicians,
called pure mathematicians are interested only in finding a pattern or proving that there is none,
but not in what use such knowledge might have.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Those who study mathematics for practical purposes believe that the chief value of
mathematics is how it applies to a person’s own work, like the scientists, engineers, economists,
etc. Mathematicians of this kind focus their attention on solving problems that originate in the
world of experience.
HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS
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The Nature of Mathematics
i. Technology
Modern technology depends on basic research to advance. GPS devices must know the
speed of light to work, and this value is determined by math and experimentation using
statistics.
ii. Engineering
In engineering, math is used to design and develop new components or products, maintain
operating components, model real-life situations for testing and learning purposes, as well
as build and maintain structures. Math is a core component of every engineering field and
is also widely used in research.
iii. Media
Mathematical concepts and themes can be found anywhere in the media. The range of
ways that math is related to the media is quite broad including the shape of camera lens,
proportion scale for movie sets, and the convincing nature of numbers used in advertising.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Pattern – is considered as any kind of regularity that can be recognized by the mind.
These could be non-mathematical patterns; number patterns; and patterns that would be
valuable to you as you gain mathematical maturity and become a problem solver.
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Center_Construction(cropped).jpg
We think of patterns as something that just repeats again and again throughout space
in an identical way, sort of like a wallpaper pattern. But many patterns that we see in nature
aren’t quite like that. We sense that there is something regular or at least not random about
them, but that doesn’t mean that all the elements are identical. One familiar example of that
would be the zebra’s stripes. Everyone can recognize that as a pattern, but no stripe is like any
other stripe. The patterns are just so striking, beautiful and remarkable. The beauty of natural
patterns makes us wonder: How does nature without any kind of blueprint or design put together
patterns like this?
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The Nature of Mathematics
Patterns in Nature
These are visible regularities of form found in the natural world. These patterns recur in
different contexts and can sometimes be modelled mathematically.
Look at your face in the mirror. Imagine a vertical line going through the middle of
your face. What can you say about the left and right side of your face? Now
imagine a butterfly with wings wide spread and an imaginary vertical line going
through the center of its body. What can you say about the left and right side of
the butterfly’s body?
1. Symmetry. Figures can have two distinct types of symmetry: reflection (mirror or bilateral)
symmetry and rotation (radial) n- fold symmetry, which we informally differentiate below.
A figure has reflection symmetry if there is a line that can be “folded over” so that one- half
of the figure matches the other half perfectly. The “fold line” is called the figure’s line (axis) of
symmetry.
A figure has rotation symmetry if there is a point around which the figure can be rotated, less
than a full turn, so that the image matches the original figure perfectly.
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The Nature of Mathematics
A tiger has reflection symmetry. A starfish has rotation symmetry. A snowflake has rotation symmetry.
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2. Fractals or Trees. From the word fraction, or part of a whole, fractals are self-similar, iterated
mathematical constructs where shrinking and moving are applied many times. In a fractal,
you will observe that as new shapes are constructed, they are similar to each of the previous
shapes, that is, the basic components of a fractal are similar to the whole. This means that
you can zoom into forever and find exactly the same shapes.
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The Nature of Mathematics
3. Spirals. Spirals are the patterns that we see in many plants and some animals,
notably molluscs. To get a better picture, we will pay attention to a particular kind, the
nautilus shell. In a nautilus, each chamber of its shell is an approximate copy of the next one,
scaled by a constant factor and arranged in a logarithmic spiral. We can say that growth
spiral can be seen as a special case of self-similarity.
Waves: breaking wave in a ship's wake Dunes: barchan crescent sand dune Wind ripples with dislocations
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The Nature of Mathematics
6. Bubbles, foam. A soap bubble forms a sphere. Two bubbles together form a more complex
shape: the outer surfaces of both bubbles are spherical; these surfaces are joined by a
third spherical surface as the smaller bubble bulges slightly into the larger one. A foam is a
mass of bubbles.
Foam of soap bubbles: four edges meet at each vertex Equal spheres (gas bubbles) in a surface foam
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7. Tessellations. Tessellations are patterns formed by repeating tiles all over a flat surface.
Among animals, bony fish, reptiles like the pangolin, are protected by overlapping scales
or osteoderms, these form more-or-less exactly repeating units, though often the scales in
fact vary continuously in size.
Arrays: honeycomb is a natural tessellation Bismuth hopper crystal illustrating the stairstep crystal habit.
https://aheadforfigures.co.uk/2016/11/02/the-beauty-of-patterns/
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The Nature of Mathematics
Tilings: overlapping scales of common roach Tessellated pavement: a rock formation on the Tasman Peninsula
https://aheadforfigures.co.uk/2016/11/02/the-beauty-of-patterns/
8. Cracks. Cracks are linear openings that form in materials to relieve stress. When
an elastic material stretches or shrinks uniformly, it eventually reaches its breaking strength
and then fails suddenly in all directions. Conversely, when an inelastic material fails, straight
cracks form to relieve the stress. Further stress in the same direction would then simply open
the existing cracks; stress at right angles can create new cracks.
Thus the pattern of cracks indicates whether the material is elastic or not. In a tough
fibrous material like oak tree bark, cracks form to relieve stress as usual, but they do not grow
long as their growth is interrupted by bundles of strong elastic fibers. Since each species of
tree has its own structure at the levels of cell and of molecules, each has its own pattern of
splitting in its bark
.
9. Spots, stripes. Leopards and ladybirds are spotted; angelfish and zebras are striped. These
patterns have an evolutionary explanation: they have functions which increase the
chances that the offspring of the patterned animal will survive to reproduce. One function
of animal patterns is camouflage; another function is signaling. But while these evolutionary
and functional arguments explain why these animals need their patterns, they do not explain
how the patterns are formed.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Learning check
Activity #1:
1. Name at least 7 different natural objects that seem to exhibit patterns.
2. Show a picture of each natural object and tell us which part of the object
seems to exhibit a pattern.
3. Identify the type of pattern/s each object exhibits.
NUMERICAL PATTERNS
Sometimes, when we first study a math lesson, like mathematical logic, we do not realize
that it has a deep application in our lives. But uunderstanding patterns helps us improve our
mental skills. In order to recognize patterns, we need to have an understanding of critical
thinking and logic which are clearly important skills to develop. But do not worry, researchers
have found that the skill of recognizing and understanding patterns can be learned relatively
quickly. But like learning other forms of math, sometimes you really need to exert effort with
practicing it for the long term. Remember, with practice comes skill.
LOGICAL PATTERNS
The three figures or symbols in each problem set are related to each other in a certain
way.
Practice Tests: Draw the next shape in each of the following picture patterns.
1.
2.
3.
4.
1
1 1
1 3 1
1 5 5 1
5. 1 7 13 7 1
1 9 25 25 9 1
? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Learning check
Activity: Answer the Logical Pattern (Abstract Reasoning Problems)
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The Nature of Mathematics
Which figure completes the series? For items number 1 through 10.
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
6.)
7.)
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8.)
9.)
10.)
Which figure is the odd one out? For items number 11 through 14.
11.)
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12.)
13.)
14.)
Which figure completes the series? For items number 15 through 16.
15.)
16.)
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18.)
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The Nature of Mathematics
Among the many relationships of numbers that have fascinated and intrigued
mathematicians are those that were derived from the arrangement of points
representing numbers into a series of geometrical figures. These numbers are known as
figurate or figurative numbers which appeared in 15th-century arithmetic books and
were probably known to the ancient Chinese but were of special interest to the ancient
Greek mathematicians. To them, everything could be explained by numbers, and
numbers have specific characteristics and personalities. Among other properties of
numbers, they say that numbers had “shapes.” That’s why figurate numbers are
sometimes called polygonal numbers because they are points, or dots, arranged to
form various regular shape polygons, such as a triangle or a pentagon.
Examples:
Consider the triangular figures below.
The first four triangular numbers based on the number of dots are 1, 3, 6, and 10.
What is the next triangular number? Can you draw it? Answer: 15
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Try this.
1. Use dots to form the first four square figures, and write their corresponding square
numbers.
2. Based on the four square numbers on item #1, what is the next square number?
Learning check
Seatwork:
1. a. Use dots to form the first four pentagonal numbers.
b. Write the first four pentagonal numbers.
c. What is the next pentagonal number?
2. Write a number in each circle from 1 through 6, and connect them with nodes/ lines to
construct a mapping diagram that will satisfy the given set of relations. The value of all
nodes connected to a certain number must add up to the same value on the right side
of that number in the given relation.
1 = 12
2=4
3 = 12
4=8
5=8
6=3
NUMBER SEQUENCE
Sequence Name
2, 4, 6, 8, … the even counting numbers
1, 3, 5, 7, … the odd counting numbers
1, 4, 9, 16, …. the square counting numbers
1, 3, 32 , 33 the powers of three
1,1, 2, 3, 5, 8, … the Fibonacci sequence
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The Nature of Mathematics
1+0∙9 = 1
2 + 1 ∙ 9 = 11
3 + 12 ∙ 9 = 111
4 + 123 ∙ 9 = 1,111
5 + 1234 ∙ 9 = 11,111
Does the pattern continue? Why or why not? (Try continuing the pattern.)
Squares on a side 1 2 3 4 5 6 … 𝑛
Shaded squares (SS) …
Unshaded squares (US) …
If you make this pattern until you have 10 shaded circles in a row, how many
unshaded circles and how many shaded circles will you need?
1 + 3 = 22
1 + 3 + 5 = 32
1 + 3 + 5 + 7 = 42
Here "a" is the initial term and "d" is the amount by which successive terms differ.
The number "d" is called the common difference of the sequence.
In the sequence 1, 3, 9, 27, …, each term after the first can be found by
multiplying the preceding term by 3. This is an example of a geometric sequence. By
using variables, a geometric sequence has the form a, ar, ar 2 , ar 3 , …
The number “r" by which each successive term is multiplied, is called the common
ratio of the sequence.
The table below displays the terms for general arithmetic and geometric
sequences.
𝑇𝑒𝑟𝑚 1 2 3 4 … 𝑛 …
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The Nature of Mathematics
Example:
Find the general rule to generate the terms of the sequence:
1. 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, …
Solution:
Sequence 22 20 18 16 14 12
First Difference -2 -2 -2 -2 -2
General Rule: 𝒂𝒏 = − 𝟐𝒏 + 𝟐𝟐
n: 0 1 2
an = an2 + bn + c c a+b+c 4a+2b+c
Second Difference: 2a
Example:
Find the general rule to generate the terms of the sequence.
1. 5, 12, 21, 32, 45, …
Solution:
Sequence 0 5 12 21 32 45
First Difference 5 7 9 11 13
Second Difference 2 2 2 2
Hence, 𝟐𝒂 = 𝟐, 𝒂 + 𝒃 = 𝟓, and 𝒄 = 𝟎
Therefore, 𝒂 = 𝟏, 𝒃 = 𝟒, and 𝒄 = 𝟎
General Rule: 𝒂𝒏 = 𝒏𝟐 + 𝟒𝒏 + 𝟎 or 𝒂𝒏 = 𝒂𝒏𝟐 + 𝟒𝒏
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The Nature of Mathematics
n: 0 1 2 3
d a+b+c+d 8a+4b+2c+d 27a+9b+3c+d
Third Difference: 6a
Example:
Find the general rule to generate the terms of the sequence.
1. 6, 15, 36, 76, 138, . . .
Your solution:
𝑎2
B. A Geometric Sequence with common ratio 𝑟, 𝑟 ≠ 1. 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎1 𝑟 𝑛−1 ; 𝑟1 =
𝑎1
Example:
Find the general rule to generate the terms of the sequence
1, - 2, 4, - 8, 16, ___, ___, ___, … , ___
Solution:
Solution:
−𝟏
Sequence 1 -2 4 -8 16
−2 𝟐
𝑟1 = = −2
1
𝑟2 =
4
= −2 Common ratio (r) -2 -2 -2 -2 -2
−2
8
𝑟3 = − = −2 Hence, 𝒓 = −𝟐
4
16
𝑟4 = = −2
−8
General Rule: 𝒂𝒏 = 𝟏(−𝟐𝒏−𝟏 ) or 𝒂𝒏 = (−𝟐𝒏−𝟏 )
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Practice exercise 6. Find the general rule to generate the terms of the sequence
7, 20, 33, 46, 59, …
Practice exercise 7. Analyze the given sequence for its rule and identify the next three terms.
1, 10, 100, 1,000, …
Practice exercise 8. Extend the sequence below for three more terms then find an expression
for the nth term.
1, -2, 4, -8, 16, __, __,__,…__
Practice exercise 10. Write down the nth term of this quadratic number sequence.
-3, 8, 23, 42, 65, …
Practice exercise 11. Find the general rule to generate the terms of the sequence
5, 12, 21, 32, 45, …
Practice exercise 12. Analyze the given sequence for its rule and identify the next three terms.
2, 5, 9, 14, 20, …
Learning check
Activity:
1. Examine the sequence 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, …
a. What is the next term?
b. What formula or rule can be used to generate the terms?
2. Write down the nth term of this quadratic number sequence. – 3, 8, 23, 42, 65, …
3. Find the general rule to generate the terms of the sequence 5, 12, 21, 32, 45, …
4. Analyze the given sequence for its rule and identify the next three terms.
2, 5, 9, 14, 20, …
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The Nature of Mathematics
Example: Find the sum of the terms of a Pascal Triangle up to 10th row
1
1 1
1 2 1
1 3 3 1
1 4 6 4 1
1 5 10 10 5 1
1 6 15 20 15 6 1
1 7 21 35 35 21 7 1
Learning check
Solve the following problems.
1. Write the first five terms of an = 1 + (- 1)n+1 , where i = √- 1
2. Find the nth term of the sequence 6, 9, 27 , . . .
3. For the arithmetic sequence 45, 60, 75, 90, . . . find a 50.
4. Find p so that p+ 7, 3p + 9, p + 3, . . . form an arithmetic sequence.
5. Find the sum of all even numbers between 35 and 427.
6. Rectangle ABCD has dimensions 1 by 2. The next rectangle PQRS has dimensions ½
by 1. In like manner each rectangle has dimensions half of the size of the preceding
rectangle. If this sequence of rectangles continues endlessly, what is the sum of the
areas of all the rectangles?
7. The total seating capacity in an auditorium is 1065. The first row has 21 seats and
each row has one seat more than the row in front of it. How many rows of seat are
there in the auditorium?
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The Nature of Mathematics
The Fibonacci sequence and the related topic of the golden ratio appear in many
places in nature and play an important role in geometry, art, and music.
The discussion of sequence would not be complete without mentioning a sequence
known as the Fibonacci sequence.
The sequence is named after Leonardo of Pisa, also known as Fibonacci as one of the
best-known mathematicians of Medieval Europe. This sequence was best explained by
Fibonacci that concerns the birth rate of rabbits.
Statement of Fibonacci’s rabbit problem: At the beginning of a month, you are given a
pair of newborn rabbits. After a month, the rabbits have produced no offspring; however, every
month thereafter, the pair of rabbits produces another pair of rabbits. The offspring reproduce
in exactly the same manner. If none of the rabbits dies, how many pairs of rabbits will there be
at the start of each succeeding month?
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The Nature of Mathematics
How many pairs of rabbits can be produced from that pair in a year if it is assumed
that every month each pair begets a new pair which from the second month
becomes productive?
The solution to this problem led to the development of the sequence that bears its
author’s name: the Fibonacci sequence.
The structure of pinecones: The tablike or scalelike structures that make up the main body
of the pinecone form a set of spirals that start from the cone’s attachment to the branch.
A count on the steep spiral will reveal a Fibonacci number, and a count on the gradual
one will reveal the adjacent smaller Fibonacci number, or if not, the next smaller
Fibonacci number. One investigation of 4,290 pinecones from 10 species of pine trees
found in California revealed that only 74 cones, or merely 1.7%, deviated from this
Fibonacci pattern.
The structure of pineapples: Pineapple scales are roughly hexagonal in shape, which
means that three distinct sets of spirals can be counted. Generally, the number of
pineapple scales in each spiral are Fibonacci numbers.
The number of ancestors of a male bee: In bee family, a female bee can either be a
queen or a worker. If the female bee is fertile, she is a queen. If the female bee is infertile,
she is a worker. When a queen bee mates with a male bee, the offspring is always a
female bee (either a worker or a future queen). But a queen bee can also produce an
offspring even without mating with a male bee, in which case, the offspring is always a
male bee. In essence then, female bees have two parents, whereas male bees only have
one parent. We can see the Fibonacci sequence as we move back through the male
bees’ generations. (Verify this by drawing a family tree for a male bee.)
The Fibonacci sequence can also be seen in the way (some) tree branches form or split.
A main trunk will grow until it produces a branch, which creates two growth points. Then,
one of the new stems branches into two, while the other one lies dormant. This pattern of
branching is repeated for each of the new stems.
Numbers Ratio
1
1, 1 =
1
2
1, 2 =
1
3
2, 3 =
2
5
3, 5 =
3
8
5, 8 =
5
13
8, 13 =
8
21
13, 21 ≈
13
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The Nature of Mathematics
34
21, 34 ≈
21
55
34, 55 ≈
34
89
55, 89 ≈
55
Simson proved that the ratio of the (n+1) term to the nth term as n gets larger and larger
√5+1
is the irrational number , which begins 1.61803… This number was already well known to
2
mathematicians at that time as the golden number.
A C B
When this line segment is divided at a point C such that the ration of the whole, AB, to
the larger part, AC, is equal to the ratio of the larger part, AC, to the smaller part, CB, each ratio
AB AC √5+1
and is referred to as a golden ratio, each equal to the golden number, . The
AC CB 2
AB AC
proportion these ratios form, = , is called the golden proportion.
AC CB
AB AC √5+1
That is, = = ≈ 1.618.
AC CB 2
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The Nature of Mathematics
In mathematics and the arts, two quantities are Did you know?
in a golden ratio if their ratio is the same as the ratio of
their sum to the larger of the two quantities. If you only
examine the dimension of things around us like the
screen of your cell phones, tablets, computers, or
television, notice that the quotient of its length and
width is close to 1.61803… This is because, some artists,
architects, and manufacturers believe that rectangles
whose areas are close to the golden ratio is pleasing
to look at. Supermodel Bella Hadid has been declared the
most beautiful woman in the world after she
passed a science test that determines what
During the ancient times, Greeks set their obra constitutes the 'perfect face'. The 23-year-old
maestro to this proportion to make their artworks was found to be 94.35% 'accurate' to the
Golden Ratio of Beauty Phi - a measure of
visually pleasing to others.
physical perfection.
1+√5
the irrational number .
2
It is sometimes called the “divine proportion” because of its frequency in the natural
world.
𝑎 𝑎+𝑏
In symbols, a and b, where a > b and b > o, are in a golden ratio if = .
𝑏 𝑎
a b
a+b
Examples of objects with divine proportions are faces of both human and non-human. The
mouth and nose are each positioned at golden sections of the distance between the eyes and
the bottom of the chin. Similar proportions can be seen from the side, and even the eye and
ear itself.
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The Nature of Mathematics
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WSHqYKHUUSBTEQ_AUoAXoECA8QAw&biw=1536&bih=754&dpr=1.25#imgrc=WjEHAg17IOFxqM:
According to Dr. Stefan Markuort’s theory, you can see how beautiful face is if its
characteristics are arranged according to the golden ratio – a ratio equal to 1.618 : 1. The
golden ratio is the basis that most people use in determining what they perceive to be beautiful.
However, this is done on a subconscious level by some people who are inclined to arts such as
artists or architects who purposefully designed the object to reflect mathematical proportions.
Here are some other examples showing the divine proportion in nature:
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Q_AUoAXoECBEQAw&biw=1536&bih=754&dpr=1.25#imgdii=ttyCeJxYVCL93M:&imgrc=i-BdKeN4Ae41XM:
The Great Pyramid of Gizeh in Egypt, built about 2600 B.C., is the earliest known example
of use of the golden ratio in architecture. The ratio of any of its sides of the square base
(775.75 ft) to its altitude (481.4 ft) is about 1.611.
In the 19th century, German physicist and psychologist Gustav Fechner tried to determine
which dimensions were most pleasing to the eye. Fechner, along with psychologist
Wilhelm Wundt, found that most people do unconsciously favor the golden dimensions
when purchasing greeting cards, mirrors, and other rectangular objects. This discovery
has been widely used by commercial manufacturers in their packaging and labeling
designs, by retailers in their store displays, and in other areas of business and advertising.
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The Nature of Mathematics
The measurement from the navel to the floor and the top of the head to the navel is the
golden ratio. Animal bodies exhibit similar tendencies, including dolphins (the eye, fins, and tail
all fall at Golden sections).
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The Nature of Mathematics
Face, both human and nonhuman, abounds with examples of the Golden Ratio. The
mouth and nose are each positioned at the golden sections of the distance between
the eyes and the bottom of the chin. Similar proportions can be seen from the side, and
even the eye and ear itself.
The uterus: According to Jasper Veguts, a gynaecologist at the University Hospital Leuven
in Belgium, doctors can tell whether a uterus looks normal and healthy based on its
relative dimensions- dimensions that approximate the golden ratio. He had measured the
uteruses of 5,000 women using ultrasound and drawn up a table of the average ratio of
a uterus’s length to its width for different age bands. The data showed that this ratio is
about 2 at birth, and then it steadily decreases through a woman’s life to 1.46 when she
is in old age. Dr. Verguts was thrilled to discover that when women are at their most fertile,
between the ages of 16 and 20, the ratio of length to width of a uterus is 1.6- a very good
approximation to the golden ratio.
It has been said that the more closely our proportions adhere to phi, the more “attractive”
those traits are perceived. It’s quite possible that, from an evo- psych perspective, we
are primed to like physical forms that adhere to the golden ratio- a potential indicator of
reproductive fitness and health.
The DNA molecule measures 34 angstroms long by 21 angstroms wide for each full cycle
of its double helix spiral.
In medieval times, people referred to the golden proportion as the divine proportion,
reflecting their belief in its relationship to the will of God.
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The Nature of Mathematics
From the golden proportion, the golden rectangle can be formed. (The teacher will show
the derivation of the golden rectangle.)
A C B
a a
a b
Note that when a square is cut off one end of a golden rectangle (see previous figure),
the rectangle has the same properties as the original golden rectangle (creating “like from like”
as Johannes Kepler had written) and is therefore itself a golden rectangle.
Furthermore, the curve derived from a succession of diminishing golden rectangles (see
the four figures above) is the same as the spiral curve of the chambered nautilus. The same
curve appears on the horns of rams and some animals, in sunflowers and other flower heads,
pinecones and pineapples, and others.
The golden rectangle can be seen in the painting Invitation to the Slideshow (La Parade
de Cirque), 1887, by George Seurat, a French neoimpressionist artist.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Fibonacci’s Garden, an artwork made by Caryl Bryer Fallert, 1995, which is a quilt
constructed from two separate fabrics that are put together in a pattern based on the
Fibonacci sequence.
In a study, the musical interval considered by many to be the most pleasing to the ear
5 8
are the major sixth and minor sixth, whose ratio of vibration reduces to and ,
3 5
respectively. (The numbers involved in the ratio are 2 consecutive terms in the Fibonacci
sequence.)
A number of studies have tried to explain why the Fibonacci sequence and related items
are linked to so many real- life situations. It appears that the Fibonacci numbers are part
of a natural harmony that is pleasing to both the eyes and the ear.
Example: Use the definition of Fibonacci numbers to find the seventh and eight Fibonacci
numbers.
Binet’s Formula
The following formula is known as Binet’s formula for the nth Fibonacci number.
n n
1 1+√5 1−√5
Fn = [( ) −( ) ]
√5 2 2
The advantage of this formula over the recursive formula Fn = Fn−1 + Fn−2 is that you can
determine the nth Fibonacci number without finding the two preceding Fibonacci numbers.
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Example: Use Binet’s formula and a calculator to find the 20th, 30th, and 40th Fibonacci numbers.
Example: Use the above form of Binet’s formula and a calculator to find the 16 th, 21st, and 32nd
Fibonacci numbers.
Learning check
Activity:
Bee Genealogy: In the study of Biology, one learns that a male bee has only one
Parent, his mother. A female bee has both father and mother. Complete the picture
of the family tree of a male bee, where δ (Mars) represents male and Ꝗ (Venus)
represents female up to 5th generation. Do you notice any relationship between
Fibonacci numbers 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, . . . and
1. The number of ancestors in each generation?
2. The number of male ancestors in each generation?
3. The number of female ancestors in each generation?
4. Without drawing up to 21th generation, how many ancestors does a male bee
have, and how many ancestors does a male bee have, and how many of
these are male bees?
Learning check
Activity:
Let Fn be the nth term of the Fibonacci sequence, with F 1 = 1, F2 = 1, F3 = 2, and so on,
find:
1. F8
2. F19
3. If F22 = 17,711 and F24 = 46,368, what is F23?
The mathematician of the Golden Ratio and the Fibonacci sequence are intimately
interconnected. The Golden Ratio is arrived at through the ratios of successive
Fibonacci numbers which is approximately equal to 1.618
“Derivation of the Golden Ration from Golden Rectangle and Golden triangle”
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Learning check
Activity:
Let’s see if the Golden Ratio is somewhere in each of us. Form groups of five. Make
a table like the one below. Write the name of each person in your group.
1. Measure the height (B) and the navel Height (N) of each member of your
group. Calculate the ratios B/N. Record them in your table.
2. Measure the length (F) of an index finger and the distance (K) from the finger
tip to the big knuckle of each member of your group. Calculate the ratios F/K.
Record them in your table.
3. Measure the length (L) of a leg and the distance (H) from the lip of the to the
kneecap of everyone in your group. Calculate and record the ratios L/H.
4. Measure the length (A) of an arm and the distance (E) from the finger tips to
the elbow of everyone in your group. Calculate and record the ratios A/E.
5. Select another pair of length (X and Y) on the body that you suspect may be
in the golden ratio. Measure the lengths and calculate the ratios (large to
small) and record them.
E. Isometry
Terminologies:
Image – the motion by establishing a correspondence between the points of the original
pattern and the points of the new pattern.
Transformation – each point of a plane figure can be paired with exactly one point of
its image on the plane, and vice versa.
Isometry – a special transformation that preserves size and shape. In isometry, the image
of the figure is always congruent to the original shape.
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Types of Isometries:
1. Translation – slide
2. Rotation – turn
3. Reflection - flip
Translation
o is a rigid transformation of the plane that moves every point of a pre-image a
constant distance in a specified direction.
o When working in the plane this is usually represented by an arrow, the arrow provides
both distance and direction of the translation.
o When working in the coordinate plane, a vector (V) is used to describe the fixed
distance and the given direction often denoted by (x, y). The x-value describes the
effect on the x-coordinates (right or left) and the y-value describes the effect on the
y-coordinates (up or down).
Properties:
1. Distance (lengths of segments are the same)
2. Angle measure (angles stay the same)
3. Parallelism (things that were parallel are still parallel)
4. Collinearity (points on a line, remain on the line)
Note: After a translation, the pre-image and the image are identical.\
Rotation
o Is a rigid transformation or isometry because the image is the same size and shape
as the pre-image.
o A rotation θ degrees (rotationc,θ) is a transformation which turns a figure about a
fixed point, C called the center of rotation.
Properties:
1. Distance (lengths of segments are the same)
2. Angle measure (angles stay the same)
3. Parallelism (parallel lines remain parallel)
4. Collinearity (points on a line, remain on the line)
5. Orientation (lettering order remains the same)
Reflection
o Is a rigid transformation (isometry) that maps every point P in the plane to point P’,
across a line of reflection.
o A Reflection is an example of transformation that takes a shape (called the image).
By examining the coordinates of the reflected image, you can determine the line
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The Nature of Mathematics
of reflection. The most common lines of reflection are the x-axis, y-axis, or the lines
y = x or y = - x.
o A line of reflection is the perpendicular bisector of the segment joining every point
and its image.
Properties:
1. Distance (lengths of segments are the same)
2. Angle measure (angles stay the same)
3. Parallelism (parallel lines remain parallel)
4. Collinearity (points on a line, remain on the line)
ISOMETRIES
From our first lesson, we know that a figure has reflection symmetry if
there is a line that
can be “folded over” so that one- half of the figure matches the other
half perfectly. The “fold line” is called the figure’s line (axis) of symmetry.
In the figure on the left, notice that when we fold the figure along the
line in the middle, we are actually forming a one- to- one
correspondence between the points of the figure. For example, points
A and C correspond to each other, points D and E correspond to each
other, and points along segments ̅̅̅̅ AB and ̅̅̅̅
CB correspond. If a point lies
on the axis of symmetry then it corresponds to itself, like the point B here in the figure.
In this handouts, you will learn about a special kind of transformation, called isometry. A
transformation is a one- to- one correspondence between points in the plane such that each
point P is associated with a unique point P’, called the image of P. We can describe a
transformation as an operation that moves, flips, or changes a shape (preimage) to create a
new shape (image). An isometry is a kind of transformation that preserves the size and shape of
a geometric figure. The word isometry comes from the words “iso”, meaning “same”, and
“metry” meaning “measure”. Sometimes isometry is called rigid motion.
There are three types of isometries: translation, reflection, and rotation.
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Translations. A transformation that acts like a “slide” or “shift” is called translation. Here,
orientation is preserved. In a slide, points in the original figure move an identical distance along
parallel paths to the image of the figure. The arrow, called a translation vector, shows distance
and direction. The length of the translation vector from the starting location to tip represents the
distance, while the direction that the arrow is pointing represents the direction the object is to
be translated.
Definition
Suppose that A and B are points in the plane. The
translation associated with directed line segment AB⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is the
transformation that maps each point P to the point P’ such
that ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
PP′ is equivalent to ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB.
Practice exercise 1: Translate the given triangle ABC three units to the right and two units down.
(Write the coordinates of the vertices of the triangle to clearly see the change in the coordinates
after translation. The dashed triangle is the image. )
Practice exercise 2. The vertices of the preimage triangle are A(1, 2), B(2, 5), and C(5, 2). Sketch
the preimage on the coordinate system and find the image by sliding the figure 3 spaces to the
right on the horizontal axis and 3 spaces up on the vertical axis.
Practice exercise 3. The vector PQ= 〈4,1〉 describes the translation of A(-1,w) onto A’(2x+1, 4)
and B(8y-1, 1) onto B’(3, 3z). Find the values of w, x, y, and z.
Reflections. A reflection is a transformation that takes a shape and flips it across a line (called
the line of reflection) to create a new shape. Reflections do not preserve orientation. By
examining the coordinates of the reflected image, you can determine the line of reflection. The
most common lines of reflection are the x- axis, the y- axis, the line y = x, and the line y = −x.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Definition
Practice exercise 4. Determine the line of reflection of the triangle below. The preimage is the
triangle with solid lines. (Write the coordinates of the vertices of the triangle to clearly see the
change in the coordinates after reflection.)
All of the x- coordinates have been multiplied by -1. This means that the preimage has been
reflected across the y- axis. This reflection can be denoted by:
𝐫𝐲−𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬 (𝐱, 𝐲) → (−𝐱, 𝐲)
Notice that the notation tells you exactly how each (x, y) changes as a result of the
transformation.
Coordinate plane rules and notations: Over the x- axis: 𝐫𝐱−𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬 (𝐱, 𝐲) → (𝐱, −𝐲)
Over the y- axis: 𝐫𝐲−𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐬 (𝐱, 𝐲) → (−𝐱, 𝐲)
Over the line 𝐲 = 𝐱: 𝐫𝐲=𝐱 (𝐱, 𝐲) → (𝐲, 𝐱)
Over the line 𝐲 = −𝐱: 𝐫𝐲=−𝐱 (𝐱, 𝐲) → (−𝐲, −𝐱)
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The Nature of Mathematics
Practice exercise 5. Find the image of the point (3, 2) that has undergone a reflection across the
following lines:
a. the x- axis b. the y-axis c. the line y=x d. the line y=-x
Practice exercise 6. Reflect Image A in the diagram below across the following lines and write
the notation for each reflection.
1. Across the y-axis and label it B.
Practice exercise 7. Write the notation that represents the reflection of the preimage to the
image in the diagram below:
Practice exercise 8. Write the mapping rule for the reflection of Image A to Image B.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Practice exercise 9. Thomas describes a reflection as point J moving from J(−2,6) to J′(−2,−6).
Write the notation to describe this reflection for Thomas.
Practice exercise 10. Write the notation that represents the reflection of the yellow diamond
(left) to the reflected green diamond (right) in the diagram below.
Practice exercise 11. Karen was playing around with a drawing program on her computer. She
created the following diagrams and then wanted to determine the transformations. Write the
notation rule that represents the transformation of the purple and blue diagram (right) to the
orange and blue diagram (left).
Practice exercise 12. Write the notation to describe the movement of the points in each of the
reflections below.
1. S(1,5)→S′(−1,5) 5. A(3,5)→A′(−3,5) 9. W(−5,−1)→W′(5,−1)
Practice exercise 13 (a-d). Write the notation that represents the reflection of the preimage
image for each diagram below.
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The Nature of Mathematics
13a. 13b.
13c. 13d.
Rotations. A rotation is a translation that corresponds to turning the plane around a fixed point,
called the center of rotation. Rays drawn from the center of rotation to a point and its image
form an angle called the angle of rotation. (See figure below.)
Rotations do not preserve orientation unless the rotation is 360° or exhibit rotational symmetry
back onto itself. Rotations of 180° are equivalent to a reflection through the origin.
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Definition
The rotation with center O and angle with measure a,
denoted R O,a , is the transformation that maps each point P
other than O to the point P’ such that
1. the measure of directed angle ∡POP′ is a, and
2. OP ′ = OP. 2. Point O is mapped to itself by R O,a .
Note: If the angle of rotation is positive, the rotation is done counterclockwise, and if the angle
of rotation is negative, the rotation is done clockwise. Intuitively, point P is “turned” by R O,a
around the center, O, through a directed angle of measure a to point P’.
Practice exercise 14. Find an image of the point (3, 2) that has undergone a counterclockwise
rotation:
a. about the origin at 90° b. about the origin at 180° c. about the origin at 270°
Write the notation to describe the rotation. The first one has been done for you.
Solutions: a. about the origin at 90° R 0,90 (3, 2) → (−2, 3)
b. about the origin at 180°
c. about the origin at 270°
Practice exercise 15. Describe the rotation in words, or with notation.
Practice exercise 16. Write the mapping rule for the rotation of Image A to Image B.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Practice exercise 18. Write the notation that represents the rotation of the preimage A to the
rotated image J in the diagram below.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Practice exercise 19. Thomas describes a rotation as point J moving from J(-2,6) to J’(6, 2). Write
the notation to describe the rotation for Thomas.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Practice exercise 22 (a-j). Write the notation that represents the rotation of the preimage to the
image for each diagram below.
a. b.
c. d.
e. f.
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The Nature of Mathematics
g. h.
i. j.
Practice exercise 23. The vertices of a triangle are A(1, 2), B(2, 5), and C(5, 2). Sketch the figure
and turn it 135° with (0, 0) as the angle of rotation. Label the vertices of the image after rotation
using A’, B’, and C’ respectively and determine the respective coordinates.
Properties of Isometries
1. Isometries map lines to lines, segments to segments, rays to rays, angles to angles, and
polygons to polygons.
2. Isometries preserve angle measure.
3. Isometries map triangles to congruent triangles.
4. Isometries preserve parallelism.
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The Nature of Mathematics
Definition
Suppose that A and B are different points in the plane
and that line l is parallel to directed line segment ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB.
The combination of the translation followed by the
reflection is called the glide reflection determined by
AB and glide axis l. That is, P is first is mapped to P* by
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
translation. Then P* is mapped to P’ by reflection. The
combination of translation followed by reflection maps
P to P’.
Learning check
Activity:
1. Translate the triangle ABC whose vertices are:
a. A(-3, 2), B(-2, 4), and C(-1, 1); three units to the right and two units down.
b. A(5,9), B(1, 6), and C(4, 4); 6 units to the left and 4 units down.
2. Rotate the following into 900, 1800, and 2700.
a. Triangle ABC (4, 6), (6, 3), (10, 4)
b. Triangle XYZ (-2, -4), (-4, 5), (1, 3)
3. Reflect the figure with the given vertices below, across x-axis, y-axis, y = x, and
y = -x.
a. Triangle LMN (5, 1), (2, 2), (4, 4)
b. A(- 12, 5), B(- 12, 2), C(- 8, 5), D(- 5, 2), E(- 8.5, 0.5), F(- 10.5, 3)
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Reflection
Learning check
Construct a short – response focusing on only one of the following aspects of
mathematics.(5 points)
Evaluation
References
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