Course Pack in

(GE 4)the Modern World

Welcome to the first module in Mathematics in the Modern World!

What is mathematics? Where is mathematics? What role does mathematics play in your
world?

MATHEMATICS

It is a science that deals with the logic of shape, quantity and arrangement. Math is all
around us, in everything we do.
Math is the building block for everything in our daily lives, including mobile devices,
architecture (ancient and modern), art, money, engineering, and even sports.

MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

It is about mathematics as a system of knowing or understanding our surroundings

- deals with nature of mathematics, appreciation of its practical, intellectual, and aesthetic dimensions,
and application of mathematical tools in daily life.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course deals with nature of mathematics, appreciation of its practical, intellectual,
and aesthetic dimensions, and application of mathematical tools in daily life.
The course begins with an introduction to the nature of mathematics as an exploration of
patterns (in nature and the environment) and as an application of inductive and deductive
reasoning. By exploring these topics, students are encouraged to go beyond the typical
understanding of mathematics as merely a set of formulas but as a source of aesthetics in patterns
of nature, for example and a rich language in itself (and of science) governed by logic and
reasoning.
 The course then proceeds to survey ways in which mathematics provides a tool for
understanding and dealing with various aspects of present-day living, such as managing personal
finances, making social choices, appreciating geometric designs, understanding codes used in
data transmission and security, and dividing limited resources fairly. These aspects will provide
opportunities for actually doing mathematics in a broad range of exercises that bring out the
various dimensions of mathematics as a way of knowing, and test the students’ understanding
and capacity. (CMO No. 20, series of 2013)
COURSE OUTLINE
1. Nature of Mathematics
1.1 Patterns and Numbers in Nature and the World
1.2 The Fibonacci Sequence
1.3 Mathematics for our World
2. Speaking Mathematically
2.1 Variables
2.2 The Language of Sets
2.3 The Language of Relations and Functions
3. Problem Solving
3.1 Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
3.2 Problem Solving with Patterns
3.3 Problem-Solving Strategies
4. Statistics
4.1 Measures of Central Tendency
4.2 Measures of Dispersion
4.3 Measures of Relative Position
4.4 Normal Distributions
4.5 Linear Regression and Correlation

After completing this module, develop a piece of art connecting to patterns in nature and
mathematical sequences. It may be a mural, magazine cover, website, etc. In a separate sheet of
paper, you are going to explain the mathematical connection between your work and sequence.
It is hope that this module has achieved its aim of producing a concise self-learning kit
which nevertheless considers all the significant topics comprehensively and coherently enough
for you.
 LESSON 1 THE NATURE OF MATHEMATICS

“Mathematics is the language with which God wrote the universe.” Galileo
Galilei

The emergence of digital technology has sparked a monumental rise in the rate at which
we consume and produce data. Before the internet, it could take hours to get several volumes of
resources from the library for a research paper. Today, a few minutes (or seconds, depending on
the speed of your connection) using your mobile device’s browser could get you the same
information, or even more. A few decades ago, it took hours for photographs to be printed and
shared, while now, it only takes a matter of seconds for your perfect selfie to be uploaded and
viewed by your relatives and friends on the other side of the world.

In this fast-paced society, how often have you stopped to appreciate the beauty of the
things around you? Have you ever paused and pondered about the underlying principles that
govern the universe? How about contemplating about the processes and mechanisms that make
our lives easier, if not more comfortable? Most people do the same routine tasks every single day
and the fundamental concepts that make these activities possible are often overlooked.
As rational creatures, we also tend to identify and follow patterns, whether consciously or
subconsciously, because it feels natural, like our brain is hardwired to recognize them. Early
humans recognized the repeating interval of day and night, the cycles of the moon, the rising and
falling of tides, and the changing of the seasons. Awareness of these patterns essentially aided
humans with survival. In a similar fashion, many flora and fauna also follow certain patterns, i.e
the arrangement of leaves and stems in a plant, the shape of a snowflake, the flowers’ petals, or
even the shape of a snail’s shell.
What do you think? Do you also notice these patterns around you? What other examples
could you think of?
In this discussion, we will be looking at patterns and regularities in the world, and how
MATHEMATICS comes into play, both in nature and in human endeavor.
1.1 : PATTERNS AND NUMBERS IN NATURE AND THE WORLD

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

EXAMPLES
 layout of floor tiles
 designs of buildings
 the way we tie our shoelaces

Patterns indicate a sense of structure or organization such that it would seem

that only humans are capable of producing these intricate, creative and amazing
formations. It is from this perspective that some people see an “intelligent design” in the
way the nature is created.

TYPES OF PATTERNS
SYMMETRY
DEFINITION
SYMMETRY indicates that you can draw an imaginary line across
an object and the resulting parts are mirror images of each other.

EXAMPLES
 butterfly
 Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man
 starfish

The butterfly is symmetric about the axis indicated by the black

line. Note that the left and right portions
are exactly the same. This type of symmetry is
called bilateral symmetry.
 Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man shows
the proportion and symmetry of the human body.

There are other types of symmetry depending on the number of sides or faces that are symmetrical. Note that
if you rotate the starfish in Figure 3 by 72° , you can still achieve the same appearance as the original position.
This is known as the rotational symmetry.
SPIRAL

DEFINITION
SPIRAL is a curved pattern that focuses on a center point and a
series of circular shapes that revolve around it.

EXAMPLES
 pineapple
 pine cones
 hurricanes

The reason for why plants use a spiral form because they are constantly trying to grow
but stay secure. A spiral shape causes plants to condense themselves and not take up as much
space, causing it to be stronger and more durable against the elements.

DEFINITION
FRACTAL is a detailed pattern that looks similar at any scale
and repeats itself over time. A fractal's pattern gets more complex
as you observe it at larger scales.

EXAMPLES
 fern
 lightning
 trees branching
TESSELLATION

DEFINITION
TESSELLATION is a repeating patterns of polygons that covers a
flat surface with no gaps or overlaps.

EXAMPLES
 turtle
 honeycomb

ACTIVITY 1.1

Give at least three examples in each types of patterns that you can see in nature.

SYMMETR SPIRAL
Y

FRACTAL TESSELLATION
 NATURAL PATTERNS

 SNOWFLAKES AND HONEYCOMB

Snowflakes are single ice crystals that often exhibit a six-fold
symmetry. This symmetry, known as line or bilateral symmetry is very
evident in most animals, including humans. Take a look in mirror and
see how the left and right sides of your face closely match.
The pattern on the snowflake repeat six times, indicating that
there is a 6-fold symmetry. Using the formula. The angle of rotation is
60°. Many combinations and shapes may occur, which lead some
people to think that “no two are alike”. Snowflakes aren’t perfect symmetric, however, due to
the effects of humidity and temperature on the ice crystals as it forms.
Another marvel of nature’s design is the structure and
shape of a honeycomb. People have long wondered how bees,
despite their very small size are able to produce such
configurations while humans would generally need the use of a
ruler and a compass to accomplish the same feat. It is
considered that such a formation enables the bee colony to
maximize their storage of honey using the smallest amount of
wax.
You can try it out for yourself. Using several coins of
the same denomination, try to cover as much area of a piece of paper with coins. If you
arrange the coins in a square configuration, there are still plenty of spots that are exposed.
Following the hexagonal formation, however, with the second row of coins snugly fitted in
between the first row of coins, you will notice that more are will be covered.

Translating this idea to three-dimensions, we can deduce that hexagonal formations

are more optimal in making use of the available space. These packing problems, which, in
the simplest sense, are those that involve in finding the optimum method of filling up a given
space, such as cubic or spherical container. The bees have instinctively found the best
solution, evident in the hexagonal construction of their hives. These geometric patterns are
not only simple and beautiful, but also optimally functional.
 TIGER STRIPES AND HYENA’S SPOT
Patterns exhibited in the external appearances of animals.
We are all familiar with how a tiger looks, with its distinctive
reddish-orange fur and dark stripes. Hyenas, another predator from
Africa are also covered in patterns of spots. These seemingly
unorganized or random designs are believed to be governed by
mathematical equation.
According to the theory of Alan
Turing, a British mathematician, the man famous for breaking the
Enigma code during World War II, chemical reactions and
diffusion in cell determine these growth patterns, as well as
influence other factors. More recent studies addressed the question
of why some species grow vertical stripes, while others have
horizontal ones. This new model follow the logic
that the local patterns produced by the various chemical processes will repeat given a larger
space such as an animal’s fur.

 THE SUNFLOWER
Looking at the sunflower up close, you will notice that there
is a definite pattern of clockwise and counterclockwise arcs or
spirals extending outward from the center of the flower.
This is another demonstration of how nature works to optimize
the available space. This arrangement allows the sunflower seeds to occupy the flower head
in a way that maximizes their access to light and necessary nutrients.
 THE SNAIL’S SHELL
We are also very familiar with spiral patterns, the most
common of which could be seen in whirlpools, or in the shells
of snails or other similar mollusks. Snails are born with their
shells, called protoconch, and these start out as very fragile and
colorless. Eventually, these original
shells harden as the snails consume a calcium-rich diet. As the snails grow, their shells also
expand in the same proportion for them to be able to continue to live inside it. This process
results in a refined spiral structure that is even more visible when shell
is sliced. This figure, called an equiangular spiral,
follows the rule that as the distance from the spiral
center increases (radius), the amplitudes of the
angles formed by the radii to the point and the
tangent to the point remain constant. This is yet
another example of how nature seems to follow a
certain set of rules governed by mathematics.
  FLOWER PETALS
Flowers are easily considered as things of beauty. Their
vibrant colors and fragrant odors make them very appealing as gifts or
decorations. Looking at the flowers closely, you will note that each
species has a different number of petals. Take the lily and iris, for
example, with both of them having only 3 petals in their flowers.
Flowers with five petals are said to be the most
common. These include the buttercup, the columbine, and the hibiscus. Among those flowers
with eight petals are clematis and delphinium, while ragwort and marigold have thirteen.
These numbers are all Fibonacci numbers, which we’ll discuss in a little bit more detail in the
next section.
 WORLD POPULATION
It is estimated that as of 2017, the world population is about 7.6 billion. All these
people are spread across various continents and countries. World leaders, sociologists, and
anthropologists are all interested in studying the population, including its growth.
Mathematics could be used to model the total world population growth.

FORMULA FOR EXPONENTIAL GROWTH

𝑨 = 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒕
A - size of the population after it grows
P - intial amount of people
- rate of growth
r - time
t - Euler’s constant with an approximate value of 2.718

e
Example:
The exponential growth model 𝐴 = 30𝑒0.02𝑡 describes the population of a city in the Philippines in
thousands, t years after 1995.
a. What was the population of the city in 1995?
Since our exponential growth model describes the population t years after 1995, we
consider 1995 as t = 0 and then solve for A, our population size.

𝐴 = 30𝑒0.02𝑡

𝐴 = 30𝑒(0.02)(0)
𝐴 = 30𝑒0

𝐴 = 30(1) 𝑒0 = 1
𝐴 = 30 Therefore, the city population in 1995 was 30, 000.
b. What will be the population in 2017?
We need to find A for the year 2017. To find t, we subtract 2017and 1995 to get t=22,
which we then plug into our exponential growth model.

𝐴 = 30𝑒0.02𝑡

𝐴 = 30𝑒(0.02)(22)

𝐴 = 30𝑒0.44

𝐴 = 30(1.55271) 𝑒0.44 is approximately 1.55271

𝐴 = 46.5812
Therefore, the city population would be about 46, 581 in 2017.

CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

The exponential growth model 𝐴 = 50𝑒0.07𝑡 describes the population of a city in the
Philippines in thousands, t years after 1997.
a. What is the population after 20 years?

b. What is the population in 2037?

Take Note: The formula for exponential growth could also be used for exponential decay, with
the rate “r” being a negative value. The time “t” should coincide with the given rate
i.e if the time is in years, then the growth rate should also be a yearly growth rate.
 ACTIVITY 1.2

Substitute the given information in the formula 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑡 to find the missing quantity.
Show your solution.
1. P = 680, 000 ; r = 12% per year ; t = 8 years

2. A = 1, 240, 000 ; r = 8% per year ; t = 30 years

3. A = 786, 000 ; P = 247, 000 ; t = 17 years

4. A = 731, 093 ; P = 525, 600 ; r = 3% per year

5. Suppose the population of a certain bacteria in a laboratory ample is 100. If it

doubles in population every 6 hours, what is the growth rate? How many bacteria
will there be in two days?
1.2 : FIBONACCI SEQUENCE
The human mind is hard-wired to recognize patterns, as we’ve seen when we noted som
eof nature’s wonders. In mathematics, we could generate patterns by performing one or several
mathematical operations over and over. Suppose we start with the number 3 as the first number
in our pattern. We then choose to ass the number 5 to our first number, resulting in 8, which is
our secod number. Repeating this process, we obtain 13, 18, 23, 28, … as the succeeding
numbers that form our pattern. In mathematics, we call these ordered lists of numbers a
sequence.

DEFINITION
SEQUENCE is an ordered list of numbers, called terms, that may
have repeated values.

EXAMPLES
 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
 18, 14, 10, 6, 2

The arrangements of these terms is set by some definite rule.

Analyze the given sequence for its rule and identify the next three terms. a. 1,
10, 100, 1000
Looking at the set of numbers, it can be observed that each term is a power of 10:
1 = 100, 10 = 101, 100 = 102, and 1000 = 103. Following this rule, the next three terms
are 104 = 10000, 105 = 100000, and 106 = 1000000.

b. 2, 5, 9, 14, 20
The difference between the first and second terms (2 and 5) is 3. The difference between
the second and third terms (5 and 9) is 4. The diffrence between the third and fourth terms (9 and
14) is 5. Following this rule, it can be deduced that to obtain the next termthe current term should
be incresed by 2+n, where n is the position of the current term. Hence the followingthree terms
are 20+2+5 = 27, 27+2+6 = 35, and 35+2+7 = 44.
CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Analyze the given sequence for its rule and identify the next three terms. a. 16,
32, 64, 128

b. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8
 The sequence in item B is a very special sequence called the Fibonacci sequence. It is
named after the Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, who was better known by his nickname
Fibonacci. He is said to have discovered this sequence as he looked at how a hypothesized group
of rabbits bred and reproduced. The problem involved having a single pair of rabbit and the n
finding out how many pairs of rabbits will be born in a year, with the assumption that a new pair
of rabbits is born each month and this new pair, in turn, gives birth to additional pairs of rabbits
beginning at two months after they were born he noted that the set of number generated from this
problem could be extended by getting the sum of the two previous terms.

Starting with 0 and 1, the succeeding terms in the sequence could be generated by adding
the two numbers that came before:

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 carries Fibonacci’s name, this particular pattern is said to have been
discovered much earlier in India. According to some scholarly articles, this is evident in the
number of variations of a particular category of Sanskrit and Prakrit poetry meters. In poetry,
meter refers to the rhythmic pattern of syllables. Counting these as they appear in poetry leads to
the general rule for the formation of the Fibonacci sequence, which is
This special sequence has many interesting properties. Among these is that this pattern is very visible in nature. Some of
nature’s most beautiful patterns, like spiral arrangement of sunflower seeds, the number of petals in a flower, and the
shape of a snail’s shell – things that we looked earlier in this chapter – all contain Fibonacci numbers.
It is also interesting to note that the ratios of successive Fibonacci numbers approach the number
Φ (Phi), also known as the Golden Ratio. This is approximately equal to 1.618.
1/1 = 1.0000
2/1 = 2.0000
3/2 = 1.5000
5/3 = 1.6667
8/5 = 1.6000
13/8 = 1.6250
21/13 = 1.6154
34/21 = 1.6191
55/34 = 1.6177
89/55 = 1.6182
This Golden Ratio can also be expressed as the ratio between two numbers, if the latter is
also the ratio between the sum and the larger of the two numbers. Geometrically, it can also be
visualized as a rectangle perfectly formed by a square and another rectangle, which can be
repeated infinitely inside each section. Shapes and figures that bear this proportion are generally
considered to be aesthetically pleasing. As such, this ratio is visible in many works of art and
architecture such as in the Mona Lisa, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Parthenon. In fact, the
human DNA molecule also contains Fibonacci numbers, being 34 angstroms long by 21
angstroms wide for each full cycle of the double helix spiral. As shown in the list above, this
approximates the Golden Ratio at a value of about 1.619 (1 angstrom=10−10 meter or 0.1
nanometer)

Golden Rectangle with the Golden Spiral

 ACTIVITY 1.3

I. Let Fib (n) be the nth term of the Fibonacci sequence, with Fib (1) = 1, Fib (2) = 1, Fib
(3) = 2 and so on.
1. Fib (8).

2. Fib (19).

3. If Fib (22) = 17, 771 and Fib (24) = 46, 368, what is Fib (23)?

4. Fib (13)

5. Fib (16)

II. Evaluate the following sums.

6. Fib (1) + Fib (2) =

7. Fib (1) + Fib (2) + Fib (3) =

8. Fib (1) + Fib (2) + Fib (3) + Fib (4)=

9. Fib (6) + Fib (10) =

10. Fib (12) + Fib (23) =

III. Compare and contrast patterns and sequence.
15 Learning Module 1
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD 15
1.3 : MATHEMATICS FOR OUR WORLD
We have witnessed in the preceedings ections how mathematics is evident in the natural
world – specifically in how the patterns that we observe in nature follow logical and
mathematical structures. It is therefore of great importance to lean mathematical concepts and
procedures and apply them in solving our problems, from our individual concerns to matters that
affect the rest of the world.
MATHEMATICS FOR ORGANIZATION
So many events happen all around us. In the blink of an eye, several children have
already been born, so many liters of water have been consumed, or several thousands of tweets
have been posted. For us to make sense of all these data, we need mathematical tools to help us
make sound analysis and better decisions.

A particular store could gather data on the shopping patterns of their customers and adjust
their pricesor product placements to help drive sales. Scientists could not plot bird migration
routes to help endangered animal population. Social media analysts could crunch all the online
postings using software to gauge the netizens’sentiments on particular issues or personalities.
Software could generate a similar map of words that are most talked about in social media. The
bigger the font, the more netizens are talking about the concept or topic.
MATHEMATICS FOR PREDICTION

It is sometimes said that history repeats itself. As much as we can use mathematical
models using existing data to generate analysis and interpretations, we can also us ethem to make
predictions. Applying the concepts of probability, mathematicians could calculate the chances of
an event occurring. The wather is a prime example. Based on historical patterns, meteorologists
could make relatively accurate forecasts to help prepare us for our day-to-day activities, or warn
us of weather systems that could affect entire populations for weeks or months. Astronomers
could also use these regular patterns to predict the occurrence of meteor showers or eclipses. In
2017, announcemnets were made regarding when heavenlyphenomena such as the Draconid
Meteor Shower and “The Great American Eclipse” would occur and where would be the best
places to view them.
MATHEMATICS FOR CONTROL
We have demonstrated by means of examples around us that patterns ae definitely present
in the universe. There seems to be underlyingmathematical structure in the way that natural
objects and phenomenon behave. While photographers could capture a single moment through a
snapshot, fimmakers could record events live as they unfold, painter and sculptors could create
masterpieces in interpreting their surroundings, poet could use beautiful words to describe an
object, and songwriters could capture and reproduce sounds that they hear, these observations of
nature as well as their interactions and relationships could be more elegantly described by means
of mathematical equations. As stated by astrophysicist Brian Greene, “With a few symbols on a
page, you can describe a wealth of physical phenomena.”

It is interesting then to ponder on how mathematics, an invention of the human mind,

seems to perpermeate the innate laws that hold the universe togethe. There have been instances
when natural phenomenon have been predicted to exist because the mathematics says it, but have
only been proven after many years when advancements in technology have allowed us to expand
our horizions and view a little more into the abyss.
Through the use of mathematics, man is also able to exert control over himself and the
effects of nature. The ongoing threat of climatechange and global warming has been the subject
of much debate over the years. It is believed that unless man changes his behavior, patterns are
said to indicate the sea levels could rise to catastrophic levels a s the polar caps melt due to the
increase in global temperatures, fueled by deforestation and the release of poluutants into the
atmosphere.

MATHEMATICS IS INDISPENSABLE
Mathematics play a huge role in the underpinnings of our world. We have seen it in living
creatures and natural phenomena. We have also lookedat examplesof how mathematical concepts
could be applied. Whethet you are on your way to becoming a doctor, an engineer, an
entrepreneur, or a chef, a knowledge of mathematics could onlybe helpful. In the most basic
level, logical reasoning and critical thinking are crucial skills that are needed in any endeavor. As
such, the study of mathematics should be embraced as it paves the way for more educated
decisions and in a way, brings us closer to understanding the natural world.
 CHAPTER EXERCISES
Patterns and Sequences
1. Which of the
figures can be used to continue the series given below?

2. Which of the
figures, you think best fits the series below?

3. Which of the figures can be used to continue the series given below?
4. Which number should come next in this series?
18, 26, 34, 42

a. 46
b. 52
5. Which number should replace the question mark (?)?
c. 50
d. 56
17 8 5 5
13 7 5 4
6 12 6 3
10 6 4 ?

a. 4
b. 5
6. What completes the following pattern?
CSD, ETF, GUH, , KWL
c. 6
d. 7
_
7. What number should come next in the sequence? _
22, 21, 25, 24, 28, 27, …
8. What letter comes next in this pattern? _
O, T, T, F, F, S, S, E, …
9. What number comes next? _
1, 8, 27, 64, 125, …
10. What is the next shape? _

EXPONENTIAL GROWTH AND DECAY

11-13. A house is purchased for P 1, 000, 000 in 2002. The value of the house is given by
the exponential growth model 𝐴 = 1000000𝑒0.645𝑡. Find when the house would be worth P 5, 000,
000.
14-16. An artifact originally ha 12 grams of carbon-14 present. The decay model 𝐴 =
0.000121𝑡
12𝑒 describes the amount of carbon-14 present after t years. How many grams of carbon-
14 will be present in this artifact after 10, 000 years?
FIBONACCI SEQUENCE
17. Starting at the first Fibonacci number, Fib (1) = 1 and the second Fibonacci
number, Fib (2) = 1, what is the 15th Fibonacci number, Fib (15)?
18. What is Fib (20)?
19. Given Fib (30) = 832, 040 and Fib (28) = 317, 811, what is Fib (29)?
20. What is Fib (11)?
 JOURNAL WRITING

What ideas about Mathematics did you learn?

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What is it Mathematics that might have changed your thoughts about it?
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What is most useful about mathematics to human kind?
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 FINAL TASK
Develop a piece of art connecting to patterns in nature and
mathematical sequences. It may be a mural, magazine cover, website, etc.
In a separate sheet of paper, you are going to explain the mathematical
connection between your work and sequence.

REFERENCES
www.scribd.com/document/Math-in-the-Modern-World-
Chapter-1-docx Mathematics in the World book from RBSI
https://www.iqtestexperts.com/pattern-
recognition- sample.php
https://www.iqtestexperts.com/maths-
sample.php
http://www.mathscareers.org.uk/article/how-the-tiger-got-its- stripes/
Anna Clarice M. Yanday Pangasinan State University Chapter 1:
Nature of Mathematics
https://www.slideshare.net/AnnaClariceYanday/mathematics-in-the-
modern-world- lecture-1