Mathematics As A Science of Patterns and Relationships
Mathematics As A Science of Patterns and Relationships
Mathematics
What is mathematics?
Nature patterns which are not just to be admired, they are vital clues to the rules
that govern natural processes.
Lesson 1.1:
Mathematics as a Science of Patterns and
Relationships
Example of patterns in nature:
3. All snowflakes contains sixfold symmetry which no two are exactly the same.
Lesson 1.1:
Mathematics as a Science of Patterns and
Relationships
Example of patterns in nature:
4. Patterns can be seen in fish patterns like spotted trunkfish, spotted puffer, blue
spotted stingray, spotted moral eel, coral grouper, redlion fish, yellow boxfish and
angel fish. These animals and fish stripes and spots attest to mathematical
regularities in biological growth and form.
Lesson 1.1:
Mathematics as a Science of Patterns and
Relationships
Example of patterns in nature:
6. Natural patterns like the intricate waves across the oceans; sand dunes on
deserts; formation of typhoon; water drop with ripple and others. These serves as
clues to the rules that govern the flow of water, sand and air.
Lesson 1.1:
Mathematics as a Science of Patterns and
Relationships
Example of patterns in nature:
7. Other patterns in nature can also be seen in the ball of mackerel, the v-
formation of geese in the sky and the tornado formation of starlings.
Patterns and Regularities
Mathematics is all around us. As we discover more about our environment, we
can mathematically describe nature. The beauty of a flower, the majestic tree,
even the rock formation exhibits nature’s sense of symmetry.
Have you ever thought about how nature likes to arrange itself in patterns in order
to act efficiently? Nothing in nature happens without a reason, all of these patterns
have an important reason to exist and they also happen to be beautiful to watch.
Types of Patterns
1. Symmetry
- a sense of harmonious and beautiful proportion of balance or an object is
invariant to any various transformations (reflection, rotation or scaling.)
c. Translational Symmetry
- This is another type of symmetry. Translational symmetry exists in patterns that we see in
nature and in man-made objects. Translations acquire symmetries when units are repeated
and turn out having identical figures.
Types of Patterns
2. Fractals
- a curve or geometric figure, each part of which has the same statistical character
as the whole. A fractal is a never-ending pattern found in nature. The exact same
shape is replicated in a process called “self similarity.” The pattern repeats itself
over and over again at different scales. For example, a tree grows by repetitive
branching. This same kind of branching can be seen in lightning bolts and the
veins in your body. Examine a single fern or an aerial view of an entire river
system and you’ll see fractal patterns.
Types of Patterns
3. Spirals
- A logarithmic spiral or growth spiral is a self-similar spiral curve which often
appears in nature. It was first described by Rene Descartes and was later
investigated by Jacob Bernoulli. A spiral is a curved pattern that focuses on a
center point and a series of circular shapes that revolve around it. Examples of
spirals are pine cones, pineapples, hurricanes. The reason for why plants use a
spiral form is because they are constantly trying to grow but stay secure.
TASK | Discovery check!
Instructions:
● Create a group with three (3) members.
● Answer the following guide questions by creating a short essay.
● Write your content in a ½ size intermediate paper.