Mathematics

Project
(A.Y. 2024- 25)

SUBMITTED BY -

Name of Student: Krishna Bansal

Class: XII

Section: Roll No:

Board Seat Number:

 Index

Sr No. Content
1 Abstract
2 Introduction
3 Aim and Objective
4 Main Body
5 Applications
6 Conclusion
7 Bibliography and References
Abstract
This project explores the intersection of mathematical patterns and real-world applications,
highlighting the significance of various designs derived from mathematical principles. The
primary objective is to analyze and discuss different mathematical patterns, such as fractals,
geometric sequences, and symmetries, and to illustrate their relevance and application in
diverse fields. Through detailed examination and examples, the project demonstrates how
these patterns manifest in nature, architecture, art, and technology. The findings reveal that
mathematical designs are not only fundamental to theoretical mathematics but also pivotal in
practical applications, enhancing both functional and aesthetic aspects of real-world
phenomena. This exploration provides a comprehensive understanding of how abstract
mathematical concepts can influence and improve various aspects of everyday life.
Introduction –
Mathematics is often seen as a subject rooted in strict rules and procedures. However, one of
the most powerful tools in a mathematician's toolkit is the ability to recognize patterns.
Identifying patterns can simplify complex problems, reveal underlying structures, and lead to
elegant solutions. This section will explore how recognizing patterns can enhance problem-
solving skills and provide strategies for identifying and utilizing patterns in various
mathematical contexts.

In mathematics, patterns are more than a beautiful design (though they are often that too),
patterns follow a predictable rule and that rule allows us to predict what will come next.
Mathematicians say that mathematics is the study of pattern—of patterns and structure in
numbers, and patterns and structure in geometry. Seeing pattern and structure in the world
around us is a key mathematical habit of mind and one that children are developing from the
first days of life. Children are naturally attuned to patterns because it allows them to predict
what will come next and make sense of their world. When we see patterns we are able to
predict—to count on things happening—and feel more secure and confident. Noticing these
routines and patterns in everyday life helps prepare children to notice other patterns.
Real patterns
Daniel Dennett's notion of real patterns, discussed in his 1991 paper of the same name,
[29]
provides an ontological framework aiming to discern the reality of patterns beyond mere
human interpretation, by examining their predictive utility and the efficiency they provide in
compressing information. For example, centre of gravity is a real pattern because it allows us
to predict the movements of a bodies such as the earth around the sun, and it compresses all
the information about all the particles in the sun and the earth that allows us to make those
predictions.

Fractals
Some mathematical rule-patterns can be visualised, and among these are those that
explain patterns in nature including the mathematics of symmetry, waves, meanders, and
fractals. Fractals are mathematical patterns that are scale invariant. This means that the shape
of the pattern does not depend on how closely you look at it. Self-similarity is found in
fractals. Examples of natural fractals are coast lines and tree shapes, which repeat their shape
regardless of what magnification you view at. While self-similar patterns can appear
indefinitely complex, the rules needed to describe or produce their formation can be simple
(e.g. Lindenmayer systems describing tree shapes).[30]

Here are some of the key points to be remembered when dealing with patterns.

 Number patterns are not restricted to a few types. They could be ascending, descending,
multiples of a certain number, or series of even numbers, odd numbers, etc.
 Learning patterns enhances our capability to observe patterns. Observing a pattern pushes
us to think and identify the rule which can continue the pattern.
 Patterns can be of shapes, objects, and colors as well and not just numbers.
 In an arithmetic sequence, each successive term is obtained by adding the common
difference to its preceding term.
 In a geometric sequence, each successive term is obtained by multiplying the common
ratio to its preceding term.
Aim and Objective
Aim
• Recognise a repeating pattern
• Represent patterns with tables, diagrams and graphs
• Generate arithmetic expressions from repeating patterns

Objective
• use tables, graphs, diagrams and manipulatives to represent a repeating pattern situation
• generalize and explain patterns and relationships in words and numbers
• write arithmetic expressions for particular terms in a sequence
• use tables, diagrams and graphs as tools for representing and analyzing patterns and
relations
• develop and use their own generalizing strategies and ideas and consider those of others
• present and interpret solutions, explaining and justifying methods, inferences and reasoning
Main Body
The study of mathematics includes numbers and the different patterns in which they are
listed. There are different types of patterns in mathematics, such as number patterns, image
patterns, logic patterns, word patterns, and so on. The number pattern is the most commonly
used one since students are aware of even numbers, odd numbers, skip counting, etc., which
help in understanding these patterns easily.
Definition of Patterns

Patterns include a series or sequence that generally repeats itself. The patterns that we
observe in our daily lives are those of colors, actions, shapes, numbers, etc. They can be
related to any event or object and can be finite or infinite. In mathematics, patterns are a set
of numbers arranged in a sequence such that they are related to each other in a specific rule.
These rules define a way to calculate or solve problems. For example, in a sequence of
3,6,9,12,_, each number is increasing by 3. So, according to the pattern, the last number will
be 12 + 3 = 15.
The Importance of Patterns in Mathematics

Patterns are fundamental to mathematics. They appear in numbers, shapes, algebraic

expressions, and even in the way we solve problems. Recognizing patterns helps in:

1. Predicting Future Events: Understanding a pattern allows us to predict what comes

next. This is crucial in sequences and series, as well as in real-world applications like
predicting trends.
2. Simplifying Problems: Patterns can reduce the complexity of a problem by revealing
relationships that are not immediately obvious.
3. Enhancing Understanding: Seeing the connections between different problems and
solutions can deepen our understanding of mathematical concepts.
4. Developing Strategies: Recognizing patterns can lead to the development of general
strategies for solving classes of problems.

Types of Patterns

There are three types of patterns that are commonly used in mathematics:

 Repeating Pattern - A pattern that keeps repeating over and over again in the sequence of
numbers is called the repeating pattern.

 Growing Pattern - If the numbers or objects are arranged in an increasing order in a

sequence, that pattern is called a growing pattern.
 Shirking Pattern - A shirking pattern is a pattern where numbers or objects are arranged in
a decreasing order.

Number Patterns
A list of numbers that follow a certain sequence is known as patterns or number patterns. The
different types of number patterns are algebraic or arithmetic pattern, geometric pattern,
Fibonacci pattern and so on. Now, let us take a look at the three different patterns here.

Arithmetic Pattern
The arithmetic pattern is also known as the algebraic pattern. In an arithmetic pattern, the
sequences are based on the addition or subtraction of the terms. If two or more terms in the
sequence are given, we can use addition or subtraction to find the arithmetic pattern.

For example, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, __, 14, __. Now, we need to find the missing term in the
sequence.

Here, we can use the addition process to figure out the missing terms in the patterns.

In the pattern, the rule used is “Add 2 to the previous term to get the next term”.

In the example given above, take the second term (4). If we add “2” to the second term (4),
we get the third term 6.

Similarly, we can find the unknown terms in the sequence.

First missing term: The previous term is 10. Therefore, 10+2 = 12.

Second missing term: The previous term is 14. So, 14+2 = 16

Hence, the complete arithmetic pattern is 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16.

Geometric Pattern
The geometric pattern is defined as the sequence of numbers that are based on the
multiplication and division operation. Similar to the arithmetic pattern, if two or more
numbers in the sequence are provided, we can easily find the unknown terms in the pattern
using multiplication and division operation.

For example, 8, 16, 32, __, 128, __.

It is a geometric pattern, as each term in the sequence can be obtained by multiplying 2 with
the previous term.

For example, 32 is the third term in the sequence, which is obtained by multiplying 2 with the
previous term 16.

Likewise, we can find the unknown terms in the geometric pattern.

First missing term: The previous term is 32. Multiply 32 by 2, we get 64.

Second missing term: The previous term is 128. Multiply 128 by 2, we get 256.

Hence, the complete geometric pattern is 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256.

Fibonacci Pattern
The Fibonacci Pattern is defined as the sequence of numbers, in which each term in the
sequence is obtained by adding the two terms before it, starting with the numbers 0 and 1.
The Fibonacci pattern is given as 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, … and so on.

Explanation:

Third term = First term + Second term = 0+1 = 1

Fourth term = second term + Third term = 1+1 = 2

Fifth term = Third term + Fourth term = 1+2 = 3, and so on.

Visual Patterns

Visual patterns appear in shapes and arrangements. These are often used in geometry and can
include:

 Symmetry: Objects or shapes that are mirror images.

o Example: A square has four lines of symmetry.

 Tessellations: Patterns of shapes that fit perfectly together without gaps.

o Example: Hexagons tessellate to form a honeycomb pattern.

 Fractals: Complex patterns that are self-similar at different scales.

 o Example: The Sierpinski triangle, where each smaller triangle is a reduced-scale copy
of the whole.

Algebraic Patterns

Algebraic patterns involve expressions and equations. Recognizing these can simplify solving
equations and understanding functions.

 Binomial Patterns: Expansion of powers of binomials follows the binomial theorem.

o Example: (a+b)2=a2+2ab+b2(a+b)2=a2+2ab+b2
 Factoring Patterns: Certain forms of expressions can be factored in standard ways.
o Example:a2−b2=(A+b)(a−b)a2−b2=(A+b)(a−b)
 Function Patterns: Functions can exhibit specific types of behavior.
o Example: Linear functions f(x)=mx+bf(x)=mx+b have a constant rate of change.
Strategies for Recognizing Patterns

Observation and Practice

The more you work with mathematical problems, the more you will start to notice patterns.
Practice is essential. Consistently engaging with a variety of mathematical problems helps
train your mind to recognize patterns and relationships more readily. When you work on
diverse problems, make it a habit to pay attention to recurring themes and commonalities.
Over time, this practice will sharpen your observational skills, allowing you to detect patterns
more quickly and with greater accuracy.

Additionally, documenting the patterns you observe can be incredibly beneficial. Keep a
journal or a log of the different types of problems you solve and note any patterns or
strategies that emerge. This process not only reinforces your learning but also provides a
valuable reference for future problem-solving tasks. Engaging with peers in discussions about
problem-solving approaches and patterns can also enhance your ability to see different
perspectives and uncover patterns you might have missed on your own.

Look for Regularities

Looking for regularities is a crucial aspect of recognizing patterns in mathematical problem-

solving. Regularities are consistent and predictable aspects that appear repeatedly within
problems, which can help simplify complex issues and provide insight into their solutions. To
develop this skill, it's important to actively search for these regularities as you work through
various mathematical tasks.

One effective strategy is to start by examining simpler versions of the problem at hand. Often,
complex problems can be broken down into more manageable parts, and these simpler
components may reveal underlying regularities. For example, when studying sequences,
identifying the first few terms and their relationships can help you discern a pattern that
applies to the entire sequence.

Another approach is to use visualization techniques. Drawing diagrams, graphs, or tables can
make regularities more apparent. Visual representations often highlight relationships and
patterns that might be less obvious in a purely numerical or algebraic form. For instance,
plotting data points on a graph can reveal trends and regularities that facilitate the formulation
of a general rule or function.

It's also beneficial to compare and contrast similar problems. By analyzing how different
problems are solved and identifying common strategies, you can uncover regularities that
apply across multiple contexts. This comparative approach not only reinforces your
understanding of specific patterns but also broadens your ability to apply these patterns to
new and unfamiliar problems.
Furthermore, consider using mathematical notation and symbols consistently. Standardized
notation can help you see regularities more clearly and communicate your findings
effectively. When you notice that a particular notation or symbolic representation is
recurring, it can signal an underlying regularity worth exploring further.

Engaging in collaborative problem-solving can enhance your ability to identify regularities.

Discussing problems with peers and sharing different perspectives can lead to new insights
and uncover regularities that you might not have noticed on your own. Group work
encourages a deeper exploration of patterns and often leads to a more comprehensive
understanding of the problem-solving process.

Finally, regular reflection on your problem-solving methods and the regularities you
encounter is crucial. After solving a problem, take the time to review your approach and
identify any patterns or regularities that emerged. Reflecting on these aspects can consolidate
your learning and improve your ability to recognize and apply regularities in future problems.

Looking for regularities involves actively seeking out consistent and predictable aspects of
problems, using simplification, visualization, comparison, notation, collaboration, and
reflection. By honing this skill, you can enhance your mathematical problem-solving abilities
and approach complex problems with greater confidence and insight.

Use Tables and Diagrams

Tables and diagrams are powerful tools in mathematics for visualizing and identifying
regularities in problem-solving. They provide structured ways to organize information,
making patterns more apparent and aiding in the discovery of underlying relationships.

Tables:

Tables are useful for organizing data systematically, especially when dealing with numerical
sequences, functions, or categorical data. By tabulating relevant variables or values, you can
observe how different elements interact over time or across different conditions. For example,
when analyzing the growth of a population over several years, a table can show how the
numbers change annually and highlight any consistent rate of increase or decrease.

To effectively use tables to identify regularities, consider the following strategies:

1. Pattern Recognition: Arrange data in a table format and look for recurring numbers or
sequences. For instance, in a multiplication table, noticing how each row and column
follows a predictable pattern (e.g., increasing by the same multiple) can reveal
underlying multiplication rules.
2. Comparative Analysis: Create multiple tables to compare different scenarios or
conditions. By placing side-by-side tables of experimental results, you can identify
 trends or patterns that occur consistently across different sets of data. This comparative
approach helps in drawing conclusions and formulating general rules.
3. Function Representation: Use tables to represent functions by mapping input values
to corresponding output values. By examining how changes in input affect output, you
can derive equations or formulas that describe the relationship between variables. This
method is particularly useful in calculus and algebra, where tables can illustrate the
behavior of functions graphically.

Diagrams:

Diagrams provide visual representations that can reveal patterns and relationships in a
problem-solving context. They are especially effective for illustrating geometric properties,
structural relationships, and process flows. Different types of diagrams include:

1. Graphs and Charts: Graphical representations like line graphs, bar charts, and pie
charts visually display data relationships. For example, plotting points on a graph can
show trends over time or correlations between variables, making patterns in data more
apparent.
2. Geometric Figures: Diagrams such as geometric shapes (e.g., triangles, circles) or
spatial arrangements (e.g., Venn diagrams) help in understanding spatial relationships
and logical connections. These diagrams often highlight symmetries, proportions, or
overlapping areas that signify regularities in geometric properties.
3. Flowcharts: Flowcharts depict sequences of actions or decision-making processes.
They illustrate step-by-step procedures and help identify recurring steps or decision
points. Analyzing flowcharts can reveal algorithmic patterns or procedural regularities
in problem-solving strategies.

Rules for Patterns

To create a complete pattern, there are a set of rules to be considered. To apply the rule, we
need to understand the nature of the sequence and the difference between the two successive
numbers. It takes some amount of guess work and checking to see whether the rule works
throughout the whole series.
There are two basic divisions to find out the rules in number patterns:
 When the numbers in the given pattern get larger, they are said to be in an ascending
order. These patterns usually involve addition or multiplication.
 When the numbers in the given pattern get smaller, they are said to be in a descending
order. These patterns usually involve subtraction or division.

Applications of Patterns
Example 1: Arithmetic Sequence

Problem: Find the 10th term of the sequence: 4, 9, 14, 19, ...

Solution

1. Identify the Pattern: Notice the difference between terms is 5.

2. Write the Rule: The nthnth term of an arithmetic sequence is given by an=a1+
(n−1)dan=a1+(n−1)d.
3. Apply the Rule: For the
10th term, a10=4+(10−1)×5=4+45=49a10=4+(10−1)×5=4+45=49.

Example 2: Investigating Patterns in Bivariate Data

Problem: ou want to understand if there is a connection between students' favorite seasons

and their preferred sports activities.

Solution

1. Data Collection: Ask each student in your class to share their favorite season (e.g.,
winter, spring, summer, fall) and their favorite sport (e.g., soccer, basketball,
swimming, biking).
2. Organize Data: Create a table on the board or a worksheet with two columns: one for
favorite seasons and another for favorite sports.
3. Plotting Data: Use a simple scatter plot on a large poster or interactive whiteboard.
Place each student's favorite season along the x-axis and their favorite sport along the
y-axis.
4. Observing Patterns: Look at the plotted points together as a class. Discuss what
patterns or trends students notice. For example, are there groups of students who prefer
winter and skiing?
5. Identifying Association: Guide students to identify any associations between favorite
seasons and sports. Are there more students who prefer summer and swimming?
6. Interpreting Results: Help students interpret their findings. For instance, if many
students who like fall also enjoy biking, discuss the association between these
variables.
7. Discussion: Lead a class discussion on why these associations might exist. For
example, why might students who like winter prefer skiing or snowboarding?

Example 3: Factoring Algebraic Expressions

Problem: Factor the expression x2−10x+25x2−10x+25.

Solution
1. Identify the Pattern: Recognize the expression as a perfect square trinomial.
2. Apply the Pattern: x2−10x+25=(x−5)2x2−10x+25=(x−5)2.
Conclusion

Recognizing patterns is a crucial skill in mathematics that enhances problem-solving abilities.

By identifying and utilizing patterns, you can simplify complex problems, make accurate
predictions, and develop deeper mathematical insights. Practice these strategies regularly to
become proficient in recognizing patterns and applying them to various mathematical
contexts.

Tables and diagrams are versatile tools that complement mathematical reasoning by
providing visual insights into problem structures and relationships. By leveraging these tools
effectively, you can enhance your ability to recognize and utilize regularities in mathematical
problem-solving, ultimately improving your proficiency and confidence in tackling complex
problems.
References
1) “5.6: Recognizing Patterns.” Mathematics LibreTexts, 28 June 2024.

2) “Definition of Patterns, Types of Patterns, Rules of Patterns in Math, Solved Examples

Practice Questions, FAQs.” Cuemath.

3) “Illuminations.” Nctm.org, 2019.

4) “Patterns in Maths (Definition, Types & Examples) | Arithmetic & Geometric Pattern.”

BYJUS.

5) The Bridges Organization – Mathematics・Art・Music・Architecture・Culture.

6) Weisstein, Eric W. Wolfram MathWorld: The Web’s Most Extensive Mathematics

Resource.

7) Wikipedia Contributors. “Pattern.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Mar. 2019.