Unit 1: Mathematics in Our World

Introduction:

Did you ever wonder what the pictures above tell you about?
Quite often, people consider mathematics only as numbers and arithmetic. Most of the time, giving more emphasis
on numerical ability has brought about a person unfavorable attitude about mathematics, and probably, you too
experience the same. One thing must be clear at this point, though, that Mathematics is not all about numbers.
Mathematics goes beyond arithmetic. It is an art by which the universe is designed creatively. Patterns are core
topics in Mathematics. In fact, it is also known as the science of patterns- the numeric patterns and geometric
patterns. In this unit, you will appreciate that Mathematics is not only confined to numbers but also exists in nature,
on the things that we see around us. You will learn how nature connects with numerical patterns and sequences.

Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of this unit, you are expected to:

a. Identify patterns in nature and how they are related to mathematics;
b. Argue about the nature of mathematics;
c. Solve problems involving patterns and numbers;
d. Articulate the importance of mathematics in one’s life; and
e. Express appreciation for mathematics as a human endeavor.

Activating Prior Learning

A. Directions: Study the following set of images. Can you tell what patterns do the images exhibit?

Set A Set B Set C

B. Directions: The following are numerical sequences and geometric patterns. Can you tell the next number or
pattern in the following items?

1. 2,4,6, _____

2. 2, 4, 7, 11, _____

3. iiiLL, iiL, i, _____

4. ______

5. ______

C. Directions: Write True if the statement is correct, otherwise, write False.

_____1. Mathematics is exhibited only through numbers.

_____2. Mathematics can progress even without numbers.

_____3. Patterns that occur in nature are only for arts appreciation.

_____4. Nature also expresses geometric figures and designs.

_____5. Mathematics is connected with the things that we see around us.

Topic 1: Patterns and Numbers in Nature

Presentation of Content
Study each picture given below.

What does each picture above tell you about?

These are all patterns in nature. Like numbers, natural objects have also their patterns. In some plants, spiral patterns
may be found in their leaves and flowers. The skin of some animals also exhibit fascinating designs that have
patterns.
The sunflower’s petals are carefully arranged alternately from the innermost to the outermost petal to give a spiral
pattern. The sea urchin has a pattern where the spines are arranged in an array, where one big spine is followed by
smaller spines. The sea shell is carefully designed such that from the center, it is exactly a reflection of the other half
of the shell. This is also true to the butterfly where one side of the wings is exactly the same with the other side. We
call these as symmetrical pattern. The shape and pattern of the left side is the same as a mirror image of its right side.
Other Patterns
There are a lot more patterns that we can see on the things around us such as the following:
1. Fractal Pattern

A fractal is a never-ending pattern. It is a repeated pattern that is self-similar across different

scales. Fractal is created by repeating a process of similar pattern. The leaf of a fern resembles a
fractal pattern.

Photo credit: https://www.smithsonianmag.com

Figure 1. Geometric Fractal Figure 2. Fractal pattern in nature

Fig. 1 is a geometric fractal pattern where the triangles are repeated of different scales and they are self-similar.

Fig. 2. The fern exhibits a fractal pattern. The leaves repeat at different scales, and they are self-similar, being made of little copies of
the same overall shape.

2. Fibonacci Pattern

In arithmetic, Fibonacci pattern appears in numerical sequences such that the sequence, is the
sum of the two preceding ones, starting from 0 and 1.
For example, the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, … is a Fibonacci sequence obtained by adding the
two consecutive numbers starting from zero (0+1=1), (1+1=2), (2+1=3), and so on.
The sequence starts from adding the least number to the succeeding number, and on, giving
progressing sums forming a sequence.

Fig. 3. Fibonacci sequence

Fig. 3 is a Fibonacci sequence, starting from adding 1+1 to give 2, 2+1 to give 3, 3+2 to give 5 and so on.
Fibonacci pattern is also exhibited amazingly in nature, such that the pattern starts from a small loop, and becomes
bigger as the spiral pattern tends to go farther from the center of the loop.

Credit: www.scienceabc.com/eyeopeners and www.reddit.com

The formation of stars in the galaxies and the spiral pattern of an Aloe Vera plant all form Fibonacci patterns in
nature.

Fig. 4. Fibonacci patterns in nature

Natural patterns also include symmetries, trees, spirals, meanders, waves, foams, tessellations, cracks and
stripes. Early Greek philosophers studied pattern, with Plato, Pythagoras and Empedocles attempting to explain
order in nature. ... Mathematics, physics and chemistry can explain patterns in nature at different
perspectives.

Relating Mathematics to Natural Patterns

Even clouds exhibit pattern. Clouds and cloud formations are practically used to assess the possible occurrence
of rains or storm.
Some animals and insects have also amazing patterns such as the different patterns in the skin of a snake,
feathers of a peacock, spots of a leopard, the stripes of a tiger, the wings of a beetle, the wings of a butterfly,
and many more. How do these natural patterns then relate to mathematics?
In the book Nature’s Numbers by Ian Stewart, it was mentioned that by using mathematics to organize and
systematize our ideas out of patterns, we have discovered a great secret: nature’s patterns are not just there to be
admired, they are vital clues to the rules that govern natural processes. The spiral leaves of a plant for example,
have drawn mathematicians to discover what is known as the Golden Angle which measures 137.5 degrees. As
they continue to discover about the Golden Angle, they also discovered the Golden Ratio, which later became
closely attached to another numerical pattern: the Fibonacci numbers which you will learn in the succeeding
topics.
So, the original patterns in plants have been translated into numeric patterns in mathematics through the golden
angle, golden ratio and Fibonacci numbers.
Similarly, scientists have also tried to explain the connection between the patterns in animal skin with that of
mathematics. They have found out that these designs could arrive to the formulation of equations in higher
mathematics, particularly the Differential Equation, which captures the interaction between two chemical
products that produced these designs.

What about the volcano, do you think it has also mathematical connection?
The volcano also relates to geometric figure (symmetrical) and probability. Based from the number of eruptions
it has made in the past 100 years, it gave the probability model predicting when and how it will erupt.
For more examples of patterns in nature that relates to mathematics, watch the following videos:
1. God is a Mathematician
2. Mathematics in Nature

The CD for above videos will be provided to you by your teacher.

You have just learned how nature relates to mathematics. Congratulations!

Application

Activity 1. Using your cellphone, take a picture of two things that you see around exhibiting patterns. Discuss
the pattern of the pictures that you have taken and how these relate to Mathematics using the blank sheet
attached at the end of this unit. Be able to present this in the class during our next meeting.
Be guided by the following criteria of evaluating your output.

Indicator Good Very Good Outstanding

Correctness of None of the Only one of the Two of the
Picture pictures show a pictures shows a pictures show a
pattern pattern pattern
Discussion Presented Presented correct Presented correct
incorrect but incomplete and complete
explanation/ explanation / explanation /
discussion discussion discussion
 Assessment

Directions: Supply the information being required by the following:

1. Among the images below, could you tell the pattern that each exhibit?

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

2. To address the problem on traffic in a big city, several straight roads are being constructed. It was noted that the
two roads will have at most one junction, three roads will have at most three junctions, and so on.
a. Complete the table below: Identify the pattern on the maximum number of junctions. (5 points)

No. of 2 3 4 5 6
roads
No. of 2 3
junctio
ns

b. At least how many junctions are expected to be constructed if there will be seven roads in the city? Explain your
answer. (5 points)
3. Provide the correct number in the box with a question mark. Explain how you arrived at your answer. (5 points)

2 4 16 ?

Summary

You have just learned that mathematics is not only numerical/arithmetic in nature. Mathematics is found in all
the things that we see around us… in plants, animals, trees and many other objects that we see in nature
Geometric designs and sequences are also found in plants. The sunflower for example exhibit the design of
spiral. The branches of some trees exhibit a fractal pattern, and many others. Mathematics also relates to nature.
It is from nature where some scientific phenomenon came from, that brought about new discoveries in the field
of higher Mathematics.
A.
 Reflection

A. How do you articulate the importance of mathematics in your life?

B. What new ideas about Mathematics did you learn that have changed your thoughts about it?

References

Akash Peshin: www.scienceabc.com/eyeopeners

Baltazar, E.C., Ragasa, C., and Evangelista, J., (2018) Mathematics in the Modern World. C&N
Publishing, Inc.

Earnhart, R. and Adina, E. (2018). Mathematics in the Modern World (Outcome-Based

Module). C&N Publishing, Inc. pp 1-11
New England Public Radio. Retrieved from http://www.nepr.net/post/it-takes-500000-pounds-
sand-throw-beach-party-north-adams#stream/0

The Science Explorer: Sunflower Spirals: Complexity Beyond the Fibonacci Sequence.
Retrieved from http://thescienceexplorer.com/nature/sunflower-spirals-complexity-beyond-
fibonacci-sequence

https://www.ebay.com/p/5pcs-Spiral-Aloe-Seeds-Polyphylla-Cactus-Plant-Succulents-Garden-
Park-Decor-Hot/1055124369

Philstar Global. https://www.philstar.com

Images:
www.123rf.com/photo_20751296_scallop-seashell.html,ww.dolphinresearch.org.au/
leadership/victorias-marine-environment-matters/sea urchin
https://www.harrisseeds.com)
http://www.fractal.org
https://www.sciencefriday.com
www.nexusinvestments.com
https://www.smithsonianmag.com
https://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/seashell.html
https://animals.howstuffworks.com
http://phppf.blogspot.com/gallery-spiral-ginger.html
https://www.google.com/https://cdn.britannica.com/s:7