MODULE 1

MATHEMATICS IN OUR WORLD

Lesson 1 Patterns and Numbers in Nature

Lesson 2 The Fibonacci Sequence

Lesson 3 Mathematics for our World

MODULE 1

 INTRODUCTION
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MATHEMATICS IN OUR WORLD

Mathematics is universal. Mathematics can be found anywhere and

everywhere. Mathematics can also make a man systematic and orderly. There are
qualities that are nurtured by mathematics are our problem-solving skills, logical
reasoning, critical thinking and even our communication skills. According to an
author, Mathematics is the cradle of all creations”, which means that we cannot
go on with life without mathematics. Any discipline needs mathematics. Even
animals, plants and insects use mathematics every day.
There is math in all the things we see around us. Some are patterns which
are prominently found in nature. There are countless examples of mathematical
patterns that we can see in nature like the snail’s shell, tree branches, flower’s
petals, animal prints and more. This chapter will provide us an overview of how
mathematics is embedded in the nature and in our world.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Identify patterns in nature and regularities in the world.
2. Articulate the importance of mathematics in one’s life.
3. Argue about the nature of mathematics, what it is, how it is expressed,
represented and used.
4. Express appreciation for mathematics as a human endeavour.


GECC 103 – Mathematics in the Modern World Module 1
PATTERNS AND NUMBERS IN NATURE
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Lesson 1

Mathematics has been defined as the science of numbers and their

operations, interrelations, combinations, generalizations, and abstractions and of
space configurations and their structure, measurement, transformations, and
generalizations (Merriam Webster Dictionary). It is also the science that deals with
the logic of shape, quantity and arrangement.
Arrangement and Patterns are synonymously used terms. Arrangement is a
way things are arranged in a particular order or pattern. Mathematics maybe
regarded as a study of patterns. It is the activity of finding and studying patterns
and relationships. Pattern is defined as regular, repeated, or recurring forms or
designs.
Patterns are found in nature. Among those are the sunflower, honeycomb,
snail’s shell, spider web, flower’s petals and many more.
The Sunflower
Sunflowers boast radial symmetry and a type of
numerical symmetry known as the Fibonacci
sequence. The pattern of seeds within a sunflower
follows the Fibonacci sequence, or 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13,
21, 34, 55, 89, 144... Each number in the sequence is
the sum of the two preceding numbers. In sunflowers,
the spirals you see in the center are generated from this sequence -- there are two
series of curves winding in opposite directions, starting at the center and
stretching out to the petals, with each seed sitting at a certain angle from the
neighboring seeds to create the spiral.
The Honey Comb
Have you ever wondered why the honey
comb is hexagonal in shape?
Studies on the geometry of honeycomb
pattern explain that no other shape can create
more space with the given material. The shape
https://www.nature.com/news/how-
turns out to be economical: much honey is honeycombs-can-build-themselves-1.13398

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enclosed by minimum beeswax. The honeycomb pattern is the most spatially

efficient design, leaving minimum wasted space between objects
The Snail’s Shell
Some animals, like the nautilus, showcase
Fibonacci numbers. A nautilus shell is grown in a
Fibonacci spiral. The spiral occurs as the shell
grows outwards and tries to maintain its
proportional shape.

https://insteading.com/blog/fibonacci-
sequence-in-nature/

The Flowers’ Petals

The number of petals on a flower is usually a Fibonacci number. The
following table shows the flowers together with the number of petals they have.

Flower No.of Petal/s

1
Calla lily

Asiatic Dayflower 2/3

Iris 3

Buttercups 5

Clematis 8

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Ragwort 13

Aster 21

These are only few of the many mathematical patterns that are found in
nature. Can you name and explain one pattern you can see around you?

Population Growth
Mathematics can be used to model population growth, the formula for
exponential growth is , where A is the size of the population, P is the initial
number of people, e is Euler’s constant ( e = 2.718) and t is time.

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?
b. What was the population in 2017?
c. What will be the population in 2025?
Solution:
Given: P = 30,000 r = 0.02 e = 2.718
a. Population of the city in 1995, t = 0
A = 30e0.02t

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A = 30,000 (2.718)0.02(0)
A = 30,000

b. Population in 2017, t = 22
A = 30e0.02t
A = 30,000 (2.718)0.02(22)
A = 46,579.09
A  46,579
c. Population in 2025, t = 30
A = 30e0.02t
A = 30,000 (2.718)0.02(30)
A = 54,660.16
A  54,66

Learning Activity 1.1

1. Take a picture of any object in your surroundings and explain briefly how
mathematics is embedded in your chosen object.
2. The exponential growth model A = 50e0.07t describes the population of a
city in the Philippines in thousands, t years after 2000.
a. What is the population after 15 years?
b. What will be the population in 2027?

Lesson 2

 THE FIBONACCI SEQUENCE

A sequence is an ordered list of numbers, called terms, which may have

repeated values. The arrangement of these terms is set by a definite rule.

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The Fibonacci Sequence is the series of numbers:

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55...
The next number is found by adding the two numbers before it. It is named
after Leonardo Pisano (or Leonardo of Pisa). Fibonacci used the arithmetic series
to illustrate a problem based on a pair of breeding rabbits:
"How many pairs of rabbits will be produced in a year, beginning with a
single pair, if in every month each pair bears a new pair which becomes productive
from the second month on?" The result can be expressed numerically as: 1, 1, 2, 3,
5, 8, 13, 21, 34 ...

http://www.oxfordmathcenter.com/drupal7/node/487

The Fibonacci Sequence is defined by the linear recurrence equation:

With F1 and F2 is equal to 1. So, it is conventional to use F0 is 0.

We can also use the Binet’s Formula to determine the nth Fibonacci number
without finding the two preceding Fibonacci numbers.
The Binet’s Formula:

Where: n is the nth Fibonacci Term.

Example 1: Use Binet’s Formula to determine the 12th, 17th and 29th Fibonacci
numbers.

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Solution: Use the formula with the aid of a scientific calculator and you will get
the following results.

Fibonacci number is an example of efficiency in nature. As each row of

seeds in a sunflower, it tries to put the maximum number in the smallest space.
We can also notice the spiral arrangement of its seeds and how other’s flowers
petals bloom in spirals.
The Fibonacci sequence exhibits a certain numerical pattern which is very
evident nature. It can be observed in pinecones, trees branching out, ocean’s
wave, pineapples, leaf arrangements and many more.
The mystery of Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio as common patterns
in nature. The Fibonacci sequence give way to the discovery of the ratio between
two successive terms of the sequence.
The golden ratio is a special number approximately equal to 1.6180339887
or the irrational number and represented by the Greek letter “phi”(φ ). It can be
expressed as the ratio between two numbers, In symbols, a and b, where a>b>0,
are in golden ratio if

The Fibonacci sequence ties directly into the Golden ratio because if you
take any two successive Fibonacci numbers, their ratio is very close to the Golden
ratio. As the numbers get higher, the ratio becomes even closer to 1.618.

Sequence of terms Ratios of Successive Terms

(Fn) (Fn+1/Fn)
1
1 1
2 2

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3 1.5
5 1.667
8 1.6
13 1.625
21 1.6154
34 1.619
55 1.6176
89 1.61818

Shapes that bear this ratio are considered visually attractive and pleasing.
This ratio is evident in some of the following artworks:

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The Last Supper by Salvador Dali The Parthenon by Phidias

Learning Activity 1.2

A. Answer the following:Analyze the given sequence and identify what comes next
in the given pattern:
1. A, C, E, G, I
2. 15, 10, 14, 10, 13, 10
3. 27, 30, 33, 36, 39,
4. 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96
5. 41, 39, 37, 35, 33
B. List the first 20 Fibonacci numbers.
C. Using the Binet formula, determine the nth Fibonacci number
1. 50th
2. 75th
3. 99th

Lesson 3

 MATHEMATICS IN OUR WORLD

A. Mathematics helps Organize Patterns and Regularities in the World

Patterns have underlying mathematical structures. A pattern is any
predictable regularity involving number, space or measure while structure is the
way in which the various elements are organized and related. Mathematics can be

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seen as the search for regularities, and the output of any function is a
mathematical pattern.
Every living or nonliving thing in the world may seem to follow a certain
pattern on their own. By examining deeply the pattern formation of these things
leads us to the types of patterns. The two types of patterns are Self-organized
patterns (or Inherent Organizations) and Invoked Organizations.
Self-Organized Patterns or Inherent Organizations
Self-organization refers to a broad range of pattern-formation processes in
both physical and biological systems. The process occurs naturally within
the system without intervention by external influences. The means they
acquire their order and structure is the basic feature of this organization.
Examples or self-organized patterns include the school of fish, rippled
pattern on a desert sand, pigmentation patterns on shells and other
animals, zebra and giraffes’ covering patterns, etc.
Invoked Organizations
Invoked organization is the opposite of the self-organized patterns. It needs
a little help from external influences to form a certain pattern. An example
is the formation of the honeycomb which is formed by the bees. Another
example is a caddisfly with their larvae well-known for their extraordinary
ability to build cases from organic materials such as vegetation, sand and
silt.

B. Mathematics helps predict the Behavior and Phenomena in the World

Mathematics help predict the location, size and timing of natural disasters.
Through mathematics, experts are able to forecast storms, floods, earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, wildfires, landslides and tsunamis with the help of fractals. A
fractal is a mathematical formula of a pattern that repeats over a wide range of
size and time scales. These patterns are hidden within more complex systems.
They can measure past happenings and then apply fractal mathematics to predict
future events.
The term fractal was derived from the Latin word fractus (“fragmented,” or
“broken”), and coined by the Polish-born mathematician Benoit B. Mandelbrot.
Mandelbrot was the first to point out that fractals could be an ideal tool in applied

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mathematics for modeling a variety of phenomena from physical objects to the

behavior of the stock market. Since its introduction in 1975, the concept of the
fractal has given rise to a new system of geometry that has had a significant
impact on such diverse fields as physical chemistry, physiology, and fluid
mechanics.
To understand fractals, it is important to know what their characteristics
are: (1) its structure is defined by fine and small scales and/or substructures, (2)
its shape cannot be defined by Euclidean geometry; and (3) it is recursive and
shows iteration to some degree. In addition, fractals are informally considered to
be infinitely complex as they appear similar in all levels of magnification. There
are a lot of natural phenomena that can be defined and predicted using fractals.
Fractals are described using algorithms and deals with objects that don't have
integer dimensions. Some of the more prominent examples of fractals are the
Cantor set, the Koch curve, the Sierpinski triangle, the Mandelbrot set, and the
Lorenz model.
Christopher Barton, a research geologist at the United States Geological
Survey, used fractals to forecast natural hazard events, he found that these
patterns contain a level of information that has never been seen using statistical
methods. Barton discovered that by comparing the fractal formulas of the size and
frequency of a hurricane’s wind speed to the historic record of information about
past hurricane landfall location and timing that he was able to predict the
approximate wind speed of the hurricane when it made landfall at a given coastal
location along the United States Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts.
To forecast the size, location, and timing of future events with the
applications of fractal patterns and the use of information from past events will
give a better forecast of the probability of a future event.
Also, mathematical models can be used to generate analysis and
interpretation using existing data to make predictions. Applying the concept of
probability, experts can calculate the chance of an event occurring.

C. Mathematics helps Control nature and Occurrences in the World for our Ends
“If you can predict where these things occur, maybe you can develop some
control techniques to suppress them.” - Andrew Masterson, Editor of Cosmos.

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Through Mathematics, man is able to exert control about over himself and
the effects of nature. Climate change has been a global issue over the past years.
Its threat and other effects are now being felt. With mathematics, we can mitigate
the effects of a certain phenomenon by means of observing every event. We can
see these past events as our input, and by means of mathematical modelling,
knowing these inputs will surely give us an output. Seeing the consequences and
the relationship which is defined quantitatively, we can prepare for any untoward
incident.
Mathematics is the basis of all modern science and technology which help in
almost everything in our life. A house that is built is not bound to be destroyed by
the next storm, correct combinations of medicines and supplements which can
help us stay alive and healthy. Equipment and other devices as means of
communicating with almost anybody in the world. Behind everything is numbers.
Thus, we can use the numbers to helps us control nature and any occurrence to
improve our being.

D. Mathematics has Numerous Applications in the World making it Indispensable

Mathematics is everywhere. We do apply mathematics in everything we do.
Here are some of the numerous applications of Mathematics in the World:
1. Mathematics helps us manage our finances.
With the knowledge of mathematics, one can budget his/her finances. As
student, you can budget your daily allowance for meals, transportations,
payment for photocopies of hand-outs, etc. As working individual, you
can also manage your finances by means of having a modest financial
plan. If someone would like to apply for a loan, mathematics would be of
great help. Understanding the rates, fees, interests and how these works
will help us decide whether or not to get the loan. Right mathematical
skills help us spend and save our money wisely.
2. Mathematics helps us manage our time.
Time is the most precious thing anyone can have. Mathematics will help
us prioritize more important things than other. Do first the things which
are more important and learn not to wait for another day to accomplish
the same thing. We should also value the time of others. For example,

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you and your friend will see each other at 2:00 pm, then get ready an
hour earlier so that you can be sure that on or before 2:00 pm you will
be on your meeting place or else you will waste someone’s time if you
keep them waiting.
3. Mathematics helps us build things.
To create or build something of lasting value requires imagination and
creativity, the right set of tools and materials, and a broad range of
mathematics .Figuring the right combination of sand, concrete, water
and other materials needed; accurately measuring lengths, widths, and
angles; and estimating project costs are just a few of the many cases in
which math is necessary for real-life.
4. Mathematics helps us improve things.
Anyone that repairs or tries to improve things will say math has helped
them get the job done efficiently. Some basic math skills will enable you
to determine how much would be the material cost. With math, we can
also do some lay outing with the use of balance, proportion, similarity or
any other mathematical concepts and terms.
5. Mathematics helps us secure our data.
Encryption is indeed an important measure of security when there are
transactions of data between parties. Without mathematics, there would
be no internet security. Part of the browser that you have on your
computer has an encryption scheme and that takes all of your message,
data, details, it encrypts it, and then the receiving end, the machine,
the computer there decrypts it. So that if anyone catches hold of the
message on the way, and the Internet is an open system so you can
assume that any message which is sent will be picked up by someone
with criminal intent, they will not be able to figure out the number is
because they don't have the information required to decrypt it.

Learning Activity 1.3

Write a literary work (example: poem, song, poster & slogan, etc) about
mathematics, its importance/applications in our lives.

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Summative Test I
Name: Score:
A. Write your answer on the space provided before each number. If an item
has choices, write the letter of your answer otherwise write your answer on
the blank.

___________1. Which figure completes the series?

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___________2. Which figure completes the series?

___________3. What number should come next in this sequence?

22, 21, 25, 24, 28, 27, …

___________4. What number comes next in 1, 8, 27, 64, 125, …?

___________5. What is Fib(18)?Use the Binet’s Formula.

___________6. What is Fib(22)? Use the Binet’s Formula.

___________7. Substitute the given values in the formula A = Pert to find the

missing quantity.

P = 680,000; r = 12% per year; t = 8 years

___________8. Suppose that a population in a particular city is 46,581 in 2010.

What is the population after 15 years with a growth rate of 3%?

(Use )

___________9. A certain study found that the relationship between the

students’ exam scores (y) and the number of hours they spent

studying (x) is given by the equation. Using this information

what will be the estimated score of a student who spent 5

hours of studying?

___________10. The ratio as n gets larger is aid to approach the Golden ratio,

which is approximately equal to 1.618. What happens to the

inverse of this ratio, ? What number does this quantity

approach? How does this compare to the original ratio?

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GECC 103 – Mathematics in the Modern World Module 1