GEC 14: Mathematics in the Modern World Mathematics in our World

Topic: Patterns and Number in Nature and the World

Objective: To demonstrate understanding of the basic concept of patterns and regularities in
the world.

Some patterns in nature include waves, trees, symmetries, spirals, meanders,

cracks, tessellations, spots & stripes, and foams.

MEANDERS

WAVES

TREES

CRACKS
SPOTS AND STRIPES

FOAMS

TESSELLATIONS

SYMMETRIES
 SPIRALS

The Fibonacci Sequence

Sequence – an ordered list of numbers, called terms, which may have repeated values. The
arrangement of these terms is set by a definite rule.

Ex. a) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, … b) 3 ,5, 8, 12, 17, 23, … c) 5, 7, 6, 8, 7, 9, 8, 10, …

Fibonacci Sequence – formed by adding the preceding two numbers. Ratios of two Fibonacci
numbers approximate the Golden Ratio, which is considered as the most
aesthetically pleasing proportion. Below are the first few numbers of the sequence

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181, 6765,
10946, 17711, 28657, 46368, 75025, 121393, 196418, 317811, 514229, 832040

Recursive Formula: 𝐹𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛−2 + 𝐹𝑛−1 with 𝐹1 = 1 and 𝐹2 = 1

Ex. 𝐹10 = 𝐹8 + 𝐹9 = 21 + 34 = 55
𝐹27 = 𝐹25 + 𝐹26 = 75025 + 12139 = 196418

𝑛 𝑛
1 1+√5 1−√5
Explicit Formula: 𝐹𝑛 = [( ) −( ) ] , a direct formula for any term of the sequence
√5 2 2

• The Fibonacci Numbers in the Pascal’s Triangle:

 • Fibonacci and Rabbit Breeding

Mathematics helps organize patterns and regularities in the world. Mathematics helps
predict the behavior of nature and phenomena in the world, as well as helps human exert control
over occurrence in the world for the advancement of our civilization.

Mathematics for our World

The patterns that we observe from nature follow logical and mathematical structures.
It is, therefore, important that we learn mathematical concepts and apply them in solving societal
problems. Perhaps, we can use mathematics to find solutions to the current problems our country,
in particular, and the world, in general, are facing.

Mathematics for Organization

Mathematics for Prediction

We can use mathematical models using existing data to generate analysis and interpretation.
We can also use them to make predictions. Based on historical patterns, Meteorologists can make
forecasts to help us prepare for our day-to-day activities. They can also warn us of a possible weather
disturbance that can affect our activities for the week or maybe for the month.

The Philippine Population

The current population of the Philippines is estimated at 117,558,633 according to UN data.

The Philippines population is equivalent to 1.46% of the total world population. The Philippines ranks
number 13 in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.

Source: www.worldometers.info/world-population/philippines-population/

Mathematics can be used to model population growth. The formula for exponential growth is
𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡 , where 𝐴 is the size of the population after it grows, 𝑃 is the initial number of people, 𝑟 is
the rate of growth, and 𝑡 is time. The Euler’s constant 𝑒 has an approximate value of 2.718. Plugging
in values to this formula would result in the population size after time 𝑡 with a growth rate of 𝑟.

So, what will be the population of the Philippines in 2030 if we estimate the population to be
118 million by the end of this year with a growth rate of 1.35%?

𝑃 = 118𝑀 𝑟 = 1.35% = 0.0135 𝑡 = 7 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠

𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡 = 118𝑒 (0.0135)(7) = 118𝑒 0.0945 = 118(1.0991096) =

That is, the Philippine population would be 129,694,933, an increase of roughly 11.7𝑀 in just
7 years.

✓ Let’s try the following:

▪ Determine what comes next in the given patterns. State the rule.
a. 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, _____
b. 22, 21, 25, 24, 28, 27, _____
c. 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, _____
d. 1, 8, 27, 64, 125, _____
e. CSD, ETF, GUH, _____, KWL
f. AZ, TI, BY, RK, CX, PM, _____

▪ Substitute the given values in the formula 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑡 to find the missing quantity.
a. 𝑃 = 250,000 𝑟 = 12% per year 𝑡 = 8 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠

b. 𝐴 = 1.24𝑀 𝑃 = 900,000 𝑡 = 25 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠

c. 𝑃 = 525,600 𝐴 = 731,093 𝑟 = 3%