Mathematics

in Nature
Module 1
What is Mathematics?
 Mathematics (from Greek:
máthēma, 'knowledge, study,
learning') is an area of knowledge,
which includes the study of such
topics as numbers (arithmetic and
number theory), formulas and
related structures (algebra), shapes
and spaces in which they are
contained (geometry), and
quantities and their changes
(calculus and analysis).
What is
Mathematics?
• The origin of counting
• Patterns of movement
• A tool to quantify,
organize and control
the world, control
phenomena and makes
life easier
 Where can one find
Mathematics?
 We see hints or clues of
math in nature
 In our daily routine
 In our work
 In people and
communities
 In events
 What is
Mathematics for?

 Helps unravel the puzzles of

nature
 Helps organize patterns and
regularities, as well as
irregularities in the world
 Helps predict the behavior of
nature and phenomena in the
world
 Provides tools for
calculations
 What is Mathematics
about?

 Numbers, symbols,
notations
 Operations, equations
and functions
 Proof – a story rather
than a sequence of
statements
How is
Mathematics
done?
 With curiosity
 With a penchant for
seeking patterns and
generalities
 With trial and error
 Who uses Mathematics?
 Mathematicians
 Scientists
 EVERYONE!
 Different people use different Mathematics at different times,
for different purposes, using different tools
  It puts order in disorder
Why is
Mathematics  It helps us to become a better person
important to  It helps make the world a better place to
know? live
 Math as Patterns
 Mathematics is the science of patterns and relationships
 Patterns provide a sense of order, and allows one to make an educated guess
 Investigating the patterns that one finds in numbers, shapes and expressions
would lead to making mathematical discoveries
 Patterns, relationships and functions constitute a unifying theme in
mathematics.
Math as Patterns
 In order to recognize
patterns, one needs
 Critical thinking
 Logical reasoning

 These are the important

skills needed by
everyone!
Mathematics in Nature

 Euclidsaid that “The laws of nature

are but the mathematical thoughts of
God.”
 Galileo
affirmed by stating that
“Mathematics is the language in
which God has written the universe.”
Mathematics
Depicted in Nature

 Shapes

 Symmetry

 Patterns
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
Shapes in Nature

 Geometry is a branch of Mathematics that

basically describe shapes and establishes
relationships between them.
 Shapes that appear relatively more common
in nature:
• Spheres
• Hexagons
• Cones
• Parallel lines
Mathematics Depicted in Nature
Shapes in Nature
Mathematics Depicted in Nature
Shapes in Nature
 Symmetry

 Symmetry is the quality of being

made up of exactly similar parts
facing each other or around an
axis
 Bilateral Symmetry is present
when an object that has two sides
that are mirror images of each
other
 Radial Symmetry is present
when an object ha a center point
and numerous lines of symmetry
could be drawn
Mathematics Depicted in Nature
Symmetry
Mathematics Depicted in Nature
Patterns
 Patterns:
Self-Organized Patterns

 Self-organization refers to a broad range of

pattern-formation processes in both physical
and biological systems
 A basic feature of these diverse systems is the
means by which they acquire their order and
structure.
 In self-organizing systems, pattern formation
occurs through interactions internal to the
system, without intervention by external
directing influences.
 Patterns:
Self-Organized Patterns

 Self-organized patterns happens

when individuals in a group all
follow the same behavior rules
 Uses local formation (that which
exit within its vicinity) to
determine the following subunit
 Usually determined by evidence
of successive patterns
Self organization is the emergence of group behavior.
Self-organization in cell biology to create
highly structured tissues
Self organization occurs in the physical system
 Patterns: Invoked Organization
Invoked organized patterns pertains
to patterns formed with external
Intervention.
Mathematics Depicted in Nature
Fractals

Fractals are infinitely complex
patterns that are self-similar
across different scales. They
are created by repeating a
simple process over and over
in an ongoing feedback loop.
 Fractals

The network of veins that

move fluids around
inside a leaf shows
clear fractal structure.
The circulatory system
of animals is similar.
 Fractals

This image produced by

high-voltage electricity
discharging through a non-
conductive material, known
as a Lichtenberg figure,
shows repetitive self-
similar branching
characteristic of a fractal.
Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Fibonacci sequence

 The Fibonacci numbers are

named after Leonardo
Fibonacci of Pisa, Italy, who
actually did not discover the
sequence which had been
described in Indian
mathematics long ago.
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Fibonacci sequence
 It was Leonardo Fibonacci
who introduced the sequence to
Western European
Mathematics through the used
in his important book ”Liber
Abaci” (Book of Calculation) in
1202 were he used the sequence
trying to explain the
population of rabbits.
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Fibonacci numbers

 The Fibonacci numbers are 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21,

and so on, with the ratio of each number
 denotes the recursive formula for getting the nth
Fibonacci term .
Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature:  Fibonacci Sequence
the Fibonacci sequence
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13,21,34, 55, 89…
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden Ratio
 The golden ratio, also known as the golden number,
golden proportion, or the divine proportion, is a ratio
between two numbers that equals approximately 1.618.
 Usually written as the Greek letter phi, it is strongly
associated with the Fibonacci sequence, a series of
numbers wherein each number is added to the last.
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden Ratio
 denotes the recursive formula for getting the nth
Fibonacci term .
 The ratio between 2 successive terms converge to a
certain number.
 is commonly known as or the Golden Ratio.
Mathematics Depicted in
Nature
The numbers of nature:
the Golden Ratio
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden Ratio
 The first known mention of the golden ratio is from around 300
BCE in Euclid’s Elements, the Classical Greek work on mathematics
and geometry.
 Euclid and other early mathematicians like Pythagoras recognized the
proportion, but they didn’t call it the golden ratio.
 In 1509, Italian mathematician Luca Pacioli published the book De
Divina Proportione, which, alongside illustrations by Leonardo da
Vinci, praised the ratio as representing divinely inspired simplicity
and orderliness.
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden Ratio
 Because of Pacioli’s book and Leonardo’s illustrations, the golden
ratio gained fame among mathematicians and artists. In the centuries
since Pacioli’s book, many enthusiasts have claimed that the
number is naturally pleasing to the eye, that it is a mathematical
distillation of beauty, and that golden ratio line segments, golden
rectangle side lengths, and golden triangles are represented
throughout art history.
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden
Ratio
 The Parthenon in Athens, built by
the ancient Greeks from 447 to 438
BC, is regarded by many to illustrate
the application of the Golden Ratio in
design. Others, however, debate this
and say that the Golden Ratio was
not used in its design.
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden
Ratio
A few artists and designers have deliberately
based their work around the golden ratio.
 Art historians have found other examples of
the golden ratio in the Mona Lisa, and the
Great Pyramid of Giza.
 However, most of the time there is no
explicit evidence that artists intentionally
used the ratio the way Le Corbusier, Dali, or
Tool did.
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden Ratio

 Le Corbusier, a famous mid-century modern

architect, based a good deal of his
architectural system around the golden ratio.
 Salvador Dali, the surrealist painter,
Intentionally used a canvas shaped like a
golden rectangle for his painting, The
Sacrament of the Last Supper.
 Mathematics Depicted  In 2001, American prog-metal band Tool
in Nature released “Lateralus,” a song with Fibonacci-
The numbers of nature: inspired time signatures.
the Golden Ratio

In July 2017, Maynard's friend Joe Rogan described his writing

process
in his podcast; "He wrote a song to the Fibonacci sequence.
 The syllables Maynard sings in the first verse follow the
first six numbers in the pattern, ascending and descending in the
sequence 1-1-2-3-5-8-5-3.
• "Black (1), then (1), white are (2), all I see (3), in my infancy (5).
• Red and yellow then came to be (8), reaching out to me (5).
• Let me see (3)."
Mathematics Depicted  In 2001, American prog-metal band Tool
in Nature released “Lateralus,” a song with Fibonacci-
The numbers of nature: inspired time signatures.
the Golden Ratio

Maynard begins with the seventh number of the Fibonacci sequence (13),
implying a missing verse in between. He descends back down with the
following pattern; 13-8-5-3. "As below so above and beyond I imagine (13).
Drawn beyond the lines of reason (8). Push the envelope (5). Watch it bend
(3)." The second verse adds the missing line to complete the sequence;
"There is (2), so (1), much (1), more that (2), beckons me (3), to look
through to these (5), infinite possibilities (8)." 1-1-2-3-5-8-5-3-2-1-1-2-3-5-8-
13-8-5-3.
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden Ratio
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden Ratio
There’s no evidence that
use of the golden ratio is
better than use of other
proportions,
but artists and designers
are always in the business
of creating balance, order,
and interesting
composition for their
work.
 Mathematics Depicted in Nature
The numbers of nature: the Golden Ratio
Learning Reinforcement Activity
Instruction: Give a three-sentence justification of how you believe mathematics is
present in each scenario, along with a colored illustration or image. This activity is
worth 15 points.

 Find Mathematics in the following cases:

1. in nature
2. in your daily routine
3. in your area of specialization
4. in people and community
5. in an event