Mathematics in the Modern World

Module 1 – Lesson 2
Systemizing Patterns Through
Mathematics
Edgar M. Adina
Lesson 2: Systemizing Patterns Through Mathmatics

Mathematics sets the systems and processes by which

people can understand and predict the behavior of the
natural world, thereby controlling the predicted results in
their favor.
Intended Learning Outcomes: At the end of the section,
students should be able to:
1. explain the significance of certain types of patterns;
2. discuss how prediction is done by examining certain
types of patterns; and
3. demonstrate how certain patterns can be controlled to
achieve desired results.
Introduction

The universe is made up of a myriad of patterns, each

seemingly concealing a mystery about life and the entire
creation.

Patterns in the natural world continue to challenge the

human intellect for them to be understood and
manipulated for life’s preservation and development.

Mathematics has been the primary tool by which these

patterns are recognized, organized, and utilized.
Systemizing Patterns

The investigation of patterns, and ultimately

benefitting from them, has always been man’s
retort towards natural as well as man-made
phenomena.
The Golden Ratio
Consider a line segment of length 𝐿. Then it is always
possible to divide the segment into two parts with
corresponding lengths 𝐿1 and 𝐿2 , and 𝐿1 > 𝐿2 (specifically, 𝐿1
and 𝐿2 are called the golden sections of L), such that the
following equation holds:
𝐿 𝐿1
=
𝐿1 𝐿2

The common value, which in this case is an irrational

constant, is what is considered as the Golden Ratio, denoted
by 𝜙 (phi). It is approximately equal to 1.618.
The Golden Triangle

The "Golden Triangle" is an isosceles

triangle with a vertex angle of 360 and base
angles of 720.
The legs are in golden ratio (proportion) to
the base.

When a base angle is bisected, the angle

bisector divides the opposite side in a
golden ratio and forms two smaller
isosceles triangles.

Such Triangles occur in the Pentagram and

Decagon.
The Logarithmic Spiral

The golden triangle is used to form a logarithmic

spiral (also known equiangular spiral).
➢Bisecting the base angles, the new point
creates another golden triangle.
➢Repeat the bisection process creating an
infinite number of golden triangles.
➢The logarithmic spiral is drawn through the
vertices.
According to Rene Descartes: "If a straight line is
drawn from the pole to any point on the curve, it
cuts the curve at precisely the same angle"
Logarithmic Spirals using Golden Triangles
Golden Rectangle

A Golden Rectangle has sides (𝑙 and 𝑤) that

are in the golden ratio

𝑙
= 𝜙 ≈ 1.618
𝑤

Golden rectangles have the property of self-

similarity when adding or removing similar
rectangles.
Golden Spiral using Golden Rectangles
A Golden Rectangle can be constructed by
following 4 steps:
➢Draw a simple square.
➢Draw a line from the midpoint of one side
of the square to an opposite corner.
➢Use that line as the radius to draw an arc
that defines the height of the rectangle.
➢Complete the golden rectangle.
The corners of these squares can be
connected by quarter-circles. The result
approximates a Golden Spiral (also known as
Fibonacci spiral).
Golden Spirals in Nature
Golden Spirals in Nature
Golden Spirals in Nature
Golden Spirals in Nature
Golden Spirals in Nature
Golden Ratio Everywhere
Lighthouse in golden ratio with water and sail boats
Golden Ratio Everywhere
Ancient Greek architecture used the Golden Ratio to determine pleasing
dimensional relationships between the width of a building and its height,
the size of the portico and even the position of the columns supporting the
structure.
The final result is a building that feels entirely in proportion. The neo-
classical architecture movement reused these principles too.
Golden Ratio Everywhere
Golden Ration in Human Anatomy
➢the width of the face forms a
golden section of the length of
the face;
➢the width of the nose is a golden
section of the length of the
mouth;
➢the little finger is a golden
section of the middle finger;
Golden Ration in Human Anatomy
➢the human lung is divided into sections based on
the golden ratio;
➢the eardrum consists of chambers that are located
at approximately golden ratio to optimize sound
regulation and vibration;
➢the ratio of systolic and diastolic pressure in the
blood pressure is ideally 1.6, a close
approximation of the golden ratio; and
➢the helix spirals of the DNA molecule is
configured at 34 angstroms and 21 angstroms,
two consecutive Fibonacci numbers whose ratio is
close to 𝜙.
17 Equations that Changed the World

The Pythagorean Theorem was instrumental in land

measurements and laying out land maps. It was used
to determine shortest distance and has since shown
to be useful in the areas of architecture,
construction and woodworking, as well as in
navigation.
17 Equations that Changed the World
The Pythagorean Theorem
17 Equations that Changed the World

Logarithms facilitated ease of computations (i.e.,

before calculator was invented!). It is useful in
dealing with extremely small or large numbers
which may arise in physical phenomenon as light
intensity, earthquake magnitudes, noise levels in
decibels, acidity (pH), money growing with a fixed
interest rate, bacteria growing in a petri dish,
radioactive decay, and many others.
17 Equations that Changed the World
Logarithms
17 Equations that Changed the World
“Modern World” is attributed to the
idea of Calculus. It dominates both
modern science and technology.
Calculus holds incredible power over
the physical worlds by modelling and
controlling systems. It is the language
of medical experts, scientists,
engineers, statisticians, physicists, and
economists. If a quantity or a system is
changing we can use mathematical
modelling of calculus to analyze a
system and lay out an optimal solution
and predict the future.
17 Equations that Changed the World

Newton’s Law of Gravity

This equation served as a model for
understanding the solar system, the orbit of the
planets as well as other motion patterns
influenced by gravity. It is a key concept to
understand the divine force, momentum and
many other laws.
17 Equations that Changed the World
The Complex Numbers : 𝒊𝟐 = −𝟏
➢Invented to solve equations particularly the
quadratic equation 𝑥 2 + 1 = 0.
➢When used in calculus, the complex numbers form
an essential system in the areas of electronics and
signal processing as well as in quantum mechanics.
➢Used extensively in Fractal Geometry, specifically
on Mandelbrot Sets and Julia Sets
17 Equations that Changed the World

Examples of beautiful Mandelbrot/Julia Set in fractal geometry, formed by iterating

complex numbers. Can be visualized at limitless magnification, revealing complex
fascinating and unexpected detail.
17 Equations that Changed the World

The Gaussian Distribution

Also known as the Normal Distribution,
this is useful in Inferential statistics
particularly in generalizing events. It is
applied in many contexts like in the
natural sciences, social sciences,
mathematics, and engineering.
Statisticians and scientists use the
normal distribution to measure reading
ability, job satisfaction, surveys, IQ
scores, blood pressure, measurement
errors, etc…
17 Equations that Changed the World

Euler’s Formula (Polyhedra)

𝑉+𝐹−𝐸 =2

This equation ushered new

perspectives on shapes and space and
provided a clear link between geometry
and the knot structure of a DNA. It was
also instrumental in designing rockets
that was sent to the outer space.
17 Equations that Changed the World
𝝏𝟐 𝒖
➢The Wave Equation : = 𝒄𝟐 𝛁 𝟐 𝒖
𝝏𝒕𝟐
∞ −𝟐𝝅𝒊𝒔𝒕
➢The Fourier Transform: ‫׬‬−∞ 𝒆 𝒇 𝒕 𝒅𝒕 = 𝑭(𝒔)
➢Relativity : 𝑬 = 𝒎𝒄𝟐
➢Second Law of Thermodynamics
➢Navier-Stokes Equation
➢Maxwell’s Equations
17 Equations that Changed the World

➢Schrodinger’s Equation
➢Black-Scholes Equation
➢Information Theory
➢Chaos Theory
Exercise

Use the golden ratio to divide the line segment

L with length of 12 units into two segments L1
and L2. Specify the lengths rounded off to two
decimal places.
Exercise

𝐿1 + 𝐿2 = 12 ; 𝐿1 = 1.618𝐿2
1.618𝐿1 + 𝐿2 = 12
2.618𝐿2 = 12
𝐿2 = 4.58
𝐿1 = 1.618 4.58 = 7.42