WEEK 1

NATURE OF MATHEMATICS
What is
Mathematics?

Mathematics has no universally accepted definition. The following are some definition from
famous mathematicians:
a. Mathematics is the science of quantity. Aristotle (384-322 BCE)
b. It is the science of indirect measurement. Auquste Comte (1798-1857)
c. Mathematics is a science that draws necessary conclusions. Benjamin Pierce (1809-1880)
d. All mathematics is symbolic logic. Bertrand Russel (1872-1970)

Study of Patterns
Patterns are regular, repeated or recurring forms or designs. It is an arrangement which helps
observers anticipate what they might see or what happens next. It also shows what may have come
before.
The human mind is programmed to make sense of data or to bring order where there is
disorder. It seeks to discover relationships and connections between seemingly unrelated bits of
information. In doing so, it sees patterns. Patterns are everywhere, people just need to learn to
notice them.
Example of Pattern-seeking behaviour of humans:
 A toddler separates blue blocks from red blocks
 A third grader notices that multiples of two are even numbers
 A college biology student studies the sequence of DNA and protein
 A weatherman makes forecasts based on atmospheric patterns
 A doctor decides who is healthy and who is not by recognizing certain health
patterns Example of patterns:

 LOGIC PATTERNS
> Logic patterns are usually the first to be observed, for example, classifying things
comes before numeration. Identifying things if they are blocks or not comes first
before
learning how to count blocks.
Example:
1. What is the next figure in the pattern?

Solution:
Looking at the given figures, the black square in each figure is decreasing, so the next
figure must only have one black square, thus all choices are possible. Checking the
other patterns, while the black square is decreasing, the figure rotates in a counter
clockwise direction, thus the next figure is option B.
GE114:MathematicsintheModernWorld Page 1 of
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SOUTH EAST ASIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,
INC.
 2. What is the next figure in the pattern?

Solution:
The first pattern we could see in the figure is that the black and white portion of the figure
is alternating, so options A, B, and C could be the answer. The next pattern we could
observe is the number of square inside is increasing, so the next figure should have four
squares inside. The only option that we could observe both pattern is option A, thus option
A is the next pattern.

 NUMBER PATTERNS
> Number patterns such as 2, 4, 6, 8,10, are familiar because it is the first patterns we
encounter in school. Mathematics is especially useful when it helps predict events.
“How many cookies is needed if the party was for the school instead of just for the
class?”
> In this kind of patterns we could see a common relationship between
numbers. Example:
1. What are the next three terms in the pattern: 8, 13, 18, 23, 28, , , ?
Solution:
We could observe that the numbers are increasing with each term being 5 more than
the previous term. Thus the next three terms of the pattern are; 33, 38, and 43.

2. What is the 7th term in the pattern: 3, 5, 10, 12, 24, 26,
? Solution:
3 5 10 12 24 26 ?
+2x2 +2 x2 +2 x2
Base from the pattern the 7th term is 52.

 GEOMETRIC PATTERNS
> Geometric patterns is a motif or design that depicts abstract shapes like lines, polygons,
and circles, typically repeats like a wallpaper.
Example:
 1. What is the next figure in the pattern?

A B C D E

Solution:
Looking at the figure, the first pattern we could observe is the alternating shade of the
polygons, thus the next figure must be white. Checking the other patterns, the number
of sides of the polygon is increasing, so the next pattern should have 7 sides or a
heptagon. The figure that satisfy both patterns is option C.

ACTIVITY
(TobesubmittedonTuesday,Septe
mber8,2020)

Directions: Read and understand this module. Provide what is asked. Write your answer in a whole
sheet of yellow paper and attach it to the last page of this module.

1. Give your own definition of Mathematics using the concept map below.

MATHEMATICS

1. Draw the next figure for the patterns below then explain how you get your
answer. a.
 b.

c.

2. Find the next three terms of the following number patterns then explain how you get your
answer.
a. 8, 27, 64, 125, , ,
b. 1,1 ,2 ,3 ,5 ,8 , , ,
c. 2, 4, 16, , ,