UNIT 1: THE NATURE OF MATHEMATICS

Desired Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the unit, you must have:

1. identified patterns in nature and regularities in the world;
2. articulated the importance of mathematics in one’s life;
3. argued about the nature of mathematics, what it is, how it is expressed, represented, and used; and
4. expressed appreciation for mathematics as a human endeavor.

LESSON 1: THE MATHEMATICSINOURW ORLD

1.1 Patterns
• Repeated or regular way in which something happens or is done.
• Regularity in the world, in human-made design, or in abstract ideas.
• Repeated design or recurring sequence.
• Ordered set of numbers, shapes. or other mathematical objects, arranged according to a
rule

• Patterns in nature are visible regularities of form found in the natural world. These patterns recur
in different contexts and can sometimes be modeled mathematically.
• The curl of a chameleon's tail, the spiral of a pinecone's scales and the ripples created by wind
moving grains of sand all have the power to catch the eye and intrigue the mind.

TYPES OF PATTERNS
1. Symmetry
• the quality of having parts that match each other, especially in a way that is
attractive, or similarity of shape or contents

2. Trees, Fractals
• A fractal is a never-ending pattern
• Fractals are infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales
• Fractal patterns are extremely familiar, since nature is full of fractals
 3. Spirals
 Winding in a continuous and gradually widening (or tightening) curve, either around a central
point on a flat plane or about an axis so as to form a cone.

4. Chaos, flow, meanders

• Chaos is the science of surprises, of the nonlinear and the unpredictable
• Vortex streets are zigzagging patterns of whirling vortices created by the unsteady
separation of flow of a fluid, most often air or water, over obstructing objects
• Meanders are sinuous bends in rivers or other channels, which form as a fluid, most often
water, flows around bends

5. Waves, Dunes

• Waves are disturbances that carry energy as they move.

• A mound or ridge of sand or other loose sediment formed by the wind, especially on the sea
coast or in a desert.

6. Bubbles, Foam

• Bubble is a thin sphere of liquid enclosing air or another gas.

• A foam is a mass of bubbles; foams of different materials occur in nature.
 7. Tessellations

• Tessellations are patterns formed by reporting tiles all over a flat surface.

8. Cracks
• Cracks are linear openings that form in materials to relive stress.

9. Spots, Stripes
• Spot is a small round or roundish mark, differing in color or texture from the surface around
it.
• A long narrow band or strip, typically of the same width throughout its length, differing in
color or texture from the surface on either side of it.

Quiz 1.1:
Look around you and find some patterns in nature.
1. Draw an example for each type of pattern.
2. Give the importance of patterns in nature.

Lesson 1.2: The Fibonacci Sequence

What is the next term in the series: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ____?
The Fibonacci Sequence is the series of numbers: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, ...
What is the next term after 34?
 The next term is found by adding up the two numbers before it:

 the 2 is found by adding the two numbers before it (1+1),

 the 3 is found by adding the two numbers before it (1+2),
 the 5 is (2+3),
 and so on!

Mathematics will stay in our life forever because it is part of our journey. In relation to Fibonacci
sequence which exists first in the Old Generation, it is still existing in ours. The contribution of Fibonacci
sequence is very essential by means of having the perfect measurement in doing something such as
paintings, pictures or anything that has something to do with measurements. Golden ratio is under the
Fibonacci sequence and it has also thrown a big impact in our life. Scientists found the sunflower as the
perfect example of something that has a Golden ratio in it. As people we can’t see what the microscope sees
in the sunflower. But when you take a look at the middle of the sunflower using the microscope, you will see
the perfect shape measuring at 1.16814 which is the so called Golden Ratio.

Quiz 1.2:

A. Give the value of x, y and z in the series below.

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, x, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181, 6765, y, 17711, 28657,
46368, 75025, 121393, 196418, z, ...

1. x = 2. y = 3. z =

Lesson 1.3: Mathematics Helps Organize Patterns and Regularities in the World

Mathematics has helped organize patterns and consistencies in the world because one must know
that there is always mathematics in almost everything in this world. An example is an arrangement or
grouping that repeats. You can watch designs - things like hues, shapes, activities, or different arrangements
that repeat- all over. Consider words or tunes in tunes, lines and bends on structures, or even in the market
where boxes and containers of different things are arranged.
In the animal world (humans including) symmetrical animals are regarded as the most attractive by
both sexes. It's like flashing You have perfect genes. Fibonacci numbers are found in almost any flowers.
Sunflowers have the seeds in perfect Fibonacci order. 1 seed then 2 seeds 3 seeds 6 seeds 12 seeds 24
seeds and so on in the flowers. This arrangement ensures maximum sunlight to each little seed in the flower.
If you take the number of petals in a flower, they all follow a mathematical order. A river flowing through a
landscape has Pi in it. The straight distance from start to end relates with Pi (I've forgot the exact relation) if
You measure the actual distance. The big pyramids have Pi in them. The Egyptians didn't know Pi, but
learned from experience. The formula is the height multiplied with 2xPi. Divide the result with 4 -that's the
length of the sides. It gives the base You need to build as high as You can on a solid base with the given
angle. The light of speed is a constant. If you send a signal and get a return signal, you measure the time
from sending to receiving the signal again. Knowing the speed of light you can calculate the distance.

Source: https://www.coursehero.com/file/54671305/GMATHdocx/

Lesson 1.4: Mathematics Helps Predict the Behavior of Nature and Phenomena in
the World
Mathematics can be used to explain how something recurs in nature. Mathematics is used to explain why the sun
set, where it went, and why it returned because it was easier to count these events in numbers than to put them into
words. Similarly, formulas became a way of using numbers to show how things in nature happen together or oppose one
another.
3 Mathematics is helpful especially when seeking to explain the limitless feeling one gets when
contemplating the natural world that exists outside ourselves. The logic of any idea that can be explained in words can be
reinforced mathematically to reach and persuade a larger audience about its concurrency with natural phenomena, its
economic applicability and its business potential.
Using mathematical tools, we can create models which correspond to what we can measure and observe in the world of
reality. Models that work really well, that predict behaviors in the counterpart to the model which have not yet been observed, these
are taken as “laws of nature”. Occasionally, the mathematics of laws describing phenomena not considered related reveal
surprising unanticipated relationships. Mathematics provides the framework within which our observation s of the physical world
can be encoded. It goes beyond being merely descriptive when it exposes relationships that integrate disparate subjects.
4
The principle behind RADAR. The ears of an owl works like RADAR. Their faces and ears are
slightly asymmetrical. It's an adoption to being able to locate the direction of the sound. The tiny difference in
time a sound hits the ears makes it possible to pinpoint the direction and distance and predict the movement
of the prey. An owl can hit very precisely in almost total darkness having predicted the point of interception.
Sources: https://prezi.com/p/om43ojaltn7x/mathematics-can-help-predict-the-behavior-of-nature-and-phenomena-in-the-world/
https://prezi.com/p/om43ojaltn7x/mathematics-can-help-predict-the-behavior-of-nature-and-phenomena-in-the-world/
 
Lesson 1.5: Mathematics Helps Control Nature and Occurrences in the World for our
Own Ends

“Mathematics compares the most diverse phenomena and discovers the secret analogies that unite them.” -
Joseph Fourier
Mathematics can help us control nature and occurrences in the world for our own good through
mathematical modelling. By mathematical modelling we see the inputs to the events and their most likely
outcomes. Mathematics can, in a certain extent, predict disasters such as typhoons, hurricanes, etc. which
makes it very useful as precautionary measures can still be done to avoid or at least minimize damages.
Mathematics helps us to become interconnected, also with the nature that we and other living and
non- living things are on it. It can also help us to organize things to find a better one that is compatible with
one another, to help predict and find answers that make our lives better. Mathematics can also help us to
think rationally and deal with various things systematically and smoothly, and mathematics can help us to
control nature and occurrences in the world for our own ends. We depend on nature and nature depends on
us on how to handle it correctly and in such a way that nature is being preserved and protected. Nature
sometimes challenges us with different natural calamities and occurrences, but sometimes we humans are
capable of finding ways of dealing with nature and its occurrences with the help of different factors, especially
using tools to predict, prevent and control these situations.

Lesson 1.6: Mathematics Has Numerous Applications in the World Making It

Indispensable
Mathematics has a significant role in managing the different tasks of life. There are a lot of
applications of mathematics in our life. Therefore, students learn different concepts of mathematics in math
classes. Besides everyday life, there are various applications of math that are useful for a wide range of
academics subjects.
It means that if a student fails to learn mathematics, s/he might end up struggling with other subjects too.
There are several concepts that include math such as weighing, understanding chemical formulas, analyzing
marketing data, measuring, drafting, and calculating statistics. Besides, there is the possibility that students
might have limited career options if they do not have the knowledge of basic mathematics. There is a list of
some of the daily tasks that involve the applications of math in everyday life:

 Balancing the checkbook  Managing money

 Preparing food  Shopping for the best price
 Understanding loans for trucks, schooling,  Figuring out time, distance, and cost for
cars, homes, or other purposes travel
 Understanding sports (being team  Playing music
statistics and a player)  Home decorating
 Baking  Gardening and landscaping
 Sewing

Some other Applications of Mathematics

Financial Management
Probably the single most cited practical application for math in our everyday life is for money
management. If you can't add or subtract correctly, it’s going to be very difficult for you to survive in our
money- driven society. "The typical person who manages their own money has no need for math knowledge
beyond the basic concepts of arithmetic, right?" Well this is in fact incorrect. To be able to adequately
understand the terms of a loan or an investment account, a basic understanding of higher math such as
Algebra is required. You see, the interest (growth or payment terms) pertaining to these types of money
markets utilize the concepts of exponential growth. For example, a typical mortgage will use the compound
interest formula to determine how much interest needs to be paid each month. If you lack knowledge of the
mathematics behind how compound interest works (or rather, how loans and debt work), you could stand to
lose a lot of money!
Home Improvement
Anyone that repairs or remodels homes will tell you that math has helped them get the job done
efficiently. Some basic math skills will enable you to determine how much material you need to purchase to
finish the project right. For example, a tile installer will need to calculate the floor area of a room to determine
how many tiles he needs to bring to the job site. An electrician uses math to figure out how much wire they
need to install new electrical outlets. Carpenters will also be able to determine how much wood they need to
build a structure. You will likely rely on some form of math even when you are doing something as simple as
painting a room. Understanding basic math concepts will help any do-it-yourselfer save time and money.
For instance, if you plan on laying tile in a room you need to know about the basics of geometry in
order to get perfectly straight lines and a good layout while also ensuring that you buy enough tile (but not
too much) to cover the floor. You don't want to end up having many tiles or making multiple trips to the store
to buy when a little math could have saved you both time and money.
Another way math is useful around the house is with your electrical usage. With a little math and
some numbers from your utility bill, you can easily calculate how much money you spend leaving the lights
on all the time. You can also compute the cost of microwaving your leftovers or playing computer games.
Exercise, Health, and Fitness
How can a little knowledge of math help with exercise, health and fitness? Well, there are plenty of
places in this category for numbers to go. If you have ever tried to reduce your Body Mass Index by going on
a diet, you've probably realized that counting calories was a good way to monitor your food intake. There are
also several equations that you can use to calculate your body fat percentage on any given day. Obviously
math can play a significant role in how someone progresses towards their weight loss goals.
If you have ever lifted weights, you have most likely used some math to determine how much weight
you are lifting. Imagine how difficult the task of loading a barbell with weight would be if you could not add or
multiply numbers. Most avid weight lifters like to keep records of all of their important numbers with regards
to pumping iron. Most will be able to tell you what their one rep max is, as well has how much they can lift for
a variety of sets and repetitions.
Outdoor Landscaping
Math is also a great tool that can be used to help with landscaping projects. There are a variety of
scenarios where this is the case, however, I will focus on one example in this article. Let’s say that you are
trying to build a raised planter box that measures 8 feet long by 2 feet wide and 1 foot deep. You plan on
purchasing a bagged soil mix from the home center. Each bag can fill a volume of 0.33 ft 3, weighs 30lbs, and
costs $2.50. How much dirt do you need to fill this planter box and how much is it going to cost? Additionally,
you don’t have a truck and would need to transport the dirt in a back of a Honda Civic. The maximum
payload for a Honda Civic is 850lbs. Considering your own weight (assume 200lbs for this example) how
many bags of soil mix can you carry in the car and how many trips to the home center will you need to make.
Science and Technology
Mathematics and science are correlated to each other, especially in the areas of astronomy,
chemistry, and physics. Students who do not have knowledge of the basic arithmetic might struggle to read
scientific graphs and charts. The complex math like algebra, geometry, and calculus, help the students to
solve complex chemistry problems, learning the movements of the universe’s planets and analyzing scientific
studies.
Besides this, mathematics plays an important role in practical sciences, like computer science and
engineering. During academics studies, students need to solve different equations while writing computer
programming and figure out the algorithms; therefore, math is necessary to study these subjects.
Literature and Writing
You might be thinking of how mathematics is related to the literature, but you might not know the
arithmetic equations help the students to understand poetry better. The number of words, the meter of poetry
to involve in a single line, and the effects of rhythm on the readers also involve the mathematics calculations.
Besides this, there are other uses of math in everyday life like it helps the students to plan the reading of
the assignments in literature classes by managing the average reading time and predicting how much time a
paragraph can take to read. Therefore, the logical thinking used for math problems aids students in writing in
a more logical and clear manner.
Social Studies
During the classes of social science, subjects like history need students to analyze and review the
graphs and charts which offer historical information or data about the ethnic groups. Whereas, in geography
class, students require to know how the elevation of a particular field affects the population and much more.
The Arts
The students who want to pursue their career in music, art, theater, or dance can take the benefit of
the basic math knowledge. The rhythm of the music also follows the complex math series; therefore, math
help the students to learn the rhythm of music and dance that are used in theater and ballet performance.
The study of the art involves the study of geometry; therefore, the students who have knowledge of basic
geometer formulas can easily craft impressive art features. Also, each photographer uses mathematics to
measure the focal length, exposure time, shutter speed, and lighting angles to take the photos.  

Source: https://www.quora.com/Mathematics-has-a-numerous-application-in-the-world-making-it-indispensable-How
QUIZ 1.3:
Give at least 5 applications of mathematics in the world, which are not yet mentioned above, making
it indispensable.