GRABSUM School Inc.

TERTIARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Module 1. Nature of Mathematics

Introduction
The emergence of digital technology has sparked a monumental rise in the rate at which we consume
and produce data. Before the Internet, it could take hours to get several volumes of resources from the
library for a research paper. Today, a few minutes (or seconds, depending on the speed of your
connection) using your mobile device’s browser could get you the same information, or even more. A
few decades ago, it took hours for photographs to be printed and shared. Now, it only takes a matter of
seconds for your perfect selfie to be uploaded and viewed by your relatives and friends on the other
side of the world.

As rational creatures, we tend to identify and follow patterns, whether consciously or subconsciously.
Recognizing patters feels natural, like our brain is hardwired to recognize them. Early humans recognized
the repeating interval of day and night, the cycle of the moon, the rising and falling of tides, and the
changing of the seasons. Awareness of these patterns allowed humans to survive.

Overview: In this module, we will be looking for patterns and regularities in the world, and how
mathematics comes into play, both in nature and in human endeavors.

Section 1.1: Patterns and Numbers in Nature and the World

Mathematics in the Modern World (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GSBzbiN_jM)
Mathematics in the Modern World | Patterns & Regularities (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLU78Xyb0io)

In the general sense of the word, patterns are regular, repeated, or recurring forms or designs.

What do you think will be the next shape in sequence?

EXAMPLE 1: What Comes Next?

What is the next figure in the pattern below?
Solution: Looking at the given figures, the lines seem to rotate at 90-
degree intervals in a counterclockwise direction, always parallel to
one side of the square. Hence, either A or B could be the answer.
Checking the other patterns, the length of the lines inside the square
follow a decreasing trend. So again, either A or B could be the
answer. Finally, looking at the number of the lines inside the box,
each succeeding figure has the number of lines increase by 1. This
means that the next figure should have five lines inside. This leads to option A as the correct choice.

Check Your Progress 1

What is the next figure in the given pattern?

EXAMPLE 2: What Number Comes Next?

What number comes next in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ____?

Solution: Looking at the given numbers, the sequence is increasing, with each term being two more than
previous term: 3 = 1 + 2; 5 = 3 + 2; 7 = 5 + 2; 9 = 7 + 2. Therefore, the next term should be 11 = 9 +
2.

Check Your Progress 2

What number comes next in 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, _____?

Patterns indicate a sense of structure and organization that it seems only humans are capable of
producing these intricate, creative, and amazing formations. It is form this perspective that some people
see as “intelligent design” in the way that nature forms.

Snowflakes and Honeycombs

Recall that symmetry indicates that you can draw an imaginary line across an object and the resulting
parts are the mirror images of each other.

Source: Mathematics in the Modern World Prepared by: Ms. Renelyn A. Seraspe
 GRABSUM School Inc.
TERTIARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

The figure is symmetric about the axis indicated by the dotted line. Note that the left
and right portions are exactly the same. This type of symmetry, known as line or
bilateral symmetry, is evident in most animals, including humans. Look in a mirror and
see how the left and right sides of your face closely match.

There are types of symmetry depending on the number sides or faces that are symmetrical. Take a look
at these images.

Spiderwort with three- This starfish has a five-

fold symmetry fold symmetry.

Note that if you rotate the spiderwort and starfish above by several degrees, you can still achieve the
same appearance as the original position. This is known rotational symmetry. The smallest angle that a
figure can be rotated while still preserving the original formation is called the angle of rotation. For the
spiderwort, the angle of rotation is 120° while the angle of rotation for the baby starfish is 72°.
A more common way of describing rotational symmetry is by order of rotation.

Order of Rotation
A figure has a rotational symmetry of order 𝑛 (𝑛 − fold of rotational symmetry) if 𝑙/𝑛 of a complete turn
leaves the figure unchanged. To compute for the angle of rotation, we use the following formula:
!"#°
𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
%

Consider this image of a snowflake. It can be observed that the patterns on a

snowflake repeat six times, indicating that there is a six-fold symmetry. To determine
the angle of rotation, we simply divide 360° by 6 to get 60°. Many combinations and
complex shapes of snowflakes may occur, which lead some people to think that “no
two are alike”. If you look closely, however, many snowflakes are not perfectly
symmetric due to the effects of humidity and temperature on the ice crystals as it
forms.

Another marvel of nature’s design is the structure and shape of a

honeycomb. People have. Along wondered how bees, despite their very small
size, are able to produce such arrangement while humans would generally
need the use of a ruler and compass to accomplish the same feat. It is observed
that such formation enables the bee colony to maximize their storage of honey
using the smallest amount of wax.

You can try it out for yourself. Using several coins of the same size, try to covers as much area of a
piece of paper with coins. If you arrange the coins in a square formation, there are still plenty of spots
that are exposed. Following the hexagonal formation, however, with the second row of coins snugly
fitted between the first row of coins, you will notice that more area will be covered.

Translating this idea to three-dimensional space, we can

conclude that hexagonal formations are more optimal in
making use of the available space. These are referred
to as packing problems. Packing problems involve
finding the optimum method of filling up a given space
such as a cubic or spherical container. The bees have
instinctively found the best solution, evident in the
hexagonal construction of their hives. These geometric
patterns are not only simple and beautiful, but also optimally functional.

The Sunflower
Looking at a sunflower up close, you will notice that there is a definite pattern
of clockwise and counterclockwise arcs or spirals extending outward from the
center of the flower. This is another demonstration of how nature works to
optimize the available space. This arrangement allows the sunflower seeds
to occupy the flower head in a way that maximizes their access to light and
necessary nutrients.
Source: Mathematics in the Modern World Prepared by: Ms. Renelyn A. Seraspe
 GRABSUM School Inc.
TERTIARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Tigers’ Stripes and Hyenas Spots

Patterns are also exhibited in the external appearances
of animals. We are familiar with how a tiger looks –
distinctive reddish-orange fur and dark stripes. Hyenas,
another predator from Africa, are also covered in patterns
of spots. These seemingly random designs are believed
to be governed by mathematical equations. According to
a theory by Alan Turing, the man famous for breaking the Enigma code during World War II, chemical
reactions and diffusion processes in cells determine these growth patterns. More recent studies
addressed the question of why some species grow vertical stripes, while others have horizontal ones.

The Snail’s Shell

We are also very familiar with spiral patterns. the most common spiral patterns
can be seen in whirlpools and in the shells of snails and other similar mollusks.
Snails are born with their shells, called protoconch, which start out as fragile
and colorless. Eventually, these original shells harden the as the snails
consume calcium. As the snail grow, their shells also expand proportionately so
that they can continue to live inside their shells. This process results in a refined
spiral structure that is even more visible when the shell is sliced. This figure,
called an equiangular spiral, follows the rule that as the distance from the spiral
center increases (radius), the amplitudes of the angles formed by the radii to
the point and the tangent to the point remain constant. This is another example of how nature seems to
follow a certain set of rules governed by mathematics.

World Population

As of 2017, it is estimated that the world population is about 7.6 billion. World leaders, sociologist, and
anthropologists are interested in studying population, including its growth. Mathematics can be used to
model population growth. Recall that the formula for exponential growth is 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 &' , 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.
Recall further that 𝑒 is the Euler’s constant with 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.

EXAMPLE 3: Population Growth

The exponential growth model 𝐴 = 30𝑒 #.#)' describes the population of a city in the Philippines in
thousands, 𝑡 years after 1995.
a. What was the population of the city in 1995?
b. What will be the population in 2017?

Solution
a. Since our exponential growth model describes the population 𝑡 years after 1995, we consider
1995 as 𝑡 = 0 and then solve for 𝐴, our population size.
𝐴 = 30𝑒 #.#)'
𝐴 = 30𝑒 (#.#))(#) Replace 𝑡 with 𝑡 = 0
𝐴 = 30𝑒 #
𝐴 = 30(1) 𝑒# = 1
𝐴 = 30
Therefore, the city population in 1995 was 30,000.

b. We need to find 𝐴 for the year 2017. To find 𝑡, we subtract 2017 and 1995 to get 𝑡 = 22, which
we then plug in to our exponential growth model.
𝐴 = 30𝑒 #.#)'
𝐴 = 30𝑒 (#.#))())) Replace 𝑡 with 𝑡 = 22
𝐴 = 30𝑒 #.,,
𝐴 = 30(1.55271) 𝑒 #.,, ≈ 1.55271
𝐴 = 46.5813
Therefore, the city population would be about 46,581 in 2017.

Check Your Progress 3 The exponential growth model 𝐴 = 50𝑒 #.#-' describes the population of a city in the
Philippines in thousands, 𝑡 years after 1997.

a. What is the population after 20 years?

b. What is the population in 2037?

Source: Mathematics in the Modern World Prepared by: Ms. Renelyn A. Seraspe
 GRABSUM School Inc.
TERTIARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Section 1.2: Sequence

As we have seen in the previous section, the human mind is hardwired to recognize patterns. In
mathematics, we can generate patterns by performing one or several mathematical operations
repeatedly. Suppose we choose the number 3 as the first number in our pattern. We then choose to add
5 to out first number, resulting in 8, which is our second number. Repeating the process, we obtain 13,
18, 23, 28, … as the succeeding numbers that form our pattern. In mathematics, we call these ordered
list of numbers a sequence.

SEQUENCE
A sequence is an ordered list of numbers, called terms, that may have repeated values. The arrangement
of these terms is set by a definite rule.

EXAMPLE 1: Generating a Sequence

Analyze the given sequence for its rule and identify the next three terms.
a. 1, 10, 100 , 1000, ____, ____, _____
b. 2, 5, 9, 14, 20, ____, _____, ____

Solution
a. Looking at the set of numbers, it can be observed that each term is a power of 10.
1 = 10# , 10 = 10. , 100 = 10) , 𝑎𝑛𝑑 1000 = 10!
b. The difference between the first and second terms are (2 and 5) is 3. The difference between
the second and third terms are (5 and 9) is 4. The difference between the third and fourth terms
( 9and 14) is 5. The difference between the fourth and fifth terms is 6. Following this rule, it can
be deduced that to obtain the next three terms, we should add 7,8,9, respectively, to the current
term. Hence, the next three terms are 20+7 = 27, 27+8= 35, 35+9 =44.
Check Your Progress 1
Analyze the given sequence for its rule and identify the next three terms.
a. 16, 32, 64, 128, ___, ___, ____
b. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ____, ____, ____

Section 1.3: Mathematics for our World

We have seen in the preceding sections how evident mathematics is in the natural world, specifically in
how the patterns that we observe in nature follow logical and mathematical structures. It is, therefore
important that we learn mathematical concepts and apply them in solving societal problems.

Mathematics for Organization

A lot of events happen around us. In the blink of an eye, several children have already been born, liters
of water have been consumed, or thousands of tweets have been posted. For us to make sense of all
available information, we need mathematical tools to help us make sound analysis and better decisions.
For instance, a particular store can gather data on the shopping habits of its customers and make
necessary adjustments to help drive sales. Scientists can plot bird migration routes to help conserve
endangered animal populations. Social media analyst can crunch all online postings using software to
gauge the netizens’ sentiments on particular issues or personalities.

Mathematics for Prediction

It is sometimes said that history repeats itself. As much as we can use mathematical models using existing
data generate analysis and interpretations, we can also use them to make predictions. Applying the
concept of probability, experts can calculate the chance of an event occurring. The weather is a prime
example. Based on historical patterns meteorologist can make forecasts to help us prepare for our day-
to-day activities. They can also war us of weather disturbances that can affect our activities for weeks or
months. Astronomers also uses patterns to predict the occurrence of meteor showers or eclipses. In
2017, announcements were made about heavenly phenomena such as the Draconid Meteor Shower and
“The Great American Eclipse.” they were able to tell when these phenomena would occur and where
would be the best place to view them.

Mathematics for Control

We have demonstrated by means of examples around us that patters are definitely present in the
universe. This seems to be an underlying mathematical structure in the way that natural objects and
phenomenon behave. While photographers could capture a single moment through a snapshot,
videographers could record events as they unfold. Painters and sculptures could create masterpieces in

Source: Mathematics in the Modern World Prepared by: Ms. Renelyn A. Seraspe
 GRABSUM School Inc.
TERTIARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

interpreting their surroundings, poets could use beautiful words to describe an object, and musicians
could capture and reproduce sounds that they hear. These observations of nature, as well as their
interactions and relationships, could be more elegantly described by means of mathematical equations.
As stated by astrophysicist Brian Greene, “With a few symbols on a page, you can describe a wealth of
physical phenomenon.”
It is interesting then to ponder on how mathematics, an invention of the human mind, seems to
permeate the natural laws that hold the universe together. There have been instances when a natural
phenomenon has been speculated to exist because mathematics says so but no hard evidence have
been found to support its existence. Such phenomena were proven to exist only when advancements in
technology have allowed us to expand our horizons. For example, in 1916, Albert Einstein hypothesized
the existence of gravitational waves based on his theory of general relativity. This is when “ripples” are
formed in the fabric of space-times due to large and violent cosmic events, very much like when a pebble
is thrown on a stagnant pond. About a hundred years later, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave
Observatory (LIGO) announced that it found evidence of this phenomenon.
Through the use of mathematics, man is also to expert control over himself and the effects of nature. The
threat of climate change and global warming has been the subject of much debate over the years. It is
believed that unless man changes his behavior, patterns are said to indicate that sea levels could rise to
catastrophic levels as the polar caps melt due to the increase in global temperatures. To ensure that
greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are kept at levels that would not interfere with the
climate system, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was signed
in 1992 and has 197 parties as of December 2015.

Mathematics is Indispensable

How is it possible that mathematics, a product of human thought that is independent of experience, fits
so excellently the objects of reality?
-Albert Einstein

In this chapter, it was highlighted how mathematics plays a huge role in the underpinnings of our world.
We have seen it in living creatures and natural phenomena. We have also looked at examples of how
mathematical concepts could be applied. Whether you are on your way to becoming a doctor. An
engineer, an entrepreneur, or a chef, a knowledge of mathematics will be helpful. At the most basic level,
logical reasoning and critical thinking are crucial skills that are needed in any endeavor. As such, the
study of mathematics should be embraced as it paves the way for more educated decisions and in a way,
brings us closer to understanding the natural world.

Source: Mathematics in the Modern World Prepared by: Ms. Renelyn A. Seraspe