Republic of the Philippines

CAVITE STATE UNIVERSITY-CCAT CAMPUS

Rosario, Cavite
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING

MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

GNED - 03
FIRST MODULE

ROSEMARY V. SAAVEDRA
LECTURER

September 2022
First Semester
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I. MATHEMATICS IN OUR WORLD

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Identify and follow patterns, whether consciously or subconsciously.
2. Awareness of these patterns allowed humans to survive, similar many flora and fauna
also follow certain patterns such as the arrangement of leaves and stems in a plant, the
flower’s petal.
3. Analyze the Fibonacci sequence.
4. Predict the behavior of nature and phenomena in the world and helps humans exert
control over occurrences in the world in the world for the advancement of our
civilization.

A. Patterns and Numbers in Nature and the World

In the general sense of the word, patterns are regular, repeated, or recurring forms or
designs. We see pattern every day, from the layout of floor tiles, designs of skyscrapers,
to the way we tie our shoelaces. Studying patterns help students in identifying
relationships and finding logical connections to form generalizations and make
predictions.
Example 1. 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 the previous term: 3 = 1 + 2; 5 = 3 + 2; 7 = 5 + 2; 9 = 7 + 2. Therefore, the next
term should be 11 = 9 + 2.
Example 2. What Comes Next?
What is the next figure in the pattern below?

A B

Solution: Looking at the given figures, the lines seem to rotate a 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
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a decreasing trend. So again, 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 means that the next figure should have five lines inside. This leads to option A as
the correct choice.

Snowflakes and Honeycombs

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

The figure above 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.

Spiderwort with three-fold symmetry Starfish has a five-fold symmetry

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There are other types of symmetry depending on the number of sides or faces that are
symmetrical. 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 as rotational
symmetry. The smallest angle that a figure can be rotated while still preserving the original
formation is called angle 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 rotational symmetry) if 1/n of a complete
turn leaves the figure unchanged. To compute for the angle of rotation, we use the following
formula:
360°
Angle of rotation = 𝑛

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 crystal as it forms.
Another marvel of nature’s design is the structure and shape of a honeycomb. People have
long wondered how bees, despite their very small side, are able to produce such arrangement
while human 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.

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You can try it out for yourself. Using several coins of the same size, try to cover as much area
od 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.

Square Packing Hexagonal Packing

Translating this idea to three-dimensional space, we can conclude that hexagonal that
hexagonal formations are more optimal in making use of the available space. These are referred
to as packing problem. 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.
Let us illustrate this mathematically. Suppose you have circles of radius 1 cm, each of which
will then have an area of 𝜋𝑐𝑚2 . We are then going to fill a plane with these circles using square
packing and hexagonal packing.

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For square packing, each square will have an area of 4𝑐𝑚2 . Note from the figure that for each
square, it can fit only one circle (4 quarters). The percentage of the square’s area covered by
circles will be
𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒊𝒓𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝝅𝒄𝒎𝟐
× 𝟏𝟎𝟎% = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎% = 𝟕𝟖. 𝟓𝟒%
𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝟒𝒄𝒎𝟐

For hexagonal packing, we can think of each hexagon as composed of six equilateral triangles
with side equal to 2 cm.

The area each triangle is given by

𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 2 ×√3 (2𝑐𝑚)2 ×√3 4𝑐𝑚2 ×√3
𝐴= = = = √3𝑐𝑚2
4 4 4

This gives the area of the hexagon as 6√3𝑐𝑚2 . Looking at the figure, there are 3 circles that
could fit inside one hexagon (the whole circle in the middle, and 6 one thirds of a circle), which
gives the total area as 3𝜋𝑐𝑚2. The percentage of the hexagon’s area covered by circles will be
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 3𝜋𝑐𝑚2
× 100% = 6√3𝑐𝑚2 × 100% = 90.69%
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛

Comparing the two percentages, we can clearly see that using hexagons will cover a large area
than when using squares.

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Tigers’ Stripes and Hyenas’ Spots

Patterns are 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 11, 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. A new model by Harvard
University researchers predicts that there are three variables that could affect the orientation of
these stripes-the substance that amplifies the density of stripe pattern; the substance that
changes one of the parameters involved in stripe formation; and the physical change in the
direction of the origin of the stripe.

Tiger Hyena

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.

Sunflower
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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 as the snails consume calcium. As the snails grow, their shells also expand
proportionately so that they can continue to live inside their shells. This process resulted 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 follows the rule that as the distance
from the spiral center increase (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
follow a certain set of rules governed by mathematics.

Snail’s Shell

Flower Petals
Flowers are considered as things of beauty. Their vibrant colors and fragrant colors and fragrant
odor make them vey appealing as gifts or decorations. If you look more closely, you will note
that different flowers have different number of petals. Take the iris and trillium, for example.
Both flowers have only 3 petals.

Iris Trillium

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Flowers with five petals are said to be the most common. These include buttercup, columbine,
and hibiscus. Among those flowers with eight petals are clematis and delphinium, while
ragwort and marigold have thirteen. These numbers are all Fibonacci numbers, which we will
discuss in detail in the next section.

Buttercup flower with five petals

World Population
As of 2017, it is estimated that the world population is about 7.6 billion. World leaders,
sociologists, 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 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡 , where A is the size of the population after it grows, P is the initial number
of people, r is the rate growth, and t is time. Recall further that e is 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 0.02𝑡 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
considered 1995 as 𝑡 = 0 and then solve for A, our population size.
A = 30𝑒 0.02𝑡
A = 30𝑒 (0.02)(0) Replace t with t = 0
0
A = 30𝑒
A = 30(1) 𝑒0 = 1
A = 30
Therefore, the city population in 1995 was 30,000

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b. We need 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 0.02𝑡
A = 30𝑒 (0.02)(22) Replace t with t = 22
0.44
A = 30𝑒
A = 30(1.55271) 𝑒 0.44 =1.55271
A = 46.5813
EXERCISE SET:
• Determine what comes next in the given pattern.
1. A, C, E, G, I, _____
2. 27 30 33 36 39______
• Substitute the given values in the formula A = P𝑒 𝑟𝑡 to find the messing quantity.
3. P = 680,000; r = 12% per year; t = 8 year

B. The Fibonacci Sequence

as we have seen in the previous section, the human mind is hardwired to recognize
patterns. In mathematics, we can generate patterns by perming 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 our first number, resulting in 8,
which is our second number. Repeating this process, we obtain 13, 18, 23, 28, . . . as
the succeeding numbers that form our pattern. In mathematics, we call these ordered
lists 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 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=100, 10 =101, 100 = 102, and 1000 = 103. Following this rule, the next three terms are
104 = 10,000, 105 = 100,000, and 106 = 1,000,000.
b. The difference between the first and second terms (2 and5) is 3. The difference between
the second and third terms (5 and 9) is 4. The difference between the third and fourth
terms (9 and 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.

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It is named after the Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, who was better known by his
nickname Fibonacci. He is said to have discovered this sequence as he looked at how a
hypothesized group of rabbits bred and reproduced. The problem involved having a single pair
of rabbits and then finding out how many pairs of rabbits will be born in a year, with the
assumption that a new pair of rabbits is born each month and this new pair, in turn, give birth
to additional pairs of rabbits beginning at two months after they were born. He noted that the
set of numbers generated from this problem could be extended by getting the sum of the two
previous terms.
Starting with 0 and 1, the succeeding terms in the sequence can be generated by adding the two
numbers that came before the term:
0+1=1 0, 1, 1
1+1=2 0, 1, 1, 2
1+2=3 0, 1, 1, 2, 3
2+3=5 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5
3+5=8 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8
5 + 8 = 13 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13
... 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, . . .

While the sequence is widely known as Fibonacci sequence, this pattern is said to have been
discovered much earlier in India. According to some scholarly articles, Fibonacci sequence is
evident in the number of variations of a particular category of Sanskrit and Prakrit poetry
meters. In poetry, meter refers to the rhythmic pattern of syllables.
Fibonacci sequence has many interesting properties. Among these is that this pattern is very
visible in nature. Some of nature’s most beautiful patterns, like the spiral arrangement of
sunflower seeds, the number of petals in a flower, and the shape of a snail’s shell-things that
we looked at earlier in the chapter-all contain Fibonacci numbers. It is also interesting to note
that the ratios of successive Fibonacci numbers approach the number ∅ (Phi), also known as
the Golden Ratio. This is approximately equal to 1.618.
1 13
= 1.0000 = 1.6250
1 8
2 21
= 2.0000 = 1.6154
1 13
𝟑 34
= 1.5000 = 1.6190
𝟐 21
𝟓 55
= 1.6667 = 1.6177
𝟑 34
8 89
= 1.600 = 1.6182
5 55

The Golden Ratio can also be expressed as the ratio between two numbers, if the latter is also
the ratio between the sum and the larger of the two numbers. Geometrically, it can also be
visualized as a rectangle perfectly formed by a square and another rectangle, which can be
repeated infinitely inside each section.

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Golden rectangle with the golden spiral

Exercise Set:
1. Find Fib (19)
2. Evaluate the sum of Fib (1) + Fib (2) + Fib (3) + Fib (4)
3. Determine the pattern in the successive sum from the previous question. What will the
sum of Fib (1) + Fib (2) + . . . + Fib (10)

C. 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 analysts can crunch all online postings using software to
gauge the netizen’s sentiments on particular issues or personalities.

D. Mathematics for Prediction

It is sometimes said that history repeats itself. As much as we can use mathematical
models using existing data to generate analysis and interpretations, we can also use
them to make predictions. Applying the concepts of probability, experts can calculate
the chance of an event occurring. The weather is prime example. Based on historical
patterns, meteorologists can make forecasts to help us prepare for our day-to-day
activities. They can also warn us of weather disturbances that can affect our activities
for weeks or months. Astronomers also use 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 places to
view them.

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A total solar eclipse

E. Mathematics for Control

We have demonstrated by means of examples around us the patterns are definitely
present in universe. There seems to be an underlying mathematical structure in the way
that natural object and phenomenon behave. While photographers could capture a
Single moment through a snapshot, videographers could record events as they unfold.
Painters and sculptors could create masterpieces in 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 phenomena”.
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 had 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-time 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 phenomena.

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A large cosmic disturbance could cause ripples in space-time, like a pebble thrown in
pond.

Though the use of mathematics, man is also able to exert control over himself and the
effect 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.

F. Mathematics is Indispensable

In this chapter, it was highlighted how mathematics plays a huge role in the
underpinning 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.

MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD ROSEMARY V. SAAVEDRA