The Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio

Lesson Outcomes
Identified Fibonacci sequence in a number sequence
Recognized the Golden Ratio engraved in nature and the world

Introduction
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, then we choose to add 5 to our first number which is now our
second number. Repeating the process gives us a sequence 3, 8, 13, 18, 23, . . .

Exercise
Analyze the given sequence for its rule and identify the next three terms.
1. 1, 10, 100, 1000, ____, ____, ____.
2. 2, 5, 9, 14, 20, ___, ___, ___.
3. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, ___, ___, ___

Solutions
1. Looking at the set of numbers, it can be observed that each term is a power of 10.
1 = 100
10,000 = 104
10 = 101
100,000 = 105
100 = 102
1,000,000 = 106
1,000 = 103

2. The difference between the first and second terms (2 and 5) is 3. The difference
between 5 and 9 is 4, between 9 and 14 is 5, and between 14 and 20 is 6. The
differences are consecutive positive integers starting with 3. To illustrate,

2 + 3 =5
5 + 4 =9 20 + 7 = 27
9 + 5 = 14 27 + 8 = 35
14 + 6 = 20 35 + 9 = 44

Following the rule, gives us the next three terms 27, 35, and 44.

3. The sequence in item no. 3 is a special sequence called the Fibonnaci Sequence. It is
named after Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, who was better known by his
nickname Fibonacci. Each successive term in the sequence is found by adding two
preceding terms together. Thus, the next three numbers are 13, 21 and 34.

Fibonnaci sequence has many interesting properties. Among these is that this pattern is
very visible in nature. Some of the nature’s most beautiful patterns, like the spiral
 arrangement of sunflower seeds, the number of petals in a flower, the shape of a snail’s
shell all contain Fibonacci numbers.

In Exercise No. 3, we have the Fibonacci sequence

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, , 13, 21, 34, 55, , 144, 233

It is interesting to note that every number in the sequence divided for the preceding one
approaches the number , which is known as the Golden Ratio, to wit:
1 2 3 5 13 21 34 55 144 233
1 1 2 3 5 13 21 34 55 144

1.00 2.00 1.500 1.667 1.600 1.6250 1.6154 1.6190 1.6177 1.618 1.618 1.618

In mathematics and art, two quantities are in the if the ratio of the sum of
quantities to the larger quantity is equal to the ratio of the larger quantity to the smaller one.
Golden proportion exists between a smaller and larger segment: the proportion of the small
segment to the large is the same to the proportion of the large segment to the sum of both.

Geometrically, the golden ratio can also be visualized as a rectangle perfectly formed by
a square and another rectangle, which can be repeated infinitely inside ech section.
𝑏 𝑎

s
𝑎+𝑏 𝑎
= = 1 61
𝑎 𝑏

The Golden Ration also known as the “Divine Ratio” is very visible in nature such as
certain sea shells, leaves of the plants, arrangement of sunflower seeds, shape of the human
ear, ratio of the length of your forearm and hand, and the spiral shapes of typhoons and even
blackholes and galaxies.

Human ear Nautilus shell Golden Rectangle with

the Golden Spiral
 Green Falcon Red Rose Human Hand

Golden ratio is very much apparent in nature, human body and in flora and fauna.
Moreover, this ratio is exhibited in many artworks and architectures like the Mona Lisa painting,
the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Parthenon, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower and many more.

The Parthenon Taj Mahal Eiffel Tower

Evaluation

1. Research how these natural works and architectural structures exhibit the golden ratio.
Draw or post a printed picture, then mark with a golden segment or golden rectangle or
golden spiral indicating the said ratio.

a) shape of a typhoon or a hurricane

b) your thumb mark
c) Eiffel Tower

2. Recognize parts of your body that exhibit a golden ratio. Show the actual photo, actual
numerical figures on the measurement and find out if the ratio represents a golden ratio,
or its closest approximate. Only one (1) example will suffice. Make it obvious that the
body part used for this purpose is of your own.