BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN Civil ENGINEERING

GE3–MATHEMATI CS I N THE MODERN

WORLD

Gabriel C. Montañez

College of Engineering
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World i

PREFACE

This module is designed to cover the scope requirement of a one-semester general education
course, specifically, mathematics in the modern world, as outlined by the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED).

This self-learning module deals with the nature of mathematics, appreciation of its practical,
intellectual, and aesthetic dimensions, and application of mathematical tools in daily life.

It begins with an introduction to the nature of mathematics as an exploration of patterns (in

nature and the environment) and as an application of inductive and deductive reasoning. By
exploring these topics, students are encouraged to go beyond the typical understanding of
mathematics as merely a set of formulas but as a source of aesthetics in patterns of nature,
for example, and a rich language in itself (and of science) governed by logic and reasoning.

It then proceeds to survey ways in which mathematics provides a tool for understanding and
dealing with various aspects of present-day living, such as managing personal finances,
making social choices, appreciating geometric designs, understanding codes used in data
transmission and security, and dividing limited resources fairly. These aspects will provide
opportunities for actually doing mathematics in a broad range of exercises that bring out the
various dimensions of mathematics as a way of knowing, and test the students’
understanding and capacity. (CMO No. 20, series of 2013)

This module is divided into four (4) learning packets. Learning Packets 1 and 2 covers the
topics for the midterm while learning packets 3 and 4 covers the final term.

This learning material is for instructional delivery purposes of the faculty members of Samar
State University (SSU) only. This is intended solely for the consumption of officially enrolled
students in the course and this should not be sold, reproduced, shared nor copied by other
individuals.
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 1

UNIT 1: MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

1.0. Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this unit you should be able to:
a. Identify patterns in nature and regularities of the world.
b. Explain the importance of mathematics in one’s life.
c. Discuss about the nature of mathematics, what it is, how it is expressed,
presented and used.

1.1. Introduction
Take a minute and think of the word
“Mathematics”, visualize it in your mind.

©yayayoyo/iStock/Thinkstock
What do you envision? Is it simple and complex
numbers? Hard and easy equations? Graphs and
charts? When we think of the word
“mathematics” what do we often see in our
mind’s eye?

Many would say numbers, charts, equations,

and graphs. Some would often relate it to money
and business. While others would say it’s a difficult subject that has high failing
rate.

All of these are true into some extent. However, mathematics is more than just
numbers, charts etc. Mathematics is a useful way to think about the nature and
our world.

In this unit, we will look into how mathematics comes into play both in nature
and in our everyday activities. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s get into it!

1.2.1. Pattern and Numbers in the Nature and the World

Observe your surroundings. Surely, you would always see sequence of patterns
and the like. Generally, patterns are regular repeating forms or designs. As we
encounter nature and its creatures, we could witness that it tends to follow
patterns. These patterns are there for some reasons since nature does appear to
seek the most economical and most efficient way of achieving its end, and that is
to minimize the use of its resources and energy.

As humans, recognizing patterns seems natural to us, like our brain is wired to
recognize them and it is convenient for survival. Similarly, many plants and
animals follow certain patterns such as the arrangement of leaves and petals, the
shape of a snow flake, shell of a snail, and even the regularities of a honeycomb.

Consider the pattern below:

©kanyakits/iStock/Thinkstock
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 2

What would be the next action of the kitten in the pattern? Observe that the first
action of the kitten is covering its eyes, then its ears, next its mouth and back to its
eyes, then its ears. It’s easy to note that it follows a sequence of action. Rationally,
the action that should follow is:

Examples
1. What will be the next figure of the pattern below?

A B C
Solution:
Upon observation the figure rotates at 90-degree in a clockwise rotation.
Thus, A should be the correct answer.

2. Which domino comes next in the pattern?

Solution:
Notice that there are two patterns appearing at the same time with
alternating dominos. If you consider the 1st, 3rd and 5th dominos the pattern
becomes obvious; the top number is decreasing by 1 and the bottom is
increasing by 1. Now look at the 2 nd and 4th dominos, similar progression is
happening. Therefore, the correct answer for this sequence is A.

3. What number comes next in the set 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ?

Solution:
Observe that the numbers in the set is increasing, with each term being
two more than the previous term 1+2 = 3; 3+2 = 5; 5+2 = 7; 7+2 = 9.
Therefore, the next term will be 9+2 = 11.
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 3

Self-Check
1. What will be the next image in the pattern?

2. What will be the next image in the pattern?

3. What number comes next in the number set 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ?

4. What number comes next in the number set 19, 27, 35, 43, ?
5. What number comes next in the number set 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, ?

As we study these patterns around us, a property known as symmetry arises.

When two or more parts of an object are identical after a flip, slide or turn, the
object is said to be symmetric.

The simplest type of symmetry is line or bilateral symmetry. This type of

symmetry is known as “mirror/reflection symmetry” and it is evident in most
animals including human. An object is said to follow bilateral symmetry when an
imaginary line is drawn the resulting parts are mirror images of each other.
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 4

©Vaara/iStock/Thinkstock
Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man shows the proportion and symmetry of a
human body

Bilateral and Radial Symmetry

Another type of symmetry is known rotational symmetry. A figure is said to
follow rotational symmetry if an object achieves the same appearance more than
once during a full turn or rotation of 360 o. The smallest angle that a figure can be
rotated maintaining its original formation is called angle of rotation and the
number of times it fits into itself is called order of rotation.

To compute for the angle of rotation we use the formula:

360°
𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 =
𝑛
Where, n is the order of rotation.
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 5

Example
4. Compute for the angle of rotation for the image below.

Solution:
n = 5 since the figure fits into itself 5 times
360° 360°
𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = = = 72°
𝑛 5
Snowflakes and Honeycombs
Consider the snowflake below, the pattern repeats six times, indicating that the
order of symmetry, n = 6. Thus, its angle of rotation is 60o. It is known that no two
snowflakes are alike due to its complex combination off shapes. Looking closely,
however, snowflakes are not perfectly symmetric since humidity and temperature
is always changing.
©GoodGnom/iStock/Thinkstock

Snowflake
Another nature’s intricate pattern is the structure of a honeycomb. This
formation of patterns enables the bee colony to maximize their storage of honey
using the smallest amount of wax.

Honeycomb
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 6

The structure of a honeycomb follows hexagonal packing. This packing structure

allows the honey to be packed in an area with the least amount of unused space.
Consider the figure below, clearly, we can see that square packing has larger
unused space than the hexagonal packing. This is another of example of nature
being efficient.

Square Packing Hexagonal Packing

Now, let us illustrate this mathematically, let’s say that we have circles with radius
1 mm.

For square packing:

Square has the side 2r which is 2 mm.

r r

To determine the percentage of the square’s area covered by the circle,

1
[(4) ( (1𝑚𝑚)2 ]
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝜋𝑟2 ∙ 100 = 4 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒) ∙ 𝜋 ∙ 100
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒, 𝑠2 = (2𝑟)2 (2 ∙ 1𝑚𝑚)2
= 78.54%

For hexagonal packing:

Hexagon is composed of 6 equilateral triangles with the side 2 mm.

r r

r r
r r

Area for hexagon is 6 times the area of an equilateral triangle:

𝐴ℎ𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛 = 6𝐴𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 7

√3
𝐴 ∙ (𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒)2)
ℎ𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛 = 6(
4
√3
𝐴 = 6( ∙ (2𝑚𝑚)2)
ℎ𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛
4

𝐴ℎ𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛 = 6√3 𝑚𝑚2

Area of the circles inside the hexagon:

1
𝐴ℎ𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛 = (1 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒) + (6 ∙
𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒) = 3 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠
3
Percentage of hexagon’s area covered by circles:
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠, 𝜋𝑟2 [(3 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠) ∙ 𝜋 (1𝑚𝑚)2 ]
∙ 100 = ∙ 100 = 90.69%
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛 6√3 𝑚𝑚2

Therefore, upon comparing the two packed structure, the hexagonal packing is the
most efficient since it covers 90.69% of area with only 9.31% unused space.

Zebra Stripes and Hyena Spots

We are all familiar that some animals follow a certain pattern such as the stipes in
zebras and the spots in a hyena. These patterns are all ruled by mathematical
equations.
Based on a theory by Alan Turing, a man famous for breaking the Enigma code
during the World War II, the growth of these patterns is determined by chemical
reactions and diffusion processes in cells.

Another recent study by Harvard University researchers predict that there are
three variables that could affect whether a specie grows horizontal or vertical
stripes: (1) the substance that amplifies the density of stipe patterns; (2) the
substance that changes one of the parameters involved in stripe formation; and (3)
the physical change in the direction of the origin of the stripe.
©Jennifer Borton/iStock/Thinkstock
©sababaJJ/iStock/Thinkstock

Hyena Zebra
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 8

The Sunflower
Consider the sunflower below, you’ll notice that there are spiral patterns both in
clockwise and counterclockwise direction in the center where the seeds occupy.
This arrangement of seeds allows maximum access of light and nutrients needed
that is necessary for the flower to grow and survive.

©Litekitegirl/iStock/Thinkstock
Sunflower
The Snail’s Shell
Another spiral pattern that is visible in nature is seen in the shells of snails. Snails
are born with fragile and colorless shell called protoconch. This shell eventually
grows and harden as the snail consume calcium.

As they grow, its shell expands proportionally for them to continue to live inside.
These spiral patterns are often used as a representation of the golden spiral which
will be discussed later.
©Thoth_Adan/iStock/Thinkstock

Logarithmic Spiral of Snail’s Shell

Flower Petals
The most common number of petals of a flower is five. These includes plumeria
also known as kalachuchi here in the Philippines. Sampaguita, golden trumpet, and
gumamela are also examples of a five petaled flower.
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 9

Some flowers have 3 petals such as bougainvillea, iris and trillium. Others have 8
and 13 petals. These numbers are all Fibonacci Numbers that will be discussed in
the next lesson.

©Gorrilar_Vector/iStock/Thinkstoc
©Jull1491/iStock/Thinkstock

Bougainvillea Kalachuchi

Key Concept: Nature and its creatures follow certain patterns. These patterns
specify a sense of structure and organization. The main reason for the formation
of these patterns is efficiency as well as survival and this is all governed by
mathematical equations.

1.2.2. The Fibonacci Sequence

A sequence is an ordered list of numbers called terms wherein its arrangement is
set by a definite rule.

The Fibonacci Sequence is a series of numbers:

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89 …

0+1=1
1+1=2
1+2=3
2+3=5
3+5=8
…

Rule: The next number is found by adding the two numbers before it.

This sequence was named after an Italian mathematician Leonardo Pisano

Bogollo. The name “Fibonacci” was his nickname which means “Son of Bonacci”.
And while this sequence is known as Fibonacci Sequence this pattern is said to
have been discovered years before in India.

What’s interesting to note is that Fibonacci Sequence is very much evident in nature.
Some of natures patterns follow this sequence such as the number of petals in a
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 10

flower, the spiral arrangement of sunflower, the shape of the snail’s shell and
many more.

Another interesting property of this sequence is that the ratios of the successive
Fibonacci number approaches to the number ɸ (phi) also known as the Golden
Ratio which 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
= 1.6000 = 1.6182
5 55

Geometrically, when making squares of the same width as the Fibonacci Sequence
we get a shape that perfectly fits together. By connecting the points in the figure,
we can make a spiral that is also known as the golden spiral.

Square with widths of Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden Spiral

We can also make a golden spiral by constructing a golden rectangle with the sides
a and b that are in the golden ratio. If we cut the golden rectangle to make a square,
we get another smaller golden rectangle. By continuing this process of cutting and
connecting the points by making a spiral curve, we get a golden spiral.
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 11

Construction of an Approximated Golden Spiral

So far, we’ve talked about the golden ratio as length. Now let’s talk about it in
terms of angle known as the golden angle.

From the golden rectangle with the side (a) and (b-a),

a b-a

Let us create a circle, as seen in the figure below, the circle was formed by joining
the arcs (a) and (b-a). The angle that is formed is the golden angle which is equal
to 137.5-degrees.

137.5o b-a

These golden spirals and angles are often visible in nature. Like the spiral galaxy
(a.), a subtropical cyclone (b.), a shell’s internal structure (c.), and the seeds in a
sunflower.
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 12

Spirals in Nature

1.2.3. Mathematics: Organize Patterns and Regularities of the World

Countless of events are happening around us, there’s rapid growth of population,
several resources are being consumed, and millions of information are being
posted online and offline. For us to understand all these available data, we need
mathematical tools for analysis that would help us make better decision based on
several options.

Example, for a small business to drive in sales they can gather data on the
shopping habits of its customers and make necessary adjustments. Scientist can
help conserve endangered animal population by plotting its migration routes and
finding the dangers in its way that lessen its population. Social media analyst can
combine all online posting of netizen’s sentiments on a specific issue or personality
using a software.

1.2.4. Mathematics: Predict the Behavior of Nature and Phenomena in the

World

On the previous lesson, we have discussed that we often use mathematical models
on existing data to generate analysis and interpretations, however, it not limited
only to that application, we can also use them to make predictions.

For instance, we can use the concept of probability to calculate the chance of a
certain event from occurring. The weather for example. Based on historical
patterns of data available, meteorologist can make forecast to help us prepare for
our day-to-day activities. They can also warn us of weather disturbances that can
affect our necessary activities.

Another, we can also predict the number of populations in a certain year using
mathematical model. Also, with the recent pandemic that we are experiencing
right now, many researchers are using mathematical models to help us predict the
approximated number of cases in the future months to come.
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 13

Example
5. Suppose the exponential growth model follows an equation 𝐴 = 50𝑒0.02𝑡
that describes the population of the Catbalogan City in thousands, t years
after 1995.
a. What was the population of the City of Catbalogan in 1995?
b. What will be the population in 2025?

Solution:

a. Since our exponential growth model describes the population t

years after 1995, we consider 1995 as t = 0 and solve for A our
population size.

𝐴 = 50𝑒0.02𝑡
𝐴 = 50𝑒0.02(0)
𝐴 = 50

Therefore in 1995, the city population is 50,000.

b. We need to find A for 2025. To find for t, we subtract 2025 and 1995
to get t = 30.
𝐴 = 50𝑒0.02𝑡
𝐴 = 50𝑒0.02(30)
𝐴 = 91.106

Therefore, the city population would be 91,106 in 2025.

Self-Check
6. Suppose the exponential growth model follows an equation 𝐴 = 80𝑒0.034𝑡
that describes the population of the Tacloban City in thousands, t years
after 1998.
a. What was the population of the City of Tacloban after 30 years?
b. What will be the population in 2039?

1.2.5. Mathematics: Control Nature and Occurrences in the World

Through the use of mathematics, we can also exert control over the effects of
nature and our self. The threat of global warming and climate change is are very
much evident today. It is believed that unless we change our behavior, there are
indications that sea levels could rise in a catastrophic level as polar caps melt due
to the increase of global temperatures.

To ensure that this catastrophe would be not happen in the near future, the United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was signed in
1992 and has 197 parties as of December 2015.

1.2.6. Mathematics: Numerous Applications in the World

It has been highlighted throughout the previous lessons of this unit how
mathematics played a significant role in sustaining and understanding our world.
We have observed it in living creatures and natural phenomena. We also have
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 14

looked at how mathematical concepts and models are applied. With this, the study
of mathematics should be embraced.

Self-Check
7. A study found that the relationship between the score of student’s exams
(y) and the number of hours spent on studying (x) is given by the equation
𝑦 = 10𝑥 + 45. Using this information what will be the score of a student
that spent 6 hours of study.
1
8. Distance travelled is governed by the equation 𝑑 = 𝑣𝑜𝑡 + 𝑎𝑡 2. Find the
2
distance travelled by an aircraft before it takes off if it starts at rest and
accelerates down the runway at 3.50 𝑚/𝑠2 for 34.5s.

VIDEOS:
Want to learn more? Watch the following recommended videos.

Nature’s Mathematics (Episode 1) by Curiosity Stream Production

https://vimeo.com/263240585
Nature’s Mathematics (Episode 2) by Curiosity Stream Production
https://vimeo.com/263243238
Nature by Numbers by Cristobal Vila
https://vimeo.com/9953368

Assessment
Exercise No.1:
Answer all the self-check questions in this unit and write/encode it into a sheet of
bond paper (Long).

Assignment No. 1:
Write a two-to-three synthesis paper focusing on one the following topics:
a) Mathematics helps organize the pattern and regularities in the world.
b) Mathematics helps predict the behavior of nature and phenomena in the
world.
c) Mathematics helps control nature and occurrences in the world for our
own ends.
Note: A synthesis paper is a written discussion about a certain topic incorporating a
support from different sources that would help strengthen your main idea. Remember to
always cite your sources and do not copy word for word. Plagiarism is highly
discouraged.

1.3. References

Aufmann, R., Lockwood, J., Nation, R., et.al. (2018). Mathematics in the Modern
World. Philippine Edition. Rex Bookstore.

Pierce, Rod. (10 Apr 2020). "Fibonacci Sequence". Math Is Fun. Retrieved 27 Jul
2020 from http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/fibonacci-sequence.html
 1 | Mathematics in the Modern World 15

Pierce, Rod. (11 Aug 2018). "Nature, The Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Numbers".
Math Is Fun. Retrieved 27 Jul 2020 from
http://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/nature-golden-ratio-fibonacci.html

Pier Luigi Luisi. (10 Dec 2017). “The Fascination with the Golden Ratio”. Wall
Street International Science and Technology. Retrieved 27 Jul 2020 from
https://wsimag.com/science-and-technology/34023-the-fascination-with-the-
golden-ratio

Pierce, Rod. (8 Oct 2018). "Symmetry Definition (Illustrated Mathematics

Dictionary)". Math Is Fun. Retrieved 27 Jul 2020 from
http://www.mathsisfun.com/definitions/symmetry.html

1.4. Acknowledgement

The images, tables, figures and information contained in this module were taken
from the references cited above.
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