Mathematics in the Modern World 1

Chapter 1

As rational creatures, we tend to identify and follow patterns, whether consciously or

subconsciously. Recognizing patterns 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, the changing of seasons, flora and fauna such as the arrangement
of leaves, flower petals, or even the shape of snowflakes and snail’s shell. Awareness of the
patterns allows the human to survive. In this chapter, we will be looking at patterns and
regularities in the world, and how mathematics comes into play, both in nature and human
endeavors.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, the students are expected to:
1. Identify patterns in nature and regularities in the world.
2. Articulate the importance of mathematics in one’s life.
3. Argue about the nature of mathematics, what it is, how it is expressed, represented, and
used.
4. Express appreciation for mathematics as a human endeavor.
5. Gain understanding on importance of Mathematics.
6. Recognize and describe other patterns in Mathematics in nature.

Alert! Before browsing the module please watch and enjoy this video about
Fibonacci Sequence,
https://youtu.be/SjSHVDfXHQ4

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.
➢ The numbers in a sequence that are separated by commas are the TERMS of the
sequence.

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 power
of 10. 1=100 , 10 =101 , 100=102 , 1000=103 . Following this rule, the next three
terms are: 104 =10,000, 105 =100,000, and 106 =1, 000,000.

FIBONACCI SEQUENCE Section 1.2

 Mathematics in the Modern World 2

b. The difference between the first and second terms (2 and 5) is 3. The difference between
the second and the 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 the fifth term 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 term. Hence, the next three terms are 20+7=27, 27+8=35, 35+4=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

Fibonacci Sequence

➢ Special sequence or natures numbering system

➢ Every number after the first two is the sum of the preceding ones.
(1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55,89, 144, …)
➢ Named after the Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa (Fibonacci).
➢ discovered as he looked at how a hypothesized group of rabbits bred and
reproduced.
➢ Discovered much earlier in India
➢ Ratios of successive Fibonacci numbers approach the number Ф (Phi)-
Golden ratio (approximately 1.618)

Note:
The sequence 𝐹𝑛 of Fibonacci numbers is defined by the recurrence relation:
𝐹𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛−1 + 𝐹𝑛−2 with seed values
𝐹1 = 1, 𝐹2 = 1, 𝐹3 = 2, 𝐹4 = 3, 𝐹5 = 5, …

Fibonacci sequence is very visible in nature.

The seed on this sunflower form 34 clockwise spirals and

55 counterclockwise spirals. Notice that 34 and 55 are
both Fibonacci numbers.

FIBONACCI SEQUENCE Section 1.2

 Mathematics in the Modern World 3

The seed pods on a pinecone are arranged in a

spiral pattern. Each cone consists of a pair of
spirals, each one spiraling upwards in opposing
directions. The numbers of steps will almost
always match a pair of consecutive Fibonacci
numbers.

This shape, a rectangle in which the ratio of the

𝑎
sides 𝑏 is equal to the golden mean(phi) which
can be repeated infinitely and form spiral. It’s
called the logarithmic spiral, and it abounds in
nature.

Golden Ratio
➢ is also expressed as the ratio between two successive numbers of Fibonacci sequence.
Example:
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, …
1 13
=1 = 1.6250
1 8

2 21
=2 = 1.6154
1 13
3 34
= 1.5 = 1.6190
2 21
5 55
= 1.6667 = 1.6177 Note: As the
3 34 Fibonacci number
8 89 grows bigger the
= 1.600 = 1.6182 ratio is getting
5 55
closer to the value
of Phi (φ)

FIBONACCI SEQUENCE Section 1.2

 Mathematics in the Modern World 4

Chapter 1: SUMMARY
1.1 Patterns and Numbers in Nature and the World
Patterns are regular, repeated, or recurring forms or designs. Patterns are
commonly observed in naturel objects, such as the six-fold symmetry of
snowflakes, the hexagonal structure and formation of honeycombs, the
tiger’s stripes and hyena’s spots, the number of seeds in a sunflower, the
spiral of a snail’s shell, and the number of petals of flowers. Human are
hard wired to recognize patterns by studying them.
Exponential Growth Model. Population growth and bacterial decay can
be modeled by the exponential growth or decay formula 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡 .

1.2 The Fibonacci Sequence

Sequence is an ordered list of numbers, called terms, that may have
repeated values. The arrangement of these terms is set by definite rule.
The terms of a sequence could be generated by applying the rule to
previous terms of the sequence.
Fibonacci sequence is formed by adding the preceding two numbers,
beginning with 0 and 1. Ratios of two Fibonacci numbers approximate
the Golden Ratio, which is considered as the most aesthetically pleasing
proportion.

SELF AND MODULE CHECK

How was your experience? Tell me about it.(Choose your response below)
Self-Evaluation Module Evaluation
a. I learned a lot from this module. 1. Module is learner-friendly,
b. I learned just right comprehensive and easy to understand
c. I still need guidance on the certain 2. Module is clear but lacks few details
topics 3. Module has vague points that require
d. I don’t understand anything discussed revision
4. Module doesn’t cater my learning.
Answer: Answer:

Reference:
Daligdig, Romero M. (2019). Mathematics in the Modern World. Published by Lorimar Publishing, Inc
(ISBN 9786218035591)
Mathematics in the Modern World. Published and Distributed by Rex Book Store, Inc. 2018(RBSI)
(ISBN 9789712393570)
https://youtu.be/SjSHVDfXHQ4

FIBONACCI SEQUENCE Section 1.2