MATHEMATICS

IN THE
MODERN WORLD
PRELIM LESSONS

INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINE KAE P. ARAGON

ckaragon@mcnp.edu.ph
 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
LEVEL I

MODULE 1 – THE NATURE OF of the forest. The pattern of the stripes also
MATHEMATICS helps to break up the outline of the tiger,
making it harder for predators to track it.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES Hyena's spots: Like tiger stripes, the spots on
a hyena's coat help to camouflage it in the
1. Identify patterns in nature and regularities in savannah environment. The irregular
the world; pattern of the spots also helps to break up the
2. Articulate the importance of mathematics in outline of the hyena and make it harder for
one’s life; predators to see.
3. Argue about the nature of mathematics,
what it is, how it is expressed, represented Other examples of patterns in nature include the
and used; spiral pattern of seashells, the branching
4. Express appreciation for mathematics as pattern of trees, and the fractal patterns
human endeavor. found in clouds, coastlines, and mountain
ranges.
These patterns are often the result of natural
LESSON 1 - PATTERNS AND NUMBERS IN processes such as growth, erosion, or the
OUR WORLD movement of air and water, and they can be
both beautiful and functional. Scientists have
Patterns are repeating or recurring
even used patterns found in nature as
configurations of shapes, colors, or textures.
inspiration for new technologies, such as the
These patterns are found all around us,
design of solar cells based on the structure of
including in the natural world. Some common
butterfly wings.
examples of patterns found in nature include:
Snowflakes: Snowflakes are formed when
water vapor in the air freezes into ice crystals.
Each snowflake has a unique and intricate
pattern of six-sided symmetry, created by
the way the water molecules bond together as
they freeze.
Honeycomb: Honeycomb structures are made
by bees to store their honey. The hexagonal
shape of the honeycomb cells maximizes
the storage space while using the least
amount of wax. This pattern can also be found
in other structures created by animals, such as
the cells of a turtle's shell.
Tiger's stripes: The stripes on a tiger's coat
are used for camouflage, making it difficult
for prey to detect the tiger in the dappled light

INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINE KAE P. ARAGON 1

 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
LEVEL I

LESSON 2 – THE FIBONACCI SEQUENCE The presence of the Fibonacci sequence and the
Golden Ratio in natural phenomena is thought
The Fibonacci sequence and the Golden
to be related to the efficiency and
Ratio are two mathematical concepts that are
effectiveness of natural processes. These
found in many natural phenomena. The
patterns allow for the optimal distribution of
Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers in
resources, the most effective use of space,
which each number is the sum of the two
and the most efficient use of energy. As a
preceding numbers, starting with 0 and 1.
result, these mathematical concepts are often
So the sequence goes: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21,
seen as evidence of the inherent order and
and so on.
beauty of the natural world.
The Golden Ratio, also known as Phi, is a
mathematical constant that is approximately
1.61803398875. It is often represented by
the Greek letter phi (Φ). The Golden Ratio is the
ratio of two quantities in which the smaller
quantity is to the larger quantity as the larger
quantity is to the sum of the two.
Both the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden
Ratio are found in many natural patterns, such
as the growth patterns of plants, the
spirals of shells, and the arrangements of
leaves on a stem.
For example, the number of petals on many
flowers follows the Fibonacci sequence.
Daisies, for instance, typically have 34, 55, or
89 petals, which are all numbers in the
sequence. The spiral patterns found in
pinecones, pineapples, and sunflowers are
also based on the Fibonacci sequence, with the
spirals following a pattern of two consecutive
numbers in the sequence.
In addition, many natural shapes and
structures, such as seashells and the human
body, exhibit proportions that are close to
the Golden Ratio. For example, the ratio of the
length of your forearm to your hand, or the
length of your fingers, is very close to the
Golden Ratio. The spiral patterns of seashells
and the spiral patterns of galaxies also follow
the Golden Ratio.

INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINE KAE P. ARAGON 2

 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
LEVEL I
LESSON 3 – PATTERNS AND
REGULARITIES IN THE WORLD
Patterns are often classified into different
categories based on their characteristics and
properties. Here are brief explanations of some
of the most common types of patterns:
1. Symmetry: Symmetry refers to the
balanced arrangement of shapes,
colors, or other elements. A pattern that
exhibits symmetry is one that is identical or
nearly identical on both sides of a line or
axis. Examples of symmetric patterns include
the hexagonal honeycomb cells, snowflakes,
and the wings of butterflies.
There are two main forms of symmetry, radial
and bilateral.
Radial symmetry:
Radial symmetry is when an object is
symmetrical around a central point, like the
spokes of a wheel. If a line is drawn through the
center of the object in any direction, the object
will appear identical on both sides of the line.
Examples of objects with radial symmetry
are:
Starfish: Starfish have five arms arranged
symmetrically around a central disk, making
them radially symmetric.
Sunflowers: Sunflowers have petals arranged
in a circular pattern around a central disk,
making them radially symmetric.
Jellyfish: Jellyfish have a bell-shaped body
with tentacles arranged symmetrically around
the central axis, making them radially
symmetric.
Bilateral symmetry:
Bilateral symmetry is when an object can be
divided into two identical halves, either
vertically or horizontally. If a line is drawn
through the center of the object, the two halves
will be mirroring images of each other.
Examples of objects with bilateral
symmetry are:
Butterflies: Butterflies have two wings that are
mirror images of each other when folded along
the center line of the body.
Humans: Humans have bilateral symmetry,
with a left and right side that are mirror images
of each other.
Fish: Most fish have bilateral symmetry, with a
head, tail, and a left and right side that are
mirror images of each other.
Both forms of symmetry are important in
biology, as they can provide insights into the
organization and development of organisms.
2. Fractal: A fractal is a pattern that is self-
similar, meaning that it looks the same
at every scale. Fractals are generated by
repeating a simple pattern or formula over
and over again, and the resulting pattern
becomes more complex and detailed at each
iteration. Examples of fractal patterns in
nature include coastlines, clouds, and
the branching patterns of trees and
ferns.
3. Spirals: A spiral is a pattern that curves
outward from a central point or axis.
Spirals can be found in many natural
phenomena, such as the spirals of
seashells, the whorls of fingerprints,
and the patterns of galaxies. Spirals are
often associated with growth, movement,
and energy.
INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINE KAE P. ARAGON 3
 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
LEVEL I

4. Tessellations: A tessellation is a pattern

made up of repeating shapes that fit
together without any gaps or overlaps.
Tessellations can be found in many different
forms, such as the hexagonal cells of a
honeycomb, the rectangular bricks of a
wall, or the irregular shapes of a
mosaic.
Patterns can also be classified based on other
characteristics, such as their color, texture, or
shape. Understanding the different types of
patterns and their properties can help us
appreciate the beauty and complexity of the
natural world, as well as inspire us to create our
own patterns in art, design, and architecture.

INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINE KAE P. ARAGON 4

 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
LEVEL I
MODULE 2 – MATHEMATICS
LANGUAGE AND SYMBOLS
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Discuss the language, symbols and
convention of mathematics;
2. Explain the nature of mathematics as a
language;
3. Perform operations on mathematical
expressions correctly.
LESSON 1 – CHARACTERISTICS OF
MATHEMATICAL LANGUAGE
Mathematical language is a formal language
used to express mathematical concepts, ideas,
and relationships. It has certain characteristics
that set it apart from natural language, such as
English, French, or Spanish. Here are some of
the key characteristics of mathematical
language:
Precision: Mathematical language is highly
precise and unambiguous. It allows for clear and
concise communication of ideas and concepts,
without room for misinterpretation or confusion.
Mathematical language uses symbols,
formulas, and equations to convey precise
meaning.
Symbolism: Mathematical language is highly
symbolic. It uses symbols and notations to
represent abstract concepts and relationships.
These symbols can include letters, numbers,
and mathematical operators such as plus,
minus, multiplication, and division.
Logic: Mathematical language is based on a
logical structure. It follows a set of rules and
principles that are used to build
mathematical statements and arguments.
These rules are based on deductive reasoning
and are used to prove mathematical theorems
and propositions.
Consistency: Mathematical language is
consistent across all branches of mathematics.
It uses the same symbols, notations, and rules
across different areas of math, making it a
universal language for all
mathematicians.
Abstraction: Mathematical language is highly
abstract. It allows mathematicians to work with
concepts and relationships that are not directly
observable or tangible. This abstraction allows
mathematicians to explore complex ideas and
relationships in a highly structured and rigorous
way.
Economy: Mathematical language is highly
economical. It uses a minimal number of words
to express complex concepts and relationships.
This economy of language allows
mathematicians to communicate complex
ideas efficiently and effectively.
Mathematical language is a highly precise,
symbolic, logical, consistent, abstract, and
economical language that is used to express
mathematical ideas and concepts in a rigorous
and structured way.
INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINE KAE P. ARAGON 5
 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
LEVEL I
LESSON 2 – SENTENCE VERSUS
EXPRESSIONS
In mathematics, an expression is a combination
of numbers, symbols, and operators that
represents a mathematical quantity or
relationship, while a sentence is a complete
statement that expresses a mathematical
relationship or equation.
Mathematical Expression:
A mathematical expression is a combination of
mathematical symbols and/or numbers that can
be evaluated or simplified to produce a single
value. Expressions can be as simple as a single
number or as complex as a long series of
calculations. They can include variables, which
are represented by letters or symbols, and can
contain mathematical operators such as
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division,
and exponentiation.
For example:
2 + 3 is a simple mathematical expression that
evaluates to 5.
4x + 2y - 3z is a more complex expression that
contains variables and evaluates to a value
based on the specific values of x, y, and z.
Mathematical Sentence:
A mathematical sentence is a complete
statement that uses mathematical expressions,
symbols, and operators to express a relationship
or equation. It can be true or false depending
on the values of the variables used in the
statement.
For example:
2x + 5 = 11 is a mathematical sentence that
expresses a relationship between the variable x
and the numbers 2, 5, and 11. This sentence is
true if x = 3, as 2(3) + 5 = 11, but false if x = 2,
as 2(2) + 5 ≠ 11.
sin(θ) + cos(θ) = 1 is another mathematical
sentence that expresses a relationship between
the trigonometric functions sin and cos, and the
number 1. This sentence is true for any value of
θ that satisfies the equation.
Mathematical expression is a combination of
numbers, symbols, and operators that
represents a mathematical quantity, while a
mathematical sentence is a complete statement
that expresses a mathematical relationship or
equation.
DIFFERENT FORM OF NUMBERS
In mathematics and statistics, there are
different types of numbers that have distinct
meanings and uses. The three main forms of
numbers are cardinal, ordinal, and nominal.
Cardinal Numbers:
Cardinal numbers are used to denote the
quantity or size of a set, or to count objects or
events. They are typically represented by digits
(0-9) or words. Cardinal numbers can be used
for arithmetic operations such as addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Examples of cardinal numbers are:
3 apples
8 cats
12 meters
456,789 people
Ordinal Numbers:
Ordinal numbers are used to denote the position
of an element in a sequence or order. They
represent the rank or order of an object or
event, rather than its quantity or size. Ordinal
INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINE KAE P. ARAGON 6
 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
LEVEL I
numbers are typically represented by words,
such as first, second, third, etc.
Examples of ordinal numbers are:
1st place
3rd quarter
4th book in a series
12th anniversary
Nominal Numbers:
Nominal numbers are used to identify or
categorize objects or events. They do not have
any inherent order or value, and cannot be used
for arithmetic operations. Nominal numbers are
typically represented by names, labels, or
symbols.
Examples of nominal numbers are:
Blood types (A, B, AB, O)
Colors (red, blue, green)
Categories of animals (mammals, birds, fish)
Types of cars (sedan, SUV, truck)
Cardinal numbers are used to denote the
quantity or size of a set, ordinal numbers are
used to denote the position of an element in a
sequence or order, and nominal numbers are
used to identify or categorize objects or events.
LESSON 3: THE LANGUAGE OF SETS
In mathematics, sets are collections of distinct
and unique objects or elements. Set theory
defines a number of operations that can be
performed on sets to manipulate them or
analyze their relationships with other sets. Some
of the most common operations on sets are:
Union: The union of two sets A and B, denoted
by A ∪ B, is a set that contains all the elements
that are in A, in B, or in both. In other words,
the union of two sets combines all the elements
of the two sets without any duplicates.
Example: Let A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {2, 3, 4}.
Then, A ∪ B = {1, 2, 3, 4}.
Intersection: The intersection of two sets A
and B, denoted by A ∩ B, is a set that contains
all the elements that are in both A and B. In
other words, the intersection of two sets finds
the common elements in both sets.
Example: Let A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {2, 3, 4}.
Then, A ∩ B = {2, 3}.
Difference: The difference of two sets A and
B, denoted by A \ B, is a set that contains all the
elements that are in A but not in B. In other
words, the difference of two sets removes the
elements of one set that are also in the other
set.
Example: Let A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {2, 3, 4}.
Then, A \ B = {1}.
Complement: The complement of a set A,
denoted by A', is the set of all elements that are
not in A. In other words, the complement of a
set contains all the elements that are in the
universal set but not in A.
Example: Let A = {1, 2, 3} and the universal set
U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}. Then, A' = {4, 5}.
INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINE KAE P. ARAGON 7
 MEDICAL COLLEGES OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
LEVEL I

Cartesian product: The Cartesian product of

two sets A and B, denoted by A × B, is a set that
contains all ordered pairs (a, b), where a is an
element of A and b is an element of B. In other
words, the Cartesian product of two sets creates
a set of all possible combinations of the
elements in both sets.
Example: Let A = {1, 2} and B = {3, 4}. Then,
A × B = {(1, 3), (1, 4), (2, 3), (2, 4)}.
These set operations can be used to perform
various types of set analysis and manipulation
in different fields of mathematics, such as
algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics.

INSTRUCTOR: CHRISTINE KAE P. ARAGON 8