The Nature of Mathematics

At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:

 Explain the nature of mathematics as a language;
 Identify the different types of patterns in mathematics;
 Explain the nature and characteristics of mathematics; and
 Use internet and other gadgets to do a research on different patterns found in
objects, plants, and animals and that can be modeled mathematically.
What is Mathematics?
From the ancient Greek language Mathema “that which is
learnt” or “ to learn”

Mathematics is the science of patterns and relationships.

The science of structure, order, and relations that has evolved

from elemental practices of counting, measuring, and
describing the shapes and characteristics of objects.
What comes next?

A B
What comes next?
What comes next?
What number comes next?
a. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, ______?
How did you predict the next number?

b. 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, ______?

How did you predict the next number?
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Patterns in nature are visible regularities of form found in the
natural world.

These patterns recur in different contexts and can sometimes

be modelled mathematically.

Regularity in the world states the fact that the same thing
always happens in the circumstances.
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Symmetry – refers to a sense of harmonious
and beautiful proportion and balance.

In mathematics, “symmetry” means that an object is invariant to any forms of

various transformations including reflections.
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Two Main Types of Symmetry

1. Bilateral Symmetry - a symmetry in which the left and right

sides of the organism can be divided approximately mirror
image of each other along the midline.
2. Radial or Rotational Symmetry - a type of symmetry around a
fixed point known as the center. It can be classified as cyclic or
dihedral
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Radial or Rotational Symmetry
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Radial or Rotational Symmetry
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Spiral – a curve which emanates from a point, moving
farther away as it revolves around the point.
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Wave – a disturbance that transfers energy through matter or
space, with little or no associated mass transport.
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Foam – a substance formed by trapping pockets of gas in a
liquid or solid.
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Tessellation – tiling of a plane using one or more geometric
shapes called tiles with no overlaps and no gaps.
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Fracture or Crack – separation of material into two or more
pieces under the action of stress.
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Stripes – made by a series of bands or strips, often of the
same width and color along the length
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Fractals – a never ending pattern. Consists of infinitely
complex patterns that are self similar across different scales in
loop.
Patterns and numbers in Nature
Other forms of fractals:
World Population
World leaders, sociologist and anthropologist are interested in studying
population including its growth. Using the formula for exponential growth, this
would result in the population size after time t and with a growth rate of r.

where:
A – size of the population after it grows.
P – initial number of people.
e – Euler’s constant 2.718
r – rate of growth
t – time in years
 Population Growth Problems
1. The exponential growth model 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?

2. The exponential growth model describes the population of a city in the

Philippines in thousands, t years after 1997.
c.What is the population after 20 years?
d.What is the population in 2037?
Fibonacci Sequence

Binet's formula
Activity: (1 whole)
1. What is the population in thousands of a
certain community after 10 yrs. if it’s
exponential growth model is A = 100.005t.
2. Using the Binet's formula solve for
a. 35th Fibonacci number
b. 40th Fibonacci number
c. 47th Fibonacci number
3. Is fib 10 equal to fib 5 + fib 5? Yes or no.
Justify your answer.
Assignment:
Watch the video “ The Great Math Mystery”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tou8kXq6hHE&t=201s
and make a reflection paper that will answer the following questions.
1. Three things that I significantly learned from the video.
2. Three things that are still unclear to me.
3. I used to think that …

Write your answer on a one whole sheet of paper.

(limit to 3-5 paragraphs)
To be submitted next meeting.
Rubric for assignment: Please copy this at the end of your paper.
Criteria Outstanding Proficient Basic Below
expectations
Critical Rich in content; Substantial information Information is thin Analysis and
Thinking insightful analysis and evidence of analysis and very common, connections are off
(30 pts) and clear but general connections vague connections the topic
connections made are unclear and generalizations (7.5)
in real life (22.5) (15)
situations
(30)
Personal Entries are high Connects ideas and Little evidence of Lack of connection
Reflection quality consisting thoughts in personal life. personal and evidences
(20 pts) of personal Evidence of personal connection and (5)
reflection between connection to math needs personal
real life and math learning explanation and
learning (15) justification.
(20) (10)
TOTAL /50
Performance Task
Create a magazine cover that will answer the question: “What
is Mathematics?”
This will be submitted online on our MSTEAMS.
You will be graded as follows:
Creativity and Originality - 40%
Relevance - 40%
Timeliness - 20%

To be submitted week before midterm exam.