MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

A Modular Approach

Course Description
This course deals with nature of Mathematics, appreciation of its practical, intellectual, and aesthetic
dimensions, and appreciation of mathematical tools in daily life.
The course begins with an introduction to the nature of Mathematics as an exploration of patterns (in nature
and in 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
aesthetic in patterns of nature, for example, and a rich language in itself (and of Science) governed by logic and
reasoning.
The course 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)

Lecturer: MARY ROSE I. MENDOZA - LIBRE

Email: [Link]@[Link]
Course & Description: Math 111 - Mathematics in the Modern World
Schedule:

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the students would be able to:

Knowledge
1. Discuss and argue about the nature of Mathematics, what it is, how it is expressed, represented, and used.
2. Use different types of reasoning to justify statements and arguments made about Mathematics and
mathematical concepts.
3. Discuss the language and symbols of Mathematics.
Skills
1. Use a variety of statistical tools to process and manage numerical data;
2. Analyze codes and coding schemes used for identification, privacy and security purposes;
3. Use Mathematics in other areas such as finance, voting, health and medicine, business, environment, arts
and design, and recreation.
Values
1. Appreciate the nature and uses of Mathematics in everyday life.
2. Affirm honesty and integrity in the application of Mathematics to various human endeavors.

COURSE OUTLINE

Section 1: The Nature of Mathematics

I. Mathematics in our World
Core Idea: Mathematics is a useful way to think about nature and our world.
II. Mathematical Language and Symbols
Core Idea: Like any language, Mathematics has its own symbols, syntax and rules
III. Problem Solving and Reasoning
Core Idea: Mathematics is not just about numbers; much of it is problem solving and reasoning

Section 2: Mathematics as a Tool

I. Data Management
Core Idea: Statistical tool derived from Mathematics are useful in processing and managing numerical data in
order to describe a phenomenon and predict values
II. Part Two (Choose two or three additional topics)
1. Geometric Designs
Core Idea: Geometry can help enhance one’s artistic prowess as well as enrich one’s own culture

1|[Math111] Mathematics in the Modern World

 2. Codes
Core Idea: The utility of Mathematics goes beyond the mundane. Mathematics enables the development of
codes and ciphers that are useful to individuals and to society
3. Linear Programming
4. The Mathematics and Finance
5. Apportionment and Voting
6. Logic
7. The Mathematics of Graphs
8. Mathematical Systems

References:
CENGAGE Philippine Edition(2018), Mathematics in the Modern World, Rex Book Store, Inc.
Nocon, R. and Nocon, E. (2018), Essential of Mathematics in the Modern World, DLSU-Taft Bookstore
[Link]

2|[Math111] Mathematics in the Modern World

 Module 1. The Nature of Mathematics
Core Idea
Module One is an introduction to the nature of mathematics as an exploration of patterns. It is a useful way to think
about nature and our world.
Course Outcomes
At the end of the topic, the students must have:
1. To identify patterns in nature and regularities in the world.
2. To articulate importance of mathematics in one’s life.
3. To argue about the nature of mathematics, what it is, how it is expressed, represented, and used.
4. Express appreciation of mathematics as a human endeavor.
Time Allotted: __ hrs

PRETEST

Direction: Cite the mathematical application that you commonly do in each of the following stations and state your
appreciation.

Stations Applications of and Appreciation for Mathematics

1. Market
2. Bus / Jeepney
3. Church
4. Club Meeting
5. Clinic
6. Court
7. Laboratory
8. Birthday Party
9. Watching Games
10. Police Station

MODULE CONTENT

What is Mathematics?

Mathematics has been defined as the study of numbers and arithmetic operations. Others define mathematics
as a set of tools or a collection of skills that can be applied to questions of “how many” or “how much”. Still others view
it is a science which involves logical reasoning, drawing conclusions from assumed premises, systematized knowledge,
and strategic reasoning based on accepted rules, laws, or probabilities. Mathematics has also been defined as an art
which patterns for predictive purposes or as a specialized language which deals with form, size and quantity.
Whatever point of view we take, there is no denying the fact that mathematics is universal. People from around
the world use math to get things done. It helps us perform daily tasks as well as make important decisions like buying
wisely, choosing the most appropriate insurance plan, or even betting on an outcome with the highest chance of actually
occurring. We use the same mathematical concepts and language regardless of whether we are Asians, Americans,
Africans or Europeans.
In examining the development of mathematics from a historical perspective, we can see that much has been
directed towards describing patterns of relationship that were of interest to various individuals. We see many examples
of interest in patterns, which are directly related to common human experiences.

Patterns in Nature and the Regularities in the World

Patterns and counting are correlative. Counting happens when there is pattern. When there is counting, there
is logic. Consequently, pattern in nature goes with logic and or logical set-up. There are reasons behind a certain
pattern. That’s why, oftentimes, some people develop an understanding of patterns, relationships, and functions and
use them to represent and explain real-world phenomena. Most people say that mathematics is the science behind
patterns. Mathematics exists everywhere as patterns do in nature. Not only do patterns take many forms within the
range of school mathematics, they are also a unifying mechanism.
Number patterns - such as 2, 4, 6, 8 - are familiar to us since they are among the patterns first learned in our
younger years. As we advance, we experience number patterns again through the huge concept of functions in
mathematics inside and outside school. But patterns are much broader and common anywhere anytime.

3|[Math111] Mathematics in the Modern World

 Patterns can be sequential, spatial, temporal, and even linguistic. The most basic pattern is the sequence of
the dates in the calendar used month after month, the 7 days in a week, the 12 months in a year, and the regular
holidays in a year such as New Year, Valentine’s day, Holy week, Labor Day, and the like. All these phenomena create
a repetition of names or events called regularity.

In this world, a regularity (Collins, 2018), is the fact that the same thing always happens in the same
circumstances. While a pattern is a discernible regularity in the world or in a man-made design. As such, the elements
of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner. Patterns in nature (Wikipedia) are visible regularities of form found in the
natural world. These patterns recur in different contexts and can sometimes be modelled mathematically. Natural
patterns include symmetries, trees, spirals, meanders, waves, foams, tessellations, cracks and stripes. A geometric
pattern is a kind of pattern formed of geometric shapes and typically repeated like a wallpaper design. In Algebra,
there are two common categories of patterns, the repeating pattern and the growing pattern. Regularity in the world
states the fact that the same thing always happens in the same circumstances.

According to Ian Stewart (1995), we live in a universe of patterns. Every night the stars move in circles across
the sky. The season cycle of yearly intervals. No two snowflakes are ever exactly the same. But they all have six-fold
symmetry. Tigers and zebras are covered in patterns of stripes, leopards and hyenas are covered in patterns of spots.
Intricate trains of waves march across the ocean; very similar trains of sand dunes march across desert. Colored arcs
of light adorn the sky in the form of rainbows, and a bright circular halo sometimes surrounds the moon on winter night.
Spherical drops of water fall from clouds. Human mind and culture have developed a formal system of thought for
recognizing, classifying and exploiting patterns. We call it Mathematics. By using mathematics to organize and
systematize our ideas about patterns. We have discovered a great secret; nature's patterns are not just there to be
admired. They are vital clues to the rules that govern the natural process.

Patterns
The study of mathematics includes numbers and the different patterns in which they are listed. There are
different types of patterns in mathematics, such as number patterns, image patterns, logic patterns, word patterns, and
so on. The number pattern is the most commonly used one since students are aware of even numbers, odd numbers,
skip counting, etc., which help in understanding these patterns easily.

Different Kinds of Pattern

As we look at the world around us, we can sense the orchestrating great regularity and diversity of living and
non-living things. The symphonies vary from tiny to gigantic, from simple to complex, and from dull to the bright. The
kaleidoscope of patterns is everywhere and they make the nature look only fascinating but also intriguing.
Paradoxically, it seemed that everything in the world follows a pattern of their own and tamed by the same time pattern
of their own.

Logic Pattern. We usually look at logic patterns first. Classifying things, for example, comes before numeration. We
need to be able to tell which things are blocks and which are not before we can learn to count the blocks. One kind of
logic pattern deals with the characteristics of various objects. Another deals with order. We see these on aptitude tests
where we are shown a sequence of pictures and are asked to slect from among several choices which figure comes
next.

Number Pattern. Number pattern is the most common type of pattern in mathematics where a list of numbers follows
a certain sequence based on a rule. The different types of number patterns are algebraic or arithmetic patterns,
geometric patterns, and the Fibonacci pattern.

Arithmetic Pattern. Arithmetic Pattern, also known as the algebraic pattern, is a sequence of numbers based on
addition or subtraction to form a sequence of numbers that are related to each other. If two or more numbers in the
sequence are given, we can use addition or subtraction to find the arithmetic pattern. We can also determine the
missing number in a given sequence by using addition or subtraction.

Geometric Patterns. A geometric pattern is a kind of pattern which consists of a series of shapes that are typically
repeated. These are regularities in the natural world that are repeated in a predictable manner. Geometrical patterns
are usually visible on cacti and succulents.

Word Patterns. Patterns can also be found in language too, like the syntactic patterns of how we make nouns plural
or verbs future sense as well as the metrical patterns of poem.

4|[Math111] Mathematics in the Modern World

Patterns of Visuals. Visual patterns are often unpredictable, never quite repeatable, and often contain fractals. These
patterns are can be seen from the seeds and pinecones to the branches and leaves. They are also visible in self-similar
replication of trees, ferns, and plants throughout nature.

Patterns of Flow. The flow of liquids provides an inexhaustible supply of nature’s patterns. Patterns of flow are usually
found in the water, stone, and even in the growth of trees. There is also a flow pattern present in meandering rivers
with the repetition of undulating lines.

Patterns of Movement. In the human walk, the feet strike the ground in a regular rhythm: the left-right-left-right-left
rhythm. When a horse, a four-legged creature walks, there is more of a complex but equally rhythmic pattern. This
prevalence of pattern in locomotion extends to the scuttling of insects, the flights of birds, the pulsations of jellyfish,
and also the wave-like movements of fish, worms, and snakes.

Patterns of Rhythm. Rhythm is conceivably the most basic pattern in nature. Our hearts and lungs follow a regular
repeated pattern of sounds or movement whose timing is adapted to our body’s needs. Many of nature’s rhythms are
most likely similar to a heartbeat, while others are like breathing. The beating of the heart, as well as breathing, have
a default pattern.

Patterns of Texture. A texture is a quality of a certain object that we sense through touch. It exists as a literal surface
that we can feel, see, and imagine. Textures are of many kinds. It can be bristly, and rough, but it can also be smooth,
cold, and hard.

Some Example of Patterns in Nature

Common patterns appear in nature, just like what we see when we look closely at plants, flowers, animals,
and even at our bodies. These common patterns are all incorporated in many natural things.

Symmetry
Symmetry came from a Greek word “symmetria" that means agreement in dimensions, due
proportion, arrangement. In everyday language, it refers to a sense of harmonious and
beautiful proportion and balance. In mathematics, "symmetry" has a more precise definition,
and is usually used to refer to an object that is invariant under some transformations;
including translation, reflection, rotation or scaling

Spiral
A spiral is a curve which emanates from a point, moving farther away as it revolves around
the point. An example is the cutaway of a nautilus shell showing the chambers arranged in
an approximately logarithmic spiral

Meander
A meander is one of the series of regular sinuous curves, bends, loops, turns and windings
in the channel of a river stream or other water course. It is produced by stream or river
swinging from side to side as it flows across its floodplain or shifts its channel within a valley.
A meander is produced by a stream or river as it erodes the sediments comprising an outer
concave bank (cut bank) and deposits this and other sediments downstream on an inner
convex bank, which is typically a point bar.

Wave
A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space with little or no
associated mass. Transport. Waves consist of oscillations or vibrations of a physical medium
or a field, around relatively fixed locations. Surface waves in water show water ripples is an
example.

Foam
A foam is a substance made by trapping air or gas bubbles inside a solid or liquid. Typically,
the volume of gas is much larger than that of the liquid or solid, with thin films separating
gas pockets. A bath sponge and the head on a glass of beer are examples of foams. In most
foams, the volume of gas is large, with thin films of liquid or solid separating the regions of
gas. Soap foams are also known as suds.

Tessellation
A tessellation is a regular pattern made up of flat shapes repeated and joined together
without any gaps or overlaps. These shapes do not all need to be the same, but the pattern
should repeat. Another word for tessellation is tiling.

5|[Math111] Mathematics in the Modern World

 Fracture / Cracks
Fracture is the separation of an object or material into two or more pieces under the action
of stress. The fracture of a solid usually occurs due to the development of certain
displacement discontinuity surfaces within the solid. If a displacement develops
perpendicular to the surface, it is called a normal tensile crack or simply a crack; if a
displacement develops tangentially, it is called a shear crack, slip band or dislocation.

Stripes
A stripe is a line or band that differs in color or tone from an adjacent area. Stripes, although
not as mathematically created as symmetrical or proportional patterns, have immediately
apparent uses in nature. The first and most obvious reason for stripes is in terms of security.
Zebras in a herd stop lions from being able to track a single individual zebra, making an
attack difficult.

Fractal
A fractal is a never-ending pattern. Fractals are infinitely complex patterns that are self-
similar across different scales. They are created by repeating a simple process over and
over in an ongoing feedback loop. Driven by recursion, fractals are images of dynamic
systems – the pictures of Chaos. Geometrically, they exist in between our familiar
dimensions. Fractal patterns are extremely familiar, since nature is full of fractals. For
instance: trees, rivers, coastlines, mountains, clouds, seashells, hurricanes, etc. Abstract
fractals – such as the Mandelbrot Set – can be generated by a computer calculating a
simple equation over and over.
Affine Transformation
An affine transformation is a type of geometric transformation which preserves collinearity
(if a collection of points sits on a line before the transformation, they all sit on a line
afterwards) and the ratios of distances between points on a line. Types of affine
transformations include translation (moving a figure), scaling (increasing or decreasing the
size of a figure), and rotation (turning a figure about a point).

Importance of Mathematics in Life

Believe it or not, Mathematics is all around us. Often we do not realize it, though. In fact, the modern world
runs on mathematics. It provides a way to make things work better and more efficiently. Well, if you are still
confused and in denial that Math is all around us, the discussion below will help you understand more where exactly
Mathematics is situated.
Firstly, Mathematics is in every people’s daily task or activity. From the very moment you open your eyes
in the morning, telling time, cooking, eating, and even when you are cleaning or decorating your homes. There is math.
How long, how many, the combinations or mixtures of the ingredients, the distance of one frame from another and so,
and so on. At work, how long have you been working in a day? How much do you make an hour? Next is shopping.
The prices especially the discounts no matter how small or big are they, Math is there. Travelling. The distance from
your house to the next destination you going to. How fast did you get there whether you are using a vehicle or by your
bare foot. Then goes when you are thinking specifically in making decision, you have to weigh things properly,
sometimes you have to rethink over and over again. Logic, to be precise. The stronger your logic skills become, the
more efficient you will be in your everyday life, and the more you will be able to navigate the society we’ve built for
ourselves. To sum it up, in everything we do, there is math, always.
Secondly, it is in nature, arts, music, medicine, and other disciplines. Let’s discuss it one by one.
1. It is in nature for Mathematics reveals hidden patterns that help us understand the world around us. As we
discover more and more about our environment and our surroundings we see that nature can be described
mathematically. The beauty of every flower, the majesty of different trees, even the rocks, all of them, exhibits
nature’s sense of symmetry. The shapes of the hills, mountains, and volcanoes, different habitat like the
beehives, and many more.
2. In arts. It is said that mathematics and arts have a long historical relationship. In fact, Mathematics has
directly influenced art with conceptual tools such as linear perspective, the analysis of symmetry, and
mathematical objects such as polyhedra and the like. Mathematics can be discerned in arts such as music,
dance, painting, architecture, sculpture, and textiles.

6|[Math111] Mathematics in the Modern World

 3. Music. Since music is a form of art, then that explains that Math is in music. For further explanation,
counting, rhythm, scales, intervals, patterns, symbols, harmonies, time signatures, overtones, tone, pitch and
even notations of composers and sounds made by musicians are connected to mathematics.
4. Medicine. Mathematics plays a crucial role in medicine and because people's lives are involved, it is very
important for nurses and doctors to be very accurate in their mathematical calculations. Indeed, numbers
provide information for doctors, nurses, and even patients. Apart from that, In the survey article made by
Ahmed I. Zayed (May 2019) titled “A new perspective on the role of Mathematics in medicine”, reflected there
that one of the ubiquitous (universal) applications of ma mathematics in medicine is the use of probability and
statistics in validating the effectiveness of new drugs, or procedures, or estimating the survival rate of cancer
patients undergoing certain treatments.
5. Other disciplines. Apart from music, arts, and medicine, Mathematics can also be found in other disciplines
or specializations. Disciplines such as education, business, engineering, sciences, sports and many more.

Thirdly, Mathematics is in communities. The rest of the things that we discussed above is situated in a
community. A person lives in a community. Music is played, sang and constructed in a community. Medical operations
and application are done in communities and the rest of the disciplines that we have are all visible in a community. So,
don’t you dare disagree that math is in community.
Lastly, Mathematics is everywhere. After all the explanations, I think this one is self-explanatory!

Nature of Mathematics
It is important to further discuss the nature of mathematics, what it is, how it is expressed, represented, and
used. According to the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1990), mathematics relies on both logic
and creativity, and it is pursued both for a variety of practical purposes and for its intrinsic interest. For some people,
and not only professional mathematicians, the essence of mathematics lies in its beauty and its intellectual challenge.

 Patterns and relationship

 Mathematics, Science and Technology
 Mathematical Inquiry
 Abstraction and Symbolic Representation
 Manipulating Mathematical Statements
 Mathematical Applications

How Mathematics is done?

What comes on your mind upon seeing or hearing the question? Basically, one will say just simply add,
subtract, multiply, divide, or sometimes you have to perform two or all of the four operations at once. But apart from
the usual application of the four fundamentals operation, there’s a lot of ways on how one should do math. Here’s how.

1. Mathematics is done with curiosity?

A problem, no matter how easy, average, or difficult it is, will remain a problem if one will not be curious enough
to answer it. Do you think we will be able to figure out why pineapple’s skin looks that way if none pays
attention to it? What about the hexagonal shapes in the dragonfly’s eyes are you aware of that? The rest of
the things that we enjoyed, currently enjoying, and we will be enjoying still, started with one’s curiosity.

2. Mathematics is done with a penchant for seeking patterns and generalities.

Solving mathematical problems is as simple as performing the four fundamental operations. However, if you
are not that interested, or you easily give up especially when you fail to answer it after a giving a try, you will
never be able to answer it correctly. You have to love mathematics as well as doing it most especially that it
is in our daily task or activity.

3. Mathematics is done with the desire to know the truth.

4. Mathematics is done with trial and error.

Let us explain this sentences together. The most effective medicine of a certain disease won’t be formulated
and generated in just an attempt or by an overnight process. It takes a lot of computations, validations, and
process trial and error. However, no matter how impossible it is, like cancer before, because of one’s desire
to the truth, that cancer is curable, it made possible. At present, cancer is now curable. Sooner or later, covid-
19 will be over because a lot of medical people and researchers are working so hard, they keep on trying over

7|[Math111] Mathematics in the Modern World

 and over again, and giving up is not an option. We will be able to have that vaccine that will surely and
completely end that virus.

5. Mathematics is done without fear of facing more questions and problems to solve.
Assuming that you wake up one day with the vaccine over the covid-19 virus. DO you really think everybody
or majority will believe you that your vaccine will end the pandemic? Definitely not! However, it should and
must not stop you from doing that. You have to be strong enough to answers all allegations against you and
your vaccine. In case proven that’s till, not the vaccine that we are all waiting for, redo your experimentations,
considering the different aspect that you unintentionally missed. Never mind the negative comments or
whatever not so good thing that people will throw to you. Present it again, until proven that you have
conquered, and you now have with you the answer to the pandemic that we are all experiencing now.

Fibonacci Sequences

Definition of Recursions
A recursive sequence is a sequence of the form
𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , . . . , 𝑎𝑛 , . ..
and satisfying the following two conditions:

(1) A number of the terms of the sequence 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 , . . . , 𝑎𝑟 , are given. These are the initial values.
(2) A rule called the recursions is given, which explains how 𝑎𝑛 is to be computed in terms of the previous
terms in the sequences, if 𝑛 > 𝑟.

Fibonacci Numbers
Leonardo Fibonacci, or Leonardo of Pisa, was born about 1170 AD. In 1202 A.D., Fibonacci published the
Liber Abaci. This book contains the first description of the Fibonacci Sequences, in the solution to the Rabbit
Problem. There is a journal devoted to the applications of the Fibonacci sequence, the Fibonacci Quarterly, and
several books have been devoted to the applications of the Fibonacci sequence in computer science and elsewhere.

The Fibonacci numbers 𝐹𝑛 have initial values

𝐹0 = 0, 𝐹1 = 1
and the recursion of the sequence of numbers as
𝐹𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛−2 + 𝐹𝑛−1 , if 𝑛 ≥ 2.

Example Compute the Fibonacci sequence, for 0 ≤ 𝑛 ≤ 0

Solution:
𝐹0 = 0, 𝐹1 = 1
𝐹2 = 0 + 1 = 1
𝐹3 = 1 + 1 = 2
𝐹4 = 1 + 2 = 3
𝐹5 = 2 + 3 = 5
𝐹6 = 3 + 5 = 8
𝐹7 = 5 + 8 = 13
𝐹8 = 8 + 13 = 21
𝐹9 = 13 + 21 = 34
𝐹10 = 21 + 34 = 55
𝐹11 = 34 + 55 = 89

This illustrate how Fibonacci is generated. Thus, the first 12 numbers of the Fibonacci sequence is in the set
{0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89}.

In other words, to obtain the succeeding element of the Fibonacci sequence, we simply add the preceding
two numbers of the sequence.

The general term of the Fibonacci sequence is stated by the formula,

𝐹𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛−2 + 𝐹𝑛−1 , if 𝑛 ≥ 2.

Where the first term 𝑆1 and the second term 𝑆2 are both trivial terms given as 1 (𝑆1 = 𝑆2 = 1), and the locations
of the succeeding terms 𝑆𝑛 are computed as follows:

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3rd term 𝑆3 = 𝑆1 + 𝑆2
4th term 𝑆4 = 𝑆2 + 𝑆3 = 𝑆2 + (𝑆1 + 𝑆2 ) = 𝑆1 + 2𝑆2
5th term 𝑆5 = 𝑆3 + 𝑆4 = (𝑆1 + 𝑆2 ) + (𝑆1 + 2𝑆2 ) = 2𝑆1 + 3𝑆2
6th term 𝑆6 = 𝑆4 + 𝑆5 = (𝑆1 + 2𝑆2 ) + ( 2𝑆1 + 3𝑆2 ) = 3𝑆1 + 5𝑆2

and so forth.

Try on your own!!

1. Find the 14th Term of the Fibonacci sequence, where 𝐹0 = 0 as 1st term.
{0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89}
Ans. 377

2. Find the first 4 terms of the Fibonacci sequence, 𝐹𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛−2 + 𝐹𝑛−1 , if 𝑛 ≥ 2.

Where the two given terms are 𝑆1 = −3 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆2 = 7
Ans. {-3, 7, 4, 11}

3. If 𝑆1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆2 represent the first two numbers of the Fibonacci sequence, write the 8th terms in terms of 𝑆1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆2 .
Ans. 8𝑆1 + 13𝑆2

9|[Math111] Mathematics in the Modern World

GOLDEN RATIO
The golden ratio, which is often referred to as the golden mean, divine proportion, or golden section, is a
special attribute, denoted by the symbol ϕ, and is approximately equal to 1.618. The study of many special formations
can be done using special sequences like the Fibonacci sequence and attributes like the golden ratio.

This ratio is found in various arts, architecture, and designs. Many admirable pieces of architecture like The
Great Pyramid of Egypt, Parthenon, have either been partially or completely designed to reflect the golden ratio in their
structure. Great artists like Leonardo Da Vinci used the golden ratio in a few of his masterpieces and it was known as
the "Divine Proportion" in the 1500s. Let us learn more about the golden ratio in this lesson.

What is the Golden Ratio?

The golden ratio, which is also referred to as the golden mean, divine proportion, or golden section, exists
between two quantities if their ratio is equal to the ratio of their sum to the larger quantity between the two. With
reference to this definition, if we divide a line into two parts, the parts will be in the golden ratio if:

The ratio of the length of the longer part, say "a" to the length of the shorter part, say "b" is equal to the ratio
of their sum " (a + b)" to the longer length.

Refer to the following diagram for a better understanding of the above concept:

It is denoted using the Greek letter ϕ, pronounced as "phi". The approximate value of ϕ is equal to
1.61803398875... It finds application in geometry, art, architecture, and other areas. Thus, the following equation
establishes the relationship for the calculation of golden ratio: ϕ = a/b = (a + b)/a = 1.61803398875... where a and b
are the dimensions of two quantities and a is the larger among the two.

Golden Ratio Definition

When a line is divided into two parts, the long part that is divided by the short part is equal to the whole length
divided by the long part is defined as the golden ratio. Mentioned below are the golden ratio in architecture and art
examples.

There are many applications of the golden ratio in the field of architecture. Many architectural wonders like
the Great Mosque of Kairouan have been built to reflect the golden ratio in their structure. Artists like Leonardo Da
Vinci, Raphael, Sandro Botticelli, and Georges Seurat used this as an attribute in their artworks.

Golden Ratio Samples

Golden Ratio Formula

The Golden ratio formula can be used to calculate the value of the golden ratio. The golden ratio equation is derived
to find the general formula to calculate golden ratio.

10 | [ M a t h 1 1 1 ] M a t h e m a t i c s i n t h e M o d e r n W o r l d
Golden Ratio Equation
From the definition of the golden ratio,
a/b = (a + b)/a = ϕ

From this equation, we get two equations:

a/b = ϕ → (1)
(a + b)/a = ϕ → (2)

From equation (1),

a/b = ϕ
⇒a=b

Substitute this in equation (2),

(bϕ + b)/bϕ = ϕ
b( ϕ + 1)/bϕ = ϕ
(ϕ + 1)/ϕ = ϕ
1 + 1/ϕ = ϕ
1 + 1/ϕ = ϕ

How to Calculate the Golden Ratio?

The value of the golden ratio can be calculated using different methods. Let us start with a basic one.

Hit and trial method

We will guess an arbitrary value of the constant, then follow these steps to calculate a closer value in each
iteration.

 Calculate the multiplicative inverse of the value you guessed, i.e., 1/value. This value will be our first term.
 Calculate another term by adding 1 to the multiplicative inverse of that value.
 Both the terms obtained in the above steps should be equal. If not, we will repeat the process till we get an
approximately equal value for both terms.
 For the second iteration, we will use the assumed value equal to the term 2 obtained in step 2, and so on.

For example,
Since ϕ = 1 + 1/ϕ, it must be greater than 1. Let us start with value 1.5 as our first guess.

 Term 1 = Multiplicative inverse of 1.5 = 1/1.5 = 0.6666...

 Term 2 = Multiplicative inverse of 1.5 + 1 = 0.6666.. + 1 = 1.6666...

Since both the terms are not equal, we will repeat this process again using the assumed value equal to term 2.

The following table gives the data of calculations for all the assumed values until we get the desired equal terms:
Iteration Assumed value Term 1 (1/value) Term 2 (1/value + 1)
1. 1.5 11.511.5 = 0.6666.. 0.6666.. + 1 = 1.6666..
2. 1.6666.. 11.666..11.666.. = 0.6 0.6 + 1 = 1.6
3. 1.6 11.611.6 = 0.625 0.625 + 1 = 1.625
4. 1.625 11.62511.625 = 0.61538.. 0.61538.. + 1 = 1.61538..
5. 1.61538.. .. .. and so on
The more iterations you follow, the closer the approximate value will be to the accurate one. The other methods
provide a more efficient way to calculate the accurate value.
What is Golden Rectangle?
In geometry, a golden rectangle is defined as a rectangle whose side lengths are in the golden ratio. The golden
rectangle exhibits a very special form of self-similarity. All rectangles that are created by adding or removing a square
are golden rectangles as well.
Constructing a Golden Rectangle
We can construct a golden rectangle using the following steps:

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Step 1: First, we will draw a square of 1 unit. On one of its sides, draw a point midway. Now, we will draw a line from
this point to a corner of the other side.

Step 2: Using this line as a radius and the point drawn midway as the center, draw an arc running along the square's
side. The length of this arc can be calculated using Pythagoras Theorem: √(1/2)2 + (1)2 = √5/2 units.
Step 3: Use the intersection of this arc and the square's side to draw a rectangle as shown in the figure below:

This is a golden rectangle because its dimensions are in the golden ratio. i.e., ϕ = (√5/2 + 1/2)/1 = 1.61803

Learning Activities

Direction: Reflect from the following questions and answer them via a maximum of 5 minutes video presentation
(VLOG format). Please be guided by the attached rubric.
1. What new ideas about mathematics did you learn?
2. What is it about mathematics that might have changed your thoughts about it?
3. What is most useful about mathematics for humankind?

Rubric

Criteria 4 3 2 1

Exceeds Expectation Meets expectation Needs improvement Inadequate

The output has clear The output has clear The output has low The output has
Quality of Video video and audio. video but audio has quality of both video and poor quality of
low quality. Or vice audio. both video and
versa. audio.
Content Very informative and Somewhat informative Gives some new Gives no new
well-organized and organized information but poorly information and
organized very poorly
organized
Time Limit Submitted a 5- minute Submitted more than 5 Submitted a 5- minute Submitted more
or less video on time - minute video on time video after the due date. than 5 - minute
video after the
due date.

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