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Patterns of Mathematics in Nature

This document discusses patterns and mathematics in nature. It begins by defining mathematics as a system for recognizing, classifying, and exploiting patterns. Mathematics can be seen in nature, daily life, communities, and events. Mathematics helps unravel puzzles in nature, organize patterns, predict outcomes, and control phenomena. It involves numbers, operations, abstraction, and proof. Mathematics is done with curiosity, seeking patterns, and a desire to understand truth. Mathematicians, scientists, and everyone uses mathematics, though in different ways and for different purposes. The document then discusses patterns found in nature like symmetries of the human body, snowflakes, animal appearances, leaves and flowers. It also discusses using mathematics to model population growth.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
49 views4 pages

Patterns of Mathematics in Nature

This document discusses patterns and mathematics in nature. It begins by defining mathematics as a system for recognizing, classifying, and exploiting patterns. Mathematics can be seen in nature, daily life, communities, and events. Mathematics helps unravel puzzles in nature, organize patterns, predict outcomes, and control phenomena. It involves numbers, operations, abstraction, and proof. Mathematics is done with curiosity, seeking patterns, and a desire to understand truth. Mathematicians, scientists, and everyone uses mathematics, though in different ways and for different purposes. The document then discusses patterns found in nature like symmetries of the human body, snowflakes, animal appearances, leaves and flowers. It also discusses using mathematics to model population growth.

Uploaded by

tupe salcedo
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Š All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Chapter 1 – Mathematics in Nature

Lesson 1 – Patterns and Numbers in Nature


Objectives:
At the end of the lesson the students should be able to:
1. Discuss the uses of mathematics in the industries.
2. Explain the importance of mathematics in one’s daily life.
3. Express personal realization on the significance of mathematics.
Introduction:
What is mathematics?
• a formal system of thoughts for recognizing, classifying and
exploiting patterns.
• the origins of counting
• geometric patterns
• wave patterns in water and land
• patterns of movement
• fractals
Where is mathematics?
We see hints or clues of it…
• in nature
• in our daily routine
• in our world
• in people and communities
• in events
What is mathematics for?
• to help us unravel the puzzles of nature a useful way to think about
nature.
• organize patterns and regularities as well as irregularities
• to be able to predict
• to help us control weather, epidemics
• provides tools for calculation
• provides new questions to think about
What is mathematics about?
• numbers, symbols, notations
• operations, equations, and functions
• processes and “thingification” of processes (that are abstractions)
• proof – a story rather than a sequence of statements
How is mathematics done?
• with curiosity
• with a penchant for seeking patterns and generalities
• with a desire to know the truth
• with trial and error
• without fear of facing more questions and problems to solve
• with tenacity (willingness to keep working)
Who uses mathematics?
• Mathematicians: pure and applied
• Scientists: natural and social
• Practically everyone
But different people use different math at different times, for different
purposes, using different tools with different attitudes.
Learning Activities:
A. Answer briefly.
1. What new ideas about mathematics did you learn?
2. What is about mathematics that might have changed your
thoughts about it?
3. What is most useful about mathematics?
4. Why is mathematics important to know?
Lesson 2 - Patterns!
Objectives:
At the end of the lesson the students should be able to
1. Decode given patterns accurately.
2. Solve problems related to patterns.
3. Show appreciation of the patterns found in nature.
Introduction:
Patterns are regular, repeated, or recurring forms or designs.

D’ Vinci’s Vitruvian Man shows proportions and symmetry of the


human body.

Order of Rotation – A figure has a rotational symmetry of order n (n-


fold rotational symmetry) if 1/n of a complete turn leaves the figure
unchanged.

A snowflake for example is a six-fold symmetry and has an angle of


rotation of 600
3600
Angle of rotation =
𝑛

Take note!
Packing problems involve finding the optimum method of filling up a
given space such as a cubic or spherical container.
Square versus Hexagon
Square packing
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝜋𝑐𝑚2
𝑥100% = = 78.54%
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠 4𝑐𝑚2
Hexagonal packing
𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 2 √3 (2𝑐𝑚)2 √3
𝐴= =
4 4

𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑠 3𝜋𝑐𝑚2


𝑥100% = 𝑥100% = 90.69%
𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠 6√3𝑐𝑚2
Take note!
Patterns are also exhibited in the external appearances of animals and
plants.
Examples are Tigers’ Stripes and Hyenas’ Spots
and
Leaves and Flowers
World Population
Mathematics can be used to model population growth.
The exponential growth model 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡 is used for calculating future
would be results.
Example: The exponential growth model 𝐴 = 30𝑒 0.02𝑡 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 2021?
c. What will be the population in 2040?

Common questions

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Mastering mathematical principles and pattern recognition profoundly impacts decision-making by enhancing logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to predict outcomes. It aids individuals in both personal and professional contexts, such as financial planning, strategic business forecasting, and resource management, by providing more structured and informed decision-making frameworks .

Different packing methods like square and hexagonal packing illustrate geometric efficiency by showing how space can be optimally filled. Square packing results in an area of circles relative to squares at 78.54%, while hexagonal packing achieves 90.69%, showing a more efficient use of space. The calculations differ as square packing uses area ratios directly, while hexagonal packing involves additional calculations using side lengths and square roots .

Mathematics significantly impacts everyday life by providing essential tools for calculation, aiding tasks such as budgeting, shopping, and measurement. Moreover, it develops critical thinking by generating new questions that drive exploration and innovation, thus promoting continuous learning and adaptation in an ever-changing world .

The usage and approach towards mathematics differ among professionals based on their field, objectives, and tools. Mathematicians, scientists (natural and social), and other professionals use mathematics to varying extents; their approaches are influenced by specific goals (e.g., pure vs. applied mathematics), the complexity of problems, and available technology or methodologies. These differences underscore the versatility and adaptability of mathematical applications across disciplines .

Mathematics aids in predicting natural phenomena by organizing and analyzing patterns and regularities, allowing for the formulation of equations and models. An example is predicting weather patterns or controlling epidemics through mathematical models, which helps in developing strategies and solutions for these complex challenges .

Rotational symmetry provides insights into the inherent balance and aesthetic appeal of both natural and man-made structures, indicating a shared underlying order. It is mathematically determined by checking if a figure remains unchanged after a rotation of 1/n of a complete turn, such as the six-fold symmetry of snowflakes, signifying harmony in natural and architectural designs .

The exponential growth model applies to population studies by providing a mathematical framework to predict future population sizes based on current data, the rate of growth, and time. It accounts for factors like initial population size, growth rate, and time elapsed, as exemplified by the model 𝐴= 𝐶𝑒0.02𝑡 used for forecasting population changes from 1995 to future years .

Mathematical curiosity drives innovation and problem-solving by fostering a relentless pursuit of knowledge and patterns, leading to groundbreaking discoveries and technological advancements. It encourages questioning existing paradigms and exploring novel approaches in fields like engineering, finance, and technology, significantly impacting societal progress beyond academic boundaries .

Mathematics serves to unravel the puzzles of nature by providing a formal system to recognize, classify, and exploit patterns, such as geometric patterns, wave patterns in water and land, patterns of movement, and fractals. In the natural world, these patterns are observed in examples like the proportions and symmetry of the human body as shown in Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man or the six-fold symmetry in snowflakes .

Fractals exemplify mathematical principles in nature by demonstrating self-similar patterns at different scales, indicating a recursive process. They play a crucial role in understanding complex systems such as cloud formations, mountain ranges, and plant growth, where patterns repeat with detailed precision at various levels, aiding in the analysis and simulation of natural occurrences .

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