MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

Chapter 1: Mathematics & Nature

LECTURE NOTE 1: MATHEMATICS IN NATURE

PATTERNS are regular, repeated, or recurring forms or designs (e.g. layout of floor tiles, designs of skyscrapers, etc.)

• Patterns indicate a sense of structure and organization that it seems only humans are capable of producing
these intricate, creative and amazing formations

• It is from these perspective that some people see an intelligent design in a way that nature forms

SYMMETRY indicates that you can draw an imaginary line across an object and the resulting parts are mirror images
of each other.

• Bilateral symmetry is a type of symmetry where the left portion of a certain object is the mirror image of its
right portion with respect to its axis.

• Bilateral symmetry is common to animals including humans

• Rotational symmetry is when a figure is rotated around a centre point and it still appears exactly as it did
before the rotation.

• The rotational symmetry of a shape explains that when an object is rotated on its own axis, the shape of the
object looks the same.

Another marvel of nature’s design is the structure and shape of a honeycomb. It is obeserved that such formation
enables the bee colony to maximize their storage of honey using smallest amount of wax.

• This idea called packing problems involve finding the optimum method of filling up a given space such as a
cubic or sperical container. The bees have instincively found the best solution. A geometric pattern that is
optimally functional as well as aesthetically beautiful.

Looking at the sunflower up close, you wil notice that there is a definite pattern of clockwise and counterclockwise
arcs or spirals extending outward from the center of the flower. This is another demonstration of how nature works
to optimize the available space.

• The arrangement allows the sunflower seeds to occupy the flower head in a way that maximizes their access
to light and necessary nutrients.

• Watch this video: https://youtu.be/z9d1mxgZ0ag

Patterns are also exhibited in the external appearnces of animals (e.i. In the distinctive reddish-orange fur and dark
stripes of tiger or the pattern of black spots on hyenas. These seemingly random designs are believed to be governed
by mathematical equations.

• According to Alan Turing, chemical reactions and diffusion processes in cells determine these growth patters

• A new model by Harvard University researchers predicts that there are three variables that could affect the
orientation of these stripes---(1) the substance that amplifies the density of stripe patterns; (2) the substance
that changes one of the parameters involved in stripe formation; (3) the physical change in the direction of
the origin of the stripe
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
Chapter 1: Mathematics & Nature

The most common spiral patterns can be seen in whirlpools and in the shells of snails and other mollusks.

• Snails are born with their shells, called protoconch, which start out as fragile and colorless.

• As the snails grow, their shells also expand proportionately so that they can continue to live inside their
shells.

• This process results in a refined spiral structure that is even more visible when the shell is sliced.

• This figure, called an equiangular spiral, follows the rule that as the distance from the center increases
(radius), the amplitudes of the angles formed by the radii to the point and the tangent to the point remain
constant. This is another example of how nature seems to follow a certain set of mathematical rules

Flowers are easily considered as things of beauty. Their vibrant colors and fragrant odors make them very appealing
as gifts or decorations.

• If you look closely, you will note that different flowers have different number of petals and this numbers
represent Fibonacci numbers.

A certain mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, (most people call him Fibonacci) was said to have discovered a sequence
as he looked at a hypothesized group of rabbits bred and reproduced.

• In his book, Liber Abacci, he wrote this in a form of a mathematical problem that went like this:

• “A certain man puts a pair of rabbits in a place surrounded by a wall. How many pairs of rabbits can be
reproduced from that pair in a year if it is supposed that every month each pair begets new pair from which the
second month on becomes productive?” (Liber abbaci, pp. 283-284)

While the sequence is widely known as Fibonacci sequence, this pattern is said to have been discovered in India.

• According to some scholarly articles, Fibonacci sequence is evident in the number of variations of a particular
category of Sanskrit and Prakrit poetry meters.

• In poetry, meter refers to the rhythmic pattern of syllabus.

• Fibonacci sequence has many interesting properties. Among these is that this pattern is very visible in nature.

• It is also interesting to note that the ratios are successive Fibonacci numbers approach the number 𝛷 (phi)
also known as the Golden Ratio which is approximately equal to 1.618

• The Golden ratio is a special number found by dividing a line into two parts so that the longer part divided
by the smaller part is also equal to the whole length divided by the longer part. It is often symbolized using
phi, 𝜑 or 𝛷. 𝛷 ≈ 1.618033 …

• Shapes and figures that bear the golden ratio are generally considered to be aesthetically pleasing.
• The DNA molecule measures 34 angstroms long by 21 angstroms wide for each full cycle of its double helix
spiral. These numbers, 34 and 21, are numbers in the Fibonacci series, and their ratio 1.6190476 closely
approximates Phi, 1.6180339.
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
Chapter 1: Mathematics & Nature

MATHEMATICS FOR OUR WORLD

We have seen how evident mathematics is in the natural world, specifically in how the patterns that we
observe in nature follow logical and mathematical structures.

• It is therefore, important that we learn mathematical concepts and apply them in solving societal problems

Mathematics for Organization

A lot of events happen around us.

• In the blink of an eye, several children have already been born, liters of water have been consumed, or
thousands of tweets have been posted.

• For us to make sense of all available information, we need mathematical tools to help us make sound
analysis and better decisions.

• For intance, a particular store can gather data on hte shopping habits of it’s customer and make necessary
adjustments to help drive sales.

• Social media analysts can crunch all online postings using software to gauge netizen’s sentiments on
particular issues or personalities.

• Software can generate a map of words that are most talked about in social media. The bigger the font, the
more netizen’s are talking about the concept or topic

Mathematics for Prediction

As mush as we can use mathematical models using existing data to generate analysis and interpretations, we can
also use them to make predictions.

• Applying the concept of probability, experts can calculate the chance of an event occuring.
• The weather is a prime example. Based on historical patterns, meteorologists can make forecasts to help us
prepare for our day-to-day activities. They can also warn us of weather disturbances that can affect our
actvities for weeks or months.
• Astronomers also use patterns to predict the occurrence of meteor showers o eclipses.
• In 2017, announcements were made about heavenly phenomena such as the Draconid Meteor Shower and
“The Great American Eclipse.” They were able to tell when these phenomena would occur and where would
be the best places to view them.
• World leaders, sociologists, and anthropologists are interested in studying population, including its growth.
Mathematics can be used to model population growth and estimate the population of a country or the
world.
• Watch this video: https://youtu.be/qqNQDyS5r58

Population Growth Model

• As of 2017, world population is estimated about 7.6 billion. Mathematics can also be used to model
population growth.
• A = Pert where, A = size of the population; P =
initial number of people; r = rate of growth; t = time; e ≈ 2.718
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
Chapter 1: Mathematics & Nature

CONCERNING POPULATION GROWTH

Understanding population trends is integral in tackling many of the world’s major challenges, such as hunger
and malnutrition, poverty, climate change, and disease, including the coronavirus pandemic. Population data are a
vital tool for policymakers, business leaders, scientists, and others seeking to make informed decisions on important
issues (Scommegna, P., et al, 2021).

As of August 2021, the world population is estimated to be about 7.9B as elaborated by Worldometer, the UN
reports (worldometer.info/world-population). Meanwhile, the current Philippine population estimate is about
111M as of 2021 with an average rate of 1.37% (2017-2021). Although, data also shows there was a decline of 0.01%
rate in 2021 from 2020. The computed population density is about 370.16 people per square kilometer, a 1.34%
increase from 2020 (refer to the graph given below)(macrotrends.net/countries/PHL/philippines).

Figure 1. Population Growth Rate

Now why are these numbers important? Why do we need to talk about them? Well, there is no single answer
for these. But for me, population growth should concern each one of us because if uncontrolled, it puts not just our
future at risk but the next generations to come.

According to Population Reference Bureau (2001), policy makers and planners across the globe use
population projections to measure future demand for food, water, energy, and services, and to foresee future
demographic characteristic. Such projections can alert policymakers to the major consequences that may affect
economic development and help craft policies that are adaptable to various projection scenarios.

Policymakers and program planners can undertake several steps to make projections more useful for policy and
planning purposes:

• Understand the causes of uncertainty in population projections and the implications of this uncertainty
for plans and policies that span different time horizons and target specific population groups;
• Contribute to national and international efforts to collect more accurate demographic data — which
would lead to more accurate assumptions about fertility, mortality, and migration and better projections;
and
• Cooperate with national and international research efforts to develop more accurate projections by
supporting organizations that investigate better projection methodologies, the demographic effect of
HIV/AIDS, the effect of policies and programs on fertility trends, and similar topics.
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
Chapter 1: Mathematics & Nature

Mathematics plays a big role in policy making. Mathematical models can serve as decision support tools, which
estimate risks and generate recommendations. Similarly, mathematics can be used to model population growth. The
exponential equation 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡 estimates the size of the population after it grows. P is the initial number of people,
r is the rate of growth, and t is time. Recall that e is Euler’s constant with an approximate value of 2.718.

Population boom driving Philippines’ climate vulnerability

Published on 05/01/2015, 5:43pm
By Sophie Yeo

The Philippines’ rapidly growing population is increasing its vulnerability to climate change, according to a
government document. Around 92 million people live in the Philippines and the number is growing by 1.9% a year. The
country has slipped recently from 12th to 3rd most vulnerable in the world to climate change.
“The large number of people and their migration patterns have led to crowded cities, waste and housing problems, pollution,
and encroachment of upland forests and watersheds leading to denudation and, consequently, significant reduction of
carbon sinks,” write the authors of the report. In 1970, the population of the Philippines was 30 million. Population growth
has slowed since then, but the number of people living in the country is nonetheless expected to double in the next thirty
years. The 102-page document was submitted to the UN’s climate body on 29 December. It outlines the country’s
vulnerabilities, actions, and constraints in tackling climate change.

Fragility and resilience

The growth is mainly happening in urban areas, as Filipinos migrate towards cities. Since 2000, the number of people
living in rural areas has been shrinking, the government reports. Urban areas tend to be more at risk of flooding and
earthquakes, which raises the pressure on the Philippines as rising temperatures are predicted to intensify the impacts of
climate change.
The vulnerability of the Philippines was thrown into the spotlight in 2013 when Typhoon Haiyan made landfall, killing more
than 6,000 people and forcing millions into temporary homes.
Heherson Alvarez, from the Philippines Climate Change Commission, told RTCC at the UN climate talks in December that the
country was working on building its resilience in the aftermath of the typhoon.
“The government has been reorganized so at the grassroots we’re stronger at responding,” he said. But the latest
document speculates that inadequate measures in the Philippines could be one reason why it is becoming more vulnerable
than other countries.

Environmental degradation
According to World Bank data, the Filipino population is increasing faster than in neighboring countries Indonesia
and Vietnam. But it is slower than many African countries, where growth rate in 2013 was more than 3%. Not only is
population growth increasing the country’s vulnerability, but it is also boosting its emissions. “As the population and the
economy grew, energy consumption increased, as well as transport use, and industrial activity in all the production and
services sectors,” the document says. “All of these meant greater use of the country’s agricultural, forestry and marine
resources and increasing pressure on the natural environment.” Total energy use has increased proportionally with
population growth, it notes. Greenhouse gas emissions from road transport – which makes up 36.8% of total energy demand
– is predicted to rise from 24 million tons of CO2 today to 87 MtCO2 in 2030. Forest cover in the Philippines has also been
reduced from around 27.5 million hectares in the 1500s to around only 7.2 million today. Many of the causes – including
logging, agriculture, and unplanned land conversion – have been worsened by population growth.

Reference: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2015/01/05/population-boom-driving-philippines-climate-vulnerability/
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
Chapter 1: Mathematics & Nature

Your Task:

Answer the following.

1. Estimate the population size of the Philippines in the next 20 years. Use the current growth rate according to
macrotrends.net. Also compute for the population density in the same year (use the formula: Population
Density = Number of People/Land Area). Explain in not more than 15 sentences what these numbers are telling
you. Do you think this is a big concern that needs attention? What should we do to alleviate this situation?

2. Allow yourself to internalize the beauty and essence of mathematics both as human invention and nature's
marvel. In not more than 15 sentences essay, ponder on and discuss your answer to the following questions:

a. What new ideas about math did you learn?

b. What is it about math that might have changed your thoughts about it? And
c. What is the most useful about mathematics for humankind?

Rubric for Grading/Basis for Grading

The student is unable to elicit the ideas and concepts from the readings and videos indicating
0
that s/he has not read the prescribed reading or watched the video

The student is able to elicit the ideas and concepts from the readings and videos but shows
5
erroneous understanding of these.

The student is able to elicit the ideas and concepts from the readings and videos and shows
10
correct understanding of these.

The student not only elicits correct ideas from the reading and videos but also shows evidence of
15
internalizing these.

The student elicits the correct ideas from the readings and videos, shows evidence of
20
internalizing these, and consistently contributes additional thoughts to the core idea.
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
Chapter 1: Mathematics & Nature

References:
https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/
https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/PHL/philippines/population
https://www.prb.org/resources/understanding-and-using-population-projections/
https://www.prb.org/resources/population-an-introduction-to-demography/
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2017.00068/full
2018. Mathematics in the Modern World. Cengage. Rex Bookstore