Mathematics in the Modern World
UNIT 1 : MATHEMATICS IN OUR WORLD
LESSON 1.1: PATTERNS AND NUMBERS
IN NATURE AND THE WORLD
LESSON 1.2: GETTING TO KNOW MATHEMATICS
LESSON 1.3: IMPORTANCE OF MATHEMATICS
Lesson 1.1: PATTERNS AND NUMBERS
IN NATURE AND THE WORLD
Our Universe of Patterns
a. Movement of stars
b. Cycle of seasons
c. Koch Snowflakes
d. stripes in tiger and zebra
e. spots cover all over the body of the leopard and the hyena
f. trains of waves
g. trains of sand dunes
h. rainbows
i. bright circular halo
j. spherical drops of water /rain
A formal system of thought (Mathematics ) was
developed from these patterns.
Nature ‘s patterns as Clues
Nature patterns are numerical.
Geometric Patterns
Patterns of movement
Fractals
Nature Patterns are Numerical
FLOWERS NUMBER OF PETALS
Calla Lily 1
Trillium 3
Hibiscus 5
Cosmos 8
Corn Marigolds 13
Asters 21
Daisies 34, 55, 89
Fibonacci Sequence
{Fn}= {1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, …}
Fibbonaci in Human Bone
The Golden Ratio
The Golden Ratio
Are you beautiful?
Measure the length and width of your face and
then divide the length by the width?
Are you handsome like a Greek
god?
Measure the shoulder circumference s
and waist size w and divide s by w.
If not, what should be your ideal waist
size?
Geometric Patterns
HoneyComb Snake Skin
Patterns of Movement
Fractals
A fractal is a mathematical formula
of a pattern that repeats over a wide
range of size and time scales. These
patterns are hidden within more complex
systems.
Benoit Mandelbrot, known as the father
of fractals, he described the use of fractals
to find order within the complex systems
Koch Flakes
in nature.
Lesson 1.2: Getting to know Mathematics
What is Mathematics?
According to Ian Stewart: Mathematics, developed by human
mind and culture, is a formal system of thought for recognizing,
classifying, and exploiting patterns.
Mathematics is perceived as a study of numbers, symbols, and
equations, an art of geometric shapes and patterns, a universal
language, a toll in decision-making and problem solving, and a way
of life to be exact and precise.
According to Nocon and Nocon: Mathematics is a study of
patterns, an art, a language, a set of problem solving tools, and a
process of thinking as shown in the next figure.
set of problem solving
is a Mathematics is a
process of thinking
tools
is a
is a
is a
language
study of patterns art
which includes, among
other elements
examples of
which can
which are propositions mathematical
can give rise to reasoning
either be inductive
each have a a
logic patterns
truth value propositional
can also functions
be joined deductive
can be joined
using involves
number using a
patterns connective which can be use of
bit made true or false
operations proofs
via
quantification
geometric
to form a
patterns and there are
which can
compound contingency different
can be proposition either be methods of proof
word patterns shown as
true or false universal
can be a
via a
contradiction
which is valid if
based on
truth table tautology
existential
rules of inference
which is invalid if
based on
fallacy
Where is Mathematics?
Mathematics is in every people’s daily task or
activity. It is in nature, arts, music, medicine, and in
other disciplines.
It is in our communities. Mathematics is everywhere.
Moreover, there is always a substantial
interconnection and relationship between
mathematics, the world, and the universe.
What is Mathematics all about?
Mathematics is about numbers, symbols,
equations, operations, functions, calculations,
abstractions, and devising proofs.
How is Mathematics done?
Mathematics is done with curiosity, with a
penchant for seeking patterns and generalities,
with a desire to know the truth, with trial and
error, and without fear of facing more
questions and problems to solve. (Vistru-Yu)
Who uses Mathematics?
Mathematicians (pure and applied), scientists
(natural and social), and practically, everyone
uses different mathematics at different times,
for different purposes, using different tools,
with different attitudes. (Vistru-Yu)
Lesson 1.3: Importance of Mathematics
What is Mathematics for?
Mathematics is extremely useful in making conclusions
and/or prediction of the events of the world.
It is use to describe the natural order and occurrences
of the universe.
In addition, it is use to organize patterns and
regularities as well as irregularities, to help us control
weather and epidemics, to provide tools for calculations,
and to provide new questions to think about. (Vistru-
Yu )
Why is it important to learn or know?
Mathematics puts order in disorder. It helps us
become better persons and helps make the
world a better place to live in. (Vistru-Yu).
