MATHEMATICS

IN THE
MODERN WORLD
Module 1:
PATTERNS AND NUMBERS IN NATURE AND
THE WORLD

Mathematics has an indispensable role in the human culture. We consider it in different

things we do in our lives. If we’ll buy something, we usually thought of what we’re going
to do with it. If it is an appliance, we will be thinking of its size or the area in our house
where it should be put. If it’s a painting, we will be thinking if it is worth the price we are
paying. And in any other life goals, we definitely use Mathematics in decision making.
This module deals with the introduction to the nature of mathematics as an exploration
of patterns and numbers in nature.
This is divided into two lessons, namely: Lesson 1: Patterns and Numbers in Nature and the World Lesson 2: Fibonacci Sequence

After going through this module, you are expected to:

 1. Identify patterns in nature and regulatory in the world
 2. Classify the objects according to symmetry
 3. Articulate the importance of mathematics in one’s life
 4. Explain Fibonacci numbers and their origin
 5. Illustrate how the Fibonacci sequence is expressed in nature

 1. Use your prescribed class schedule for this subject in managing your time to read and study
every part of this module. Take your time in studying until you were able to understand the
concept being presented in the lessons.
 2. Study how you can manage to do the activities in this module considering the other
modules you have to accomplish in your other subjects.
 3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.
 4. You are free to browse and read different materials even prior to doing the tasks in this
module.
 5. Submit your accomplished output/s for this module on the scheduled date set by your
teacher. If you have any inquiry regarding the lessons or tasks in this module, do not hesitate to
consult your teacher through messenger or Google classroom.
Have you ever thought of the ff. questions?
 What does mathematics have to do with nature?
 What is mathematics about and what it is for?
 What is a mathematical pattern?
WHAT DOES MATHEMATICS HAVE TO DO WITH
NATURE?
The majority of learners find mathematics dry, dull, and boring, and most of all, difficult
and irrelevant. They consider the application of mathematics distinct from the natural
world because they fail to relate it to the difficulties that they have in learning the
subject. Thus, they could not see the essence of mathematics.
The natural world is full of beauty and amazing shapes and patterns. In his book, Nature
by Numbers, Ian Stewart mentioned that we live in a universe of patterns. If you
observe our nature diligently, you can prove that our nature bounds in mystical colors
and intricate shapes and patterns that can be described mathematically.
Look at the pictures below. Are these familiar to you? Have you ever recognized these
patterns in nature?

WHAT MATHEMATICS IS ABOUT AND WHAT IT IS

FOR?
According to Ian Stewart in his book Nature by Numbers, when we hear the word
“mathematics”, the first thing that springs to mind is numbers. Numbers are the heart of
mathematics, an all-pervading influence, and the raw materials out of which great deal
of mathematics is forged. But numbers form only a tiny part of mathematics.
The world cannot move even an inch without mathematics be0cause it is the cradle of
all creations. Everyone needs mathematics in everyday life. Be it a baker or a cook as
he measures the ingredients in their quantity, a dressmaker as she measures the figure
and length of cloths, a farmer as he plans to sow seeds or counts the number of plants
, an artist as he paints, designs collages, dances or measures the size of the canvas,
size of the stage, space required – everything requires numbers. Even insects use
mathematics in their everyday life for existence.
Mathematics makes our life orderly and systematic, and it prevents chaos. It helps us to
see patterns needed to generalize a broader solution to a problem. It can be used to
express, solve, and interpret the puzzles observed in nature. It expounds the power of
reasoning, creativity, abstract or spatial thinking, critical thinking, problem solving ability,
and even effective communication skills.

WHAT IS A MATHEMATICAL PATTERN?

Haven’t you ever wondered…?

…how magnificent it is for the left and right …why almost all trees look the same-
side of a butterfly to look like each other? with branches stemming from a trunk?

…why the shape of a moving snake looks …why the features you have in the left
like the shape of a river? side mirrors those at the right side?

Patterns are things that are repetitive, which can be found in nature as color, shape,
action, or some other sequences that are almost everywhere. Mathematics expresses
patterns. These sequences that repeat, follows a rule or rules. A rule is a way to
calculate or solve a problem.
TYPES OF PATTERN IN NATURE
1.Symmetry
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, symmetry is an exact correspondence
of form and constituent configuration on opposite sides of a dividing line or plane or
about a center or an axis.
It indicates that you can draw an imaginary line across an object and the resulting parts
are mirror images of each other.

a. Reflection Symmetry
It is also called mirror symmetry or line symmetry. It is made with a line going through
an object which divides it into two pieces which are mirror images of each other. This is
often termed as bilateral symmetry as it divides the object into two (“bi “ means two)
mirror images.

b. Rotational Symmetry
It is also called radial symmetry. In Biology, this kind of symmetry is exhibited by objects
when their similar parts are regularly arranged around a central axis and the pattern
looks the same after a certain amount of rotation. Note that if you rotate the given
images below by several degrees, you can still achieve the same appearance as the
original position.
The smallest angle that a figure can be rotated while still preserving the original
formation is called the angle of rotation. To compute for the angle of rotation, we simply
divide 360 by n (n –fold rotational symmetry).
Let’s take the starfish as an example; if we are going to compute its angle of rotation,
we need to divide 360 by 5 (since it has a 5 – fold symmetry) we will obtain 72 . Hence,
if we are going to rotate the starfish 72 from its original position, we will still achieve the
same appearance as the original position.
c. Translational Symmetry
This kind of symmetry is exhibited by objects which do not change its size and shape
even if it moved to another location. Note that the movement does not involve with
reflection or rotation.
A shape exhibits translational symmetry if displacement in some direction-horizontal or
vertical, returns the shape to its original configuration.

Even if the comb or brick is moved to another location, the pattern will still remain.
2. Fractals
These are never-ending patterns that are self-similar across different scales. The image
just reappears over and over again no matter how many times the object is magnified.

3.Spirals
These are curved patterns made by series of circular shapes revolving around a central
point.

4. Spots and stripes

Patterns are also exhibited in the external appearances of animals.

5. Flower Petals
Flowers are easily considered as things of beauty. Their vibrant colors and fragrant
odors make them very appealing as gifts or decorations. The flowers below have
different number of petals. Flowers with 5 petals are said to be the most common.
Notice that these numbers are all Fibonacci numbers.

6. Number Patterns and Sequences

Consider the pattern below.
Are you familiar with this number pattern in a triangle? What do you think will be the
next layer of the numbers in the triangle?

11

1 2 1

1 3 3 1

1
6 41
4

FIBONACCI SEQUENCE
The Fibonacci numbers are a series of number that often occur in nature. This number
sequence was developed in the Middle Ages, and it was named after Leonardo Pisano
Bigollo, a famous Italian mathematician who also happened to
discover Fibonacci. He is the greatest European mathematician of the
middle ages. He was born in 1170 and died in 1240. He introduced the
Arabic number system in Europe.
Fibonacci is a short term for the latin filius bonacci, which means “the
son of Bonacci”.

Fibonacci sequence is an integer in the infinite sequence 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13…The

sequence begins with zero or one. Each subsequent number is found by getting the
sum of two preceding numbers. For instance, 2 is found by adding the two numbers
before it which are 1 and 1; 3 is found by adding 1 and 2; 5 is found by adding 2 and 3;
and so on.
A sequence is an ordered set of numbers, shapes, or any other mathematical objects
arranged into a rule.

1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 34 55 89 144 233

1s 4t 6t 8t
N 2nd 3rd 5th 7th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th
t h h h

Consider the Fibonacci sequence above. If we want to find the 8th term, we need to add
the 6th and 7th term. That is:
Another interesting thing about Fibonacci sequence is that it shows multiples of a
number. In the table given above, observe that,
  Every 3rd term is a multiple of 2 (2, 8, 34, 144, …)
  Every 4th term is a multiple of 3 (3, 21, 144, …)
  Every 5th term is a multiple of 5 (5, 55, …)
  Every 6th term is a multiple of 8.
Thus, every nth term is a multiple of .
In finding the nth term of a Fibonacci sequence, we may also use Binet’s formula:

In the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34,…, let us find the

We also know that we can find the by getting the sum of the two previous terms which
are 21 and 34. Hence, the term of the Fibonacci sequence is 55.
In nature, many plants show the Fibonacci numbers in the arrangement of leaves
around the stem, the number of spirals like in sunflowers.

https://youtu.be/kkGeOWYOFoA https://youtu.be/64643Op6WJo https://youtu.be/Nr_8FJAslqo

https://youtu.be/4Mfl2QbSMYY You may watch the following video presentations on YouTube
about our lesson. -Nature by Numbers -What is Mathematics? -Mathematics: what it is for? -
Patterns in Nature – Symmetry, Fractals & Geometry!
OUTPUT #1
 1. Make a reflection about the importance of mathematics in your life. Cite instances on how
you use it in your daily life. Your work must not be less than 200 words but not more than 350
words.
Your work will be graded as follows:
  Clarity of Ideas – 10 points
  Organization – 10 points
  Spelling/Grammar/Punctuation – 5 points
OUTPUT #2
 2. Aside from the aforementioned objects that exhibit patterns in nature, give another example
(only one (1)) by illustrating it through a drawing. Put it on a short bond paper. It can be in a
portrait or landscape orientation. Write a brief explanation (3-5 sentences) about the pattern
being presented in your illustration.
Your work will be graded as follows:
  Pattern used in the artwork – 10 points
  Creativity – 10 points
  Originality – 5 points
  Explanation of artwork – 5 points
Note: Kindly leave a space below the bond paper, and then write your name and section
on it.