Mathematics in the Modern World

Module 1:
The Nature of Mathematics

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the chapter, students will be able to;

 identify patterns in nature;
 use mathematics to think about the world and nature;
 articulate the importance of mathematics in his/her life; and
 express appreciation for mathematics as human endeavor.

OVERVIEW
Mathematics is more than numbers and
variable x. It does not end by finding the value of
variable nor finding the solution set. It is more that
graphing on a Cartesian Plane and constructing a
three-dimensional figure. Mathematics plays a big
role in collecting, organization and presentation of
data. However, its application goes beyond than
that requirement. As a rational creatures, we tend
to identify and follow patterns whether
consciously and subconsciously. Recognizing patterns feels natural, like our brain is hardwired
to recognize them. Early humans recognized the repeating interval of day and night, the cycle
of the moon, the rising and falling of tides, and the changing of season. Awareness of patterns
allowed humans to live. So, what is Mathematics? Do you also notice patterns around you? In
this chapter we will be looking at patterns and regularities in the world, and how mathematics
comes into play, both in nature and human endeavors.

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 Mathematics in the Modern World

Lesson I: The Fibonacci Sequence

Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
 identify Fibonacci sequence in nature
 determine the nth term of a Fibonacci sequence
 use Golden ration in appreciating mathematics in human anatomy

Sequence- A sequence is an ordered list of numbers, called terms, which may have repeated
values. The arrangement of these terms is set by a definite rule. The terms of a sequence could
be generated by applying the rule to previous terms of the sequence.
EXAMPLE: Analyze the given sequence for its rule and identify the next three terms.
a) 1, 10, 100, 1000
 Looking at the set of numbers, it can be observed that each term is a power of 10:
1=100, 10=101, 100=102, 1000=103. Following this rule, the next three terms are
104=10,000, 105=100,000, 106= 1,000,000
b) 2, 5, 9, 14, 20
 The difference between the first and second term ( 2&5) is 3. The difference
between second term and third term (5&9) is 4. The difference between the third
term and fourth term (9&14) is 5. The difference between fourth term and fifth term
(14&20) is 6. Following this rule,
Fibonacci Sequence- The Fibonacci sequence is formed by adding the preceding two
numbers, beginning with 0 and 1. Ratios of two Fibonacci numbers approximates the Golden
Ratio, which considered as the most aesthetically pleasing proportion.The numbers 3, 5, 8, 13
and 21 are all parts of the Fibonacci Sequence. This is the Golden rectangle with the golden
spiral. The man behind this sequence is Leonardo Pisano Bogollo, whose nickname was
“Fibonacci”.

Fn= Fn-1 + Fn-2

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 Mathematics in the Modern World
where: Fn = Fibonacci number
Fn-1 = the previous term
Fn-2 = the term before Fn-1

Term(Fn) 0 1 1 2 3 5 8 13 21 …
Term number (n) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 …
EXAMPLE:
1. Finding the 9th term of the Fibonacci sequence
 F9= Fn-1 + Fn-2
F9= 21 + 13
F9= 34
2. Finding the 10th term of the Fibonacci sequence
 F10= Fn-1 + Fn-2
F10=34+21
F10=55
Golden Ratio- is a special number which is approximately equal to 1.618034 or Phi (Φ).
1 13
= 1.000 = 1.6250
1 8
2 21
= 2.000 = 1.6154
1 13
3 34
= 1.6190
2 21
= 1.5000
5 55
= 1.6177
3 34
= 1.6667
8 89
= 1.600 = 1.6182
5 55

Golden Ratio can also be used in finding the nth term of a Fibonacci sequence by using the
formula
1+√5 𝑛 √5
( ) − (1− )𝑛
Fn = 2
√5
2

EXAMPLE: Find the 20th term of the Fibonacci sequence

1+√5 𝑛 √5
( ) − (1− )𝑛

F20 = 2
√5
2

1+√5 20 √5
( ) − (1− )20

F20 = 2
√5
2

(1.6180)20 − (−0.6180)20

F20 = √5

F20 =6,762.1584 or 6,762
Note: always round off your answer.

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 Mathematics in the Modern World

The Golden Ratio

Measure the following:

 Distance from the ground to your belly button____
 Distance from the belly button to the top of your head____
 Distance from the ground to your knees___
 Distances A,B and C ____
 Length of your hand____
 Distance from your wrist to your elbow___

Now calculate the following ratios:

1. Distance from the ground to your belly button/ Distance from the belly button to the
top of your head
2. Distance from the ground to your belly button/ Distance from the ground to your knees
3. Distance C/Distance B
4. Distance B/Distance A
5. Distance from your wrist to your elbow/ Length of your hand
Write all your results on the following table:
Ratio 1 Ratio 2 Ratio 3 Ratio 4 Ratio 5

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 Mathematics in the Modern World

The Fibonacci Sequence

QUIZ 1

Answer the following. 20 pts

1. Who is the man behind the sequence?_____________
2. It is an ordered list of numbers.______________
3. It is expressed as the ratio between two numbers.___________
4. If Fib(22)= 17,711 and Fib(24)=46368, what is Fib (23)?____________
5. Find the following terms of the Fibonacci Sequence.
a) 35th term:_________
b) 40th term:_________
c) 47th term:_________

Write the complete solution here for numbers 4 and 5.

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 Mathematics in the Modern World

Lesson II: Patterns and Number in Nature and in the World

OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson, student should be able to:
 generate pattern to form a number sequence
 identify patterns in nature
 examine the nature and relationship of numbers in a sequence
In the general sense of the word, pattern are regular, repeated, or recurring forms or
design. We see patterns every day- from the layout of floor tiles, design of skyscrapers, to the
way we tie our shoelaces. Studying patterns help students in identifying relationships and
finding logical connections to form generalizations and make predictions.
Let’s take a look at this pattern:

It should be easy enough to note that patter is made up of square and pentagon.
Beginning with pentagon, the square then alternate. Logically that shape that should follow is
pentagon.

A patern may have a list of numbers in which a constant number is added to get the
succeeding terms.
To generate the next term, the Example
number to be added is

Repeating 10,20,30,30,50,60,…

Growing/increasing 14,15,17,20,24,29,…

Shrinking 118,98,73,43,8,-32

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 Mathematics in the Modern World
EXAMPLE: What number comes next in 1,3,6,7,9, ___?
 Looking at the given numbers, the sequence is increasing, with each term
being two more than the previous term: 3= 1+2; 5= 3+2; 7= 5+2; 9=7+2.
Therefore, the next term should be 11= 9+2.
 1,3,6,7,9,11
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 this
perspective that people see an “intelligent design” in the way that nature forms.

Tigers’ stripes and Hyenas’ Spots

Patterns are also exhibited in the external appearance of animals. We are familiar how
a tiger looks- distinctive reddish-orange fur and dark stripes. Hyena, another predator from
Africa, are also covered in patterns of spots.

The Sunflower
Looking at the sunflower up close, you will notice that there is a definite pattern of
clockwise and counterclockwise arcs or spiral extending outward from the center of the flower.
This is another demonstration of how nature works to optimize the available space. This
arrangement allows the sunflower seeds to occupy the flower head in a way that maximizes
their access to the light and necessary nutrients.

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 Mathematics in the Modern World
The Snail’s Shell
We are also familiar with spiral patterns. The most common spiral patterns can be seen
in the whirlpools and in the shell of snails and other similar mollusks. Snails are born with their
shell called protoconch, which start outs as fragile and colorless. Eventually, these original
shell harden as the snails consume calcium.

Patterns and Number in Nature and the World

QUIZ 2
Answer the following. 10 pts
1. Draw the image to complete the pattern:

2. Complete the following pattern:

CSD, ETF, GUH, _____, KWL,____.

3. Fill in the blanks: 4,12,36,108___,___.

4. Fill in the blanks: 2,-4,8,-16,___,___.
5. Fill in the blanks:13,8,3,−2,__,___.

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 Mathematics in the Modern World

Lesson III: Mathematics for our World

Mathematics for Organization

A lot of events happen around us. In the blink of an eye, several children have already
born, liters of water have been consumed, or thousands of tweets have been posted. For us to
makes sense of all available information, we need mathematical tools to help us make sound
analysis and better decisions. For instance, a particular store can gather data on the shopping
habits of its customer and make necessary adjustment to help drive sales. Scientist can plot bird
migration routes to help conserved endangered animal populations. Social media analysts can
crunch all online posting using software to gauge the netizens’ sentiments or particular issues
or personalities.

Mathematics for Prediction

It is sometimes said that history repeats itself. As much as we can use mathematical
models using existing data to generate analysis and interpretation, we can also use them to
make predictions. Applying the concept of probability, experts can calculate the chance of an
event occurring. The weather is a prime example. Based on historical patterns, meteorologist
can make forecast to help us prepare for our day-to-day activities. Astronomers can also use
patterns to predict the occurrence of meteor showers or eclipses.

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 Mathematics in the Modern World

Mathematics for Control

We have demonstrated by means of example around us that patterns are definitely
present in the universe. There seems to be underlying mathematical structure in the way that
natural objects and phenomenon behave. While photographers could capture a single moment
through a snapshot, videographers could record events as they unfold. Painters and sculptors
could create masterpieces in interpreting their surroundings, poets could use beautiful words to
describe an object, and musicians could capture and reproduce sounds that they hear. Theses
observation of nature, as well as their interactions and relationships, could be more elegantly
described by means of mathematical equations. As stated by astrophysicist Brian Greene.
“With a few symbols on a page, you can describe a wealth of physical phenomena.”
Though the use of mathematics, man is also able to exert control over himself and the effects
of nature. The threat of climate change and global warning has been subject of much debate
over the years. It is the believed that unless man changes his behavior, patterns are said to
indicate that see levels could rise to catastrophic levels as the polar caps melt due to the increase
of global temperature.

World Population
During 2017, it was estimated that the total population was about 7.6 billion. World
leaders, sociologist, and anthropologist are interested in studying population, including its
growth. Mathematics can be used to model population growth with the formula A= P𝒆𝒓𝒕 where
A is the size of the population after it grows P is the initial number of people, r is the rate
growth and t is time. E is Euler’s constant with approximate value of 2.718.
EXAMPLE: The exponential growth model A= 30𝑒 0.02𝑡 describe the population of a city in
the Philippines in thousands, t years after 1995.
a) What was the population of the city in 1995?
 Since exponential growth model describes the population t years after 1995,
we consider 1995 as t=0and then solve for A, our population size.
A=30𝑒 0.02𝑡
A=30𝑒 0.02(0)
A=30𝑒 0
A=30
Therefore, the city population in 1995 was 30,000.
b) What will be the population in 2017?
 We need to find A in the year 2017. To find t, we subtract 2017 and 1995
to get t=22 which we then plug in to our exponential growth.
A=30𝑒 0.02𝑡
A= 30𝑒 0.02(22)
A=30𝑒 0.44

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 Mathematics in the Modern World
A= 30(1.55271
A=46.5813
Therefore, the city population would be about 46,581 in 2017.

Mathematics is Indispensable
How is it possible that mathematics, a product of human thought that is independent of
experience, fits so excellently the objects of reality?
-Albert Einstein

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 Mathematics in the Modern World

Mathematics for our World

QUIZ 3
Answer the following:
1. A certain study found that the relationship between the students’ exam scores (y) and
the number of hours they spent studying (x) is given by the equation y= 15x +45. Using
the information, what will be the estimated score of a student who spent 4 hours
studying?

2. A= 786,000; P= 247,000; t=17 years. Find r.

For 10 pts.: Write a short essay about why Mathematics is Indispensable.

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 Mathematics in the Modern World

Chapter Assessment
I. Solve the following.Write your answer before the number. 10pts.

1. What is the 10th term of the Fibonacci sequence?

2. What is the 16th term of the Fibonacci sequence?

3. What is the 50th term of the Fibonacci sequence?

4. What is the next three terms of the sequence 1, 4, 9, 16, 25,…?

5. What is the next three terms of the sequence 10, 9, 7, 4, 0,…?

6. Describe the nature of the pattern 15, 30, 45, 60, 75,…

7. Complete the following pattern AVB, CWD, EXF, GYH, ____

8. A= 850,000; P= 236,000; t=15 years. Find r

9. A= 630,000; r = 8%; t=10 years. Find P

10. A house is purchased for Php 1,000,000 in 2002. The value of the house is given by the
exponential growth model A= 1,000,000 𝑒 0.645𝑡 . Find t when the house would be worth
Php 5, 000, 000

II. Explain the following. 15 pts.

a) Mathematics help organize patterns and regularities in the world.
b) Mathematics helps to predict the behavior of nature and phenomena in the world.
c) Mathematics helps to control nature and occurrences in the world for our own ends.

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