Patterns and Numbers
Some patterns in nature include waves, trees, symmetries, spirals, meanders,
cracks, tessellations, spots & stripes, and foams.
MEANDERS
WAVES
TREES
CRACKS
SPOTS AND STRIPES
FOAMS
TESSELLATIONS
SYMMETRIES
SPIRALS
The Fibonacci Sequence
Sequence – an ordered list of numbers, called terms, which may have repeated values. The
arrangement of these terms is set by a definite rule.
Ex. a) 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, … b) 3 ,5, 8, 12, 17, 23, … c) 5, 7, 6, 8, 7, 9, 8, 10, …
Fibonacci Sequence – formed by adding the preceding two numbers. Ratios of two Fibonacci
numbers approximate the Golden Ratio, which is considered as the most
aesthetically pleasing proportion. Below are the first few numbers of the sequence
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181,
6765, 10946, 17711, 28657, 46368, 75025, 121393, 196418, 317811, 514229, 832040
Recursive Formula: 𝐹𝑛 = 𝐹𝑛−2 + 𝐹𝑛−1 with 𝐹1 = 1 and 𝐹2 = 1
Ex. 𝐹10 = 𝐹8 + 𝐹9 = 21 + 34 = 55
𝐹27 = 𝐹25 + 𝐹26 = 75025 + 12139 = 196418
𝑛 𝑛
1 1+√5 1−√5
Explicit Formula: 𝐹𝑛 = [( ) −( ) ] , a direct formula for any term of the sequence
√5 2 2
The Fibonacci Numbers in the Pascal’s Triangle:
Fibonacci and Rabbit Breeding
Mathematics helps organize patterns and regularities in the world. Mathematics
helps predict the behavior of nature and phenomena in the world, as well as helps human exert
control over occurrence in the world for the advancement of our civilization.
Mathematics for our World
The patterns that we observe from nature follow logical and mathematical
structures. It is, therefore, important that we learn mathematical concepts and apply them in
solving societal problems. Perhaps, we can use mathematics to find solutions to the current
problems our country, in particular, and the world, in general, are facing.
Mathematics for Organization
Mathematics for Prediction
We can use mathematical models using existing data to generate analysis and
interpretation. We can also use them to make predictions. Based on historical patterns,
Meteorologists can make forecasts to help us prepare for our day-to-day activities. They can also
warn us of a possible weather disturbance that can affect our activities for the week or maybe for
the month.
The Philippine Population
The Philippines 2020 population is estimated at 109,581,078 people at midyear according
to UN data. The Philippines population is equivalent to 1.41% of the total world population. The
Philippines ranks number 13 in the list of countries (and dependencies) by population.
Source:[Link]
Mathematics can be used to model population growth. The formula for exponential growth
is 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡 , where 𝐴 is 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. The Euler’s constant 𝑒 has an approximate value of 2.718.
Plugging in values to this formula would result in the population size after time 𝑡 with a growth rate
of 𝑟.
So, what will be the population of the Philippines in 2030 if we estimate the population to be
110 million by the end of this year with a growth rate of 1.35%?
𝑃 = 110𝑀 𝑟 = 1.35% = 0.0135 𝑡 = 10 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒 𝑟𝑡 = 110𝑒 (0.0135)(10) = 110𝑒 0.135 = 110(1.144520764) = 125.897284
That is, the Philippine population would be 125,897,284, an increase of 15,897,284 in just
10 years.
Let’s try the following:
Determine what comes next in the given patterns. State the rule.
a. 1, 4, 9, 16, 25, _____
b. 22, 21, 25, 24, 28, 27, _____
c. 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, _____
d. 1, 8, 27, 64, 125, _____
e. CSD, ETF, GUH, _____, KWL
f. AZ, TI, BY, RK, CX, PM, _____
Substitute the given values in the formula 𝐴 = 𝑃𝑒𝑟𝑡 to find the missing quantity.
a. 𝑃 = 250,000 𝑟 = 12% per year 𝑡 = 8 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
b. 𝐴 = 1.24𝑀 𝑃 = 900,000 𝑡 = 25 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠
c. 𝑃 = 525,600 𝐴 = 731,093 𝑟 = 3%
Suppose the population of a certain bacteria in a laboratory sample is 100. If it doubles in
population every 6 hours, what is the growth rate? How many bacteria will there be in three
days?
