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Essay Ge MMW

The Fibonacci sequence describes a pattern where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers, starting with 0 and 1. This sequence is found throughout nature, such as in the spiral patterns of leaves, seeds, shells, and galaxy arms. The Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio have also been used by artists and architects to proportion their works. Studying these mathematical patterns in nature provides clues to understand natural processes and growth.

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30 views2 pages

Essay Ge MMW

The Fibonacci sequence describes a pattern where each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers, starting with 0 and 1. This sequence is found throughout nature, such as in the spiral patterns of leaves, seeds, shells, and galaxy arms. The Fibonacci sequence and golden ratio have also been used by artists and architects to proportion their works. Studying these mathematical patterns in nature provides clues to understand natural processes and growth.

Uploaded by

banschariel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Fibonacci Sequence and Its Uses in Understanding Real-Life Problems

In the 12th century, Italian mathematician Leonardo Pisano discovered Fibonacci


Sequence through his study of Rabbit reproduction in his book Liber abaci (1202; “Book
of the Abacus”). The Fibonacci Sequence is a sequence in which each term is the sum
of the two preceding numbers. The Fibonacci numbers are illustrated like this: (0, 1, 1,
2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, …). Fibonacci sequence introduced the context of the
problem of how many pairs of rabbits there would be if every month a pair produced a
new pair and rabbit pairs could produce another pair beginning in their second month
(Britannica, 2022). When the total number of rabbits for each month is listed one after
the other, it produces the Fibonacci number sequence.

Fibonacci Sequence can not only be found in the rabbit study but also in the
different phenomena of life. As people pay attention to studying our natural world, they
discovered that numerous plants, animals, and humans exhibited Fibonacci number
patterns. Fibonacci Sequence can often be found in the arrangement of leaves of a
plant. For example, leaves are generated after about 3/8 of a revolution for poplar,
willow, and pear trees, and 2/5 for oak, cherry, and apple (Adam, 2003, p. 217). The
total number of leaves or petals of a plant is often a Fibonacci number. To name a few,
primroses, larkspur, and buttercups have five petals, delphiniums have eight, and
marigolds have thirteen (Devlin, 2011, p. 145). In the arrangement of seeds on flower
heads, Fibonacci numbers are also found. In most daisy or sunflower blossoms, there
are 55 spirals spiraling outwards and 34 spirals spiraling inwards (Mathematics and
Knots, 2002).

Humans and animals also exhibit Fibonacci characteristics. Every human has
one head, two legs, two hands, and five fingers, and each finger has three parts that are
separated by two knuckles. Animals such as seashells, snails, parrot beaks, elephant
tusks, the tail of a seahorse, and the horns of bighorn sheep form spirals. Other
manifestations of the spiral include spider webs and cat claws (Garland, 1987, pp. 16,
31). Fibonacci spirals are also found in other fields associated with nature. It is often
found in waves, typhoons, the combination of colors, roses, etc.

Furthermore, the Fibonacci Sequence is also used in various fields of life to


understand such problems. In Ian Stewart's book "Nature's Numbers," pages 1-11, it
was stated that “Nature's patterns are not just there to be admired, they are vital clues
to the rules that govern natural processes.” In his book, he explains how patterns can
help us explain why a phenomenon has occurred or happened. For instance, he stated
that mathematicians can deduce the atomic geometry of ice crystals through the sixfold
symmetry of snowflakes. The regular nightly motion of the stars helps explains why
Earth rotates. The hyena's spots and the tiger's stripes are both clues to the existence
of mathematical regularities in biological growth and shape.

Additionally, Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio have also been widely used
in works of art, music, and architecture for centuries. Leonardo da Vinci, an Italian
painter, utilized the golden ratio in most of his work such as his two well-known
sketches of the Vitruvian man and the Mona Lisa. The Fibonacci numbers are also
present in the music. The best string instruments ever made were those made by
Stradivarius, who employed the golden ratio in his designs. According to Howat's (1983)
analysis of Debussy's compositions, the composer used the Fibonacci sequence and
the golden ratio to build his music. In architecture, the designs of many buildings built
during the Renaissance involve Fibonacci numbers or the golden ratio. For example,
the Cathedral in Florence has the Fibonacci numbers in its structure (Posamentier &
Lehmann, 2007, pp. 239-240).

As we study the natural things around us, we observe how these things follow
Fibonacci numbers. The Fibonacci Sequence can truly be found everywhere. It is
amazing how Fibonacci numbers appear in various fields of nature from plants,
humans, and animals. And how a sequence of numbers gives us clues in understanding
such phenomena. These unique and fascinating Fibonacci numbers help us in the
complexity of the world we live in. Truly, mathematics and natures are in connection.
We understand the beauty of nature through the help of mathematics.

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