Instructional Module in GE 4

Mathematics in the Modern World

First semester

Kyle Lizli C. Basa

Instructor

Module No.II
Fibonacci Sequence
The Golden Ratio
Speaking mathematically
Variables

Time Allotment: 6 hours

I. Introduction

In the 1202 AD, Leonardo Fibonacci wrote in his book “Liber Abaci” of a
simple numerical sequence that is the foundation for an incredible mathematical
relationship behind PHI. This sequence was known as early as the 6 th century AD by
indian mathematicians, but it was Fibonacci who introduced it to the west after his
travels throughout the Mediterranean world and North Africa. He is also known as
Leonardo Bonacci, as his name derived in Italian from words meaning “son of (the)
Bonacci”.

II. LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this module you can be able to:

- Defined and explain Fibonacci Sequence

- Solved Sequences using Fibonacci sequence
- Defined and explain Golden Ratio
- Appreciate the nature and uses of mathematics in everyday life and for
our world.
- Differentiated mathematical language from other languages
- Used Variables

III. LEARNING CONTENTS

For this Lesson, the following topics are contained:

A. Understanding of the following key terms:

1. Fibonacci Sequence
2. Mathematics for Organization
3. Mathematics for Prediction
4. Mathematics for Control
 5. Mathematics is Indispensable
6. Mathematical language
7. Variables

B. Differentiation of the following concepts:

1. The importance and the use of mathematics in the modern world

2. Patterns and Sequences
3. Sequence and Fibonacci Sequence

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

For this module, you are provided with the following:

1. A hand out to read and a soft copy

To accomplish the activity for this module, you need the following:

1. Internet references
2. Books
* Mathematics in the Modern World

IV. Discussion

Lesson 2.1 Fibonacci Sequence (2 hours)

As we have seen in the previous sections, the human mind is hardwired to

recognize patterns. In mathematics, we can generate patterns by performing one
or several mathematical operations repeatedly. Suppose we choose the number 3
as the first number in our pattern. We then choose to add 5 to our first number,
resulting 8, which is our second number. Repeating this process, we obtain 13,
18,23, 28 … as the succeeding numbers that form our pattern. In mathematics, we
call these ordered lists of numbers a sequence.

Take a look at the following sequence:

a. 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13
b. 34, 55, 89, 144

What have you noticed? Item a and b is a special sequence called the
Fibonacci Sequence. It is named after the Italian mathematician Leonardo of
Pisa, who was better known by his nickname Fibonacci. He is said to have
discovered this sequence as he looked at a hypothesized group of rabbits bred and
produced. The problem involved having a single pair of rabbits and then finding out
how many pairs of rabbit will be born in a year, with the assumption that a new pair
of rabbits is born each month and this new pair, in turn, gives birth to additional
pairs of rabbits beginning at two months after they extended by getting the sum of
the two previous terms.

Starting with 0 and 1, the succeeding terms in the sequence can be

generated by adding the two numbers that came before the term:

0 + 1 = 1 0, 1, 1 (Fibonacci sequence is the

1 + 1 = 2 0, 1, 1, 2 sum of two consecutive numbers
1 + 2 = 3 0, 1, 1, 2, 3 from the sequence)
2 + 3 = 5 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5
3 + 5 = 8 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8
5 + 8 = 13 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, …

Fibonacci Sequence: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34,55, ………..

Fibonacci sequence has many interesting properties. Among these is that this
pattern is very visible in nature. Some of nature’s most beautiful patterns, like the
spiral arrangement of sunflower seeds, the number of petals in a flower, and the
shape of a snail’s shell. It is also interesting to note that the ratios of successive
Fibonacci numbers approach the number ᵩ (Phi), also known as the Golden Ratio.
This is approximately equal to 1.618.

1 13
= 1.0000 = 1.6250
1 8

2 21
= 2.0000 = 1.6154
1 13

3 34
= 1.5000 = 1.6190
2 21

5 55
= 1.6667 = 1.6177
3 34

8 89
= 1.600 = 1.6182
5 55

The Golden Ratio can also be expressed as the ratio between two numbers, if the
latter is also the ratio between the sum and the larger of the two numbers.
Geometrically, it can also be visualized as a rectangle perfectly formed by a square
and another rectangle, which can be repeated infinitely inside each section.
Shapes and figures that ear this proportion are generally considered to be
aesthetically pleasing. As such, this ratio is visible in many works of art and
architecture such as in the Mona Lisa, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the
Parthenon. In fact, the human DNA molecule also contains Fibonacci numbers,
being 34 oangstroms long by 21 oangstroms wide for each full cycle of the double
helix spiral. As shown in the list above, this approximates the Golden Ratio at a
value of about 1.619 (1 0angstrom = 10-10 meter or 0.1 nanometer).

To appreciate The Golden ratio

Watch video

V. Learning Assessment

I. Let Fib(n) be nth term of the fibonacci sequence, with Fib(1)=1, Fib(2)=1,
Fib(3)=2, and so on.

1. Find Fib (8).

2. Find Fib (17).

3. Find Fib (19).

4. If Fib (22) = 17,711 and Fib (24) = 46,368, what is Fib (23)?

5. Find Fib (27).

6. Evaluate the following sums:

a. Fib (1) + Fib (2) = _____

b. Fib (1) + Fib (2) + Fib (3) = _____

c. [Fib (4) + Fib (3)] x Fib (1) – Fib (2) + Fib (5) = _____

d. Fib (10) – Fib (5) x Fib (1) + Fib (9) = _____

7. Determine the pattern in the successive sums from letter a and b. what will be
the sum of Fib (1) + Fib (2) + …..+ Fib (10)?

Lesson 2.2 Mathematics for our World (2 hours)

We have seen in the preceding sections how evident mathematics is in the

natural world, specifically in how the patterns that we observe in nature follow
logical and mathematical structures. It is, therefore, important that we learn
mathematical concepts and apply them in solving societal problems.

Mathematics for organization

A lot of events happen around us. In the blink of an eye, several children
have already been born, liters of water have been consumed, or thousands of
tweets have been posted. For us to make 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 customers
and make necessary adjustments to help drive sales. Scientists can plot bird
migration routes to help conserve endangered animal populations. Social media
analysts can crunch all online postings using software to gauge the netizens’
sentiments on particular issues or personalities.

Mathematics for Prediction

It is sometimes said that history repeats itself. As much as we can use

mathematical models existing data to regenerate analysis and interpretations, 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, meteorologists can make forecast to help us prepare
for our day-to-day activities. They can also warn us of weather disturbances that
can affect our activities for weeks or months. Astronomers also use patterns to
predict the occurrence of meteor showers or eclipses. In 2017, announcements
were made about heavenly phenomena such as the Draconid Meteor Shower and
“The great American eclipse.” They were able to tell when these phenomena would
occur and where would be the best places to view them.

Mathematics for Control

We have demonstrated by means of example around us that patterns are

definitely present in the universe. There seems to be an 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. These observations 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.”

It is interesting then to ponder on how mathematics an invention of the

human mind seems to permeate the natural laws that hold the universe together.
There have been instances when a natural phenomenon has been speculated to
exist because mathematics says so but no hard evidence have been found to
support its existence. Such phenomena were proven to exist only when
advancements in technology have allowed us to expand our horizons. For example,
in 1916, Albert Einstein hypothesized the existence of gravitational waves based on
his theory of general relativity. This is when “ripples” are formed in the fabric of
space-time due to large and violent cosmic events, very much like when a pebble is
thrown on a stagnant pond. About a hundred years later, the laser interferometer
gravitational wave observatory (LIGO) announced that it found evidence of this
phenomenon.

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 warming
has been the subject of much debate over the years. It is believed that unless man
changes his behaviour, patterns are said to indicate that sea levels could rise to
catastrophic levels as the polar caps melt due to increase in global temperatures.
To ensure that greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are kept at levels
that would not interfere with the climate system.

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

In this chapter, it was highlighted how mathematics plays a huge role in the
underpinnings of our world. We have seen it in living creatures and natural
phenomena. We have also looked at examples of how mathematical concepts could
be applied. Whether you are on your way to becoming a doctor, an engineer, an
entrepreneur or a chef, a knowledge of mathematics will be helpful. At the most
basic level, logical reasoning and critical thinking are crucial skills that are needed
in any endeavour. As such, the study of mathematics should be embraced as it
paves the way for more educated decisions and in a way, brings us closer to
understanding the natural world.

Lesson 2.3 Speaking Mathematically (2 hours)

Introduction

What is Language? Usually, we use language to communicate to each other and

every nation has their own language called dialect for instance, the dialect of the
US is English, china-chinese(niptonggo), Philippines-filipino, manila-tagalog, cebu-
bisaya, Iloilo-hiligaynon, capiz-karay a. maka communicate ka bla sa chinese kng d
kmo mag itindihanay? So, Language is the basic of communication but more
importantly language is the basic to understand each other. Coz if you don’t
understand for example:

Other language is in form of action. In military language. The sign language, just
imagine the scenario, nag gira gd man ang china kag pilipinas, t kinanglan suldado,
so narecruit ka taz ara na kmo sa gyera, consider yourself nga wala ka gd idea
about military language, your captain close his hand, so in military language it
means stop. Pero abi mo ya away na kay inumol ang pag intindi mo. So nagsulong
Kaman ya,T kundi una ka natiruhan. In lovers, pagpangilay lng sa partner mo
intindihan mo na kng ano buot ya silingon.

So it is very important to understand the language you are dealing with,

and right now in this subject mathematics in the modern world, obviously, it is
essential to know the language of mathematics.

Just like in other subjects: like English have verbs, adverbs, nouns and
pronouns, in science where h2o means water, mathematics also have its own
language like numbers and signs. Only in mathematics the (+) sign has 4
meanings, in English it is a small letter t or a sign for a cross but in mathematics,
this sign stand for add or addition, sum or a positive sign. The (-) sign means
minus, subtract or subtraction, difference a negative sign.

The aim of this topic is to introduce you to a mathematical way of thinking

that can serve you in a wide variety of situations. This topic will also introduce you
to some of the special language that is a foundation for much mathematical
thought. For example, we change normal language in mathematical language to
make the problem easier to solve.

Lesson 2.4 Variables

 A variable is sometimes thought of as a mathematical replacement or a
placeholder when you want to talk about something but either (1) you imagine
that has one or more values but you don’t know what they are, or (2) you want
whatever you say about it to be equally true for all elements in a given set, and so
you don’t want to be restricted to considering only a particular, concrete value for
it. To illustrate the first use, consider asking

Is there a number with the following property: doubling it and adding 3

gives the same result as squaring it? (may ara bla numero nga kng doublehon mo
kag dugangan tatlo makahatag sang pareha nga resulta sa iya nga square?)

So in order for us to solve it easier, we change it in mathematical language. In this

sentence you can introduce a variable to replace the potentially ambiguous word
“it”. Let say the variable we use is x.

Is there a number x with the property that 2x+3=x2?

So we can answer now, say that x is any number

If x = 1 if x = 2

Substitute: 2(1)+3=12 2(2)+3=22

2+3=1 4+3=4

5=1 7=4

So may ara bla nga numero? Lets try x=3

2(3)+3=32

6+3=9

9=9

The advantage of using a variable is that it allows you to give a temporary name
to what you are seeking so that you can perform concrete computations with it to
help discover its possible values.
To illustrate the second use of variables, consider the statement:
No matter what number might be chosen, if it is greater than 2, then its
square is greater than 4.

In this case introducing a variable to give a temporary name to the (arbitrary)

number you might choose enables you to maintain the generality of the statement,
and replacing all instance word “it” by the name of the variable ensures that
possible ambiguity is avoided:

Let say we use n as the variable

No matter what number n might be chosen, if n is greater than 2, then n 2 is

greater than 4.

If you want to be sure of the statement, solve it.

If n=3 n=4

32 = 9 42=16 any number greater than 2, the answer will be greater than 4.

EXAMPLE 1. Writing Sentences Using Variables

Use variables to rewrite the following sentences more formally.

a. Are there numbers with the property that the sum of their squares equals the
square of their sum?

b. Given any real number, its square is nonnegative.

Solution:

a. Are there numbers a and b with the property that a 2+b2=(a+b)2?

b. Given any real numbers r, r2 is nonnegative.

Or: for any real number r, r2 ≥ 0.

V. Learning Assessment

Use variables to rewrite the following sentences more formally.

a. Are there numbers whose squares are smaller than the numbers themselves?

b. A prime number is an integer greater than 1 whose only positive divisors are 1
itself.

LIST OF LEARNING SUPPORT AND REFERENCES

Books:

- mathematics in the modern world philippine edition, rex bookstore

- Mathematical Excursions by Aufmann, Lockwood, Nation, Clegg

- Nature’s numbers by Ian Stewart

- Mathematics in nature; modeling patterns in the natural world by John A. Adam