BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

MMW 101
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD

Module 2
The Fibonacci Sequence and The
Golden Ratio
“Seeing a New Yet the Same World
Through Mathematics”
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The Fibonacci Sequence and The Golden Ratio

Objectives of the Module

At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. tell the contribution of Fibonacci in mathematics,
2. explain how the Fibonacci sequence came about,
3. find and relate the Fibonacci numbers with things and happenings in the
environment,
4. identify the presence of the Golden Ratio in nature, architecture, and artworks,
and
5. recognize the presence of the Golden Ratio in the human body.
2.1 The Fibonacci Sequence
Who is Fibonacci?
Are you interested to know the person who discovered a sequence of numbers
and why he is differently known from his real name?

Let me introduce him to you. The picture at

the right is Leonardo Pisano or Leonardo of Pisa.
He was born in Pisa, Italy, in 1170. He was
recognized and well known for popularizing the
Hindu-Arabic numeral system or decimal system in
Europe. He advocated the use of the digits 0 to 9
and of the place values.
He is popularly known as Fibonacci, a
shortened word for the Latin term "fillius Bonacci,"
which means "son of Bonacci" because his father
was Guglielmo Bonaccio. He discovered the
famous FIBONACCI SEQUENCE. Fibonacci was http://t1.gstatic.com/licensed-
image?q=tbn:ANd9GcRP5VHvglI8NXAt2RWH3Q
able to find this number sequence while looking at 2fxztPEOzs-
w1ZETJQPZzwKyZLYj6ykVQStLJ7uwxnbaiV
how generations of rabbits breed.

The breeding of rabbits led to his discovery of the numbers in the Fibonacci
sequence. Let us try to discover it too. However, certain conditions are to be observed
as follows:
1. Start with a baby male and a baby female rabbit (Generation 0 or G0).
2. This pair will mature in Generation 1 (G1) and can reproduce a pair in
Generation 2 (G2).
3. This sequence continues, as in the illustration that follows.
Note: It is to be assumed that no rabbit is to die in the process.
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Legends:

𝑟𝑚 = baby male rabbit

𝑟𝑓 = baby female rabbit

𝑅𝑚 = matured male rabbit

𝑅𝑓 = matured female rabbit

Generation Illustration No. of Pairs

0 𝑟𝑚 𝑟𝑓 1

1 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 1

2 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 𝑟𝑚 𝑟𝑓 2

3 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 𝑟𝑚 𝑟𝑓 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 3

4 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 𝑟𝑚 𝑟𝑓 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 𝑟𝑚 𝑟𝑓 5

5 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 𝑟𝑚 𝑟𝑓 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 𝑟𝑚 𝑟𝑓 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 𝑟𝑚 𝑟𝑓 𝑅𝑚 𝑅𝑓 8

Listing the number of pairs in a sequence, we have

1+1 1+2 2+3 3+5 5+8 8+13 13+21 21+34

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, …

Can you now derive the Fibonacci sequence with 30 numbers in the sequence?
Do it here:
___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___, ___,
___, ___, ___, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, ____, _____

Have you written the sequence correctly? I hope you did. CONGRATULATIONS!

Where Can You Find the Fibonacci Sequence?

The Fibonacci sequence application can be seen in nature, on phenomena,
on the human body, and in photographs.
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A. Fibonacci Numbers in Nature

1. In the number of petals of flowers

Many flowers follow the numbers in the Fibonacci sequence about the number
of petals they possess naturally. These are some examples:
calla lily euphorbia milii trillium hibiscus cosmos
with 1 petal with 2 petals with 3 petals with 5 petals with 8 petals

with 1 petal

http://fineartamerica.co http://www.photos-public- https://c.pxhere.com/ph https://www.publicdomain https://pixnio.com/free-

m/images/artworkimag domain.com/wp- otos/92/6e/flower_trilliu pictures.net/pictures/1100 images/flora-
es/medium/1/white-alla- content/uploads/2011/03/pink- m_woodland_forest- 00/velka/pink-hibiscus- plants/flowers/dark-pink-
lily-christine-till.jpg flowers-on-crown-of-thorns- 816382.jpg!d flower- cosmos-flower.jpg
thumbnail-190x190.jpg 1413634461uMB.jpg

2. In the number of sections in fruits

When we observe fruits, we may notice that the number of sections they have
is in the Fibonacci sequence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptY7JqfjT6Q

B. The Fibonacci Spiral

Using the first ten (10) numbers in the Fibonacci sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13,
21, 34, 55 as dimensions of adjacent squares, you can create a Fibonacci spiral.
When arranged in a certain way, the Fibonacci sequence creates a special spiral
pattern. 1

1 "(PDF) The Fibonacci Sequence: Nature's Little Secret."

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275994357_The_Fibonacci_Sequence_Nature's_Little_Secret.
Accessed 6 Aug. 2020.
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How to create a Fibonacci spiral

1. In creating a Fibonacci spiral, begin by drawing

two 1 x 1 squares. Draw a 2 x 2 square using the
sides of the rectangle formed by the first two
squares. Draw a 3 x 3 square using the sides of
the second rectangle formed. You will notice that
the sides of the squares are Fibonacci numbers.
Continue drawing squares using the Fibonacci
numbers as sides of the squares.

2. In creating a spiral-like shape, draw curves in

the squares beginning with the 1 x 1 squares.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275994357_The_Fib
onacci_Sequence_Nature's_Little_Secret

Can you make your Fibonacci spiral using the first ten numbers in the Fibonacci
sequence differently from the example?

The Fibonacci spiral is seen in the

nautilus shell as shown in the picture.

https://format-magazine-production-
res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/c_limit,w_1200,h_1600,f_jpg
,f_auto/mollusc-mother-of-pearl-nautilus-33234
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The Fibonacci spiral can be

observed in photographs of storms,
specifically hurricanes, and tornadoes.

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/7d/24/91/7d249115076c1c9342b10646c011b983--
hurricane-sandy-fibonacci-number.jpg

We can see the Fibonacci spiral in the

arrangement of the sunflower seeds.

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/bc/17/b6/bc17b61ef58ef3be55
338eb3fc29d0d9--fibonacci-number-fibonacci-in-
nature.jpg

Fibonacci spirals also appear on the skin of pineapples and pinecones. The
number of spirals found in them belongs to the Fibonacci sequence.

https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/594756694526229319/? https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/310000/vel
nic_v2=1a2T6TQ1I ka/pine-cone-on-a-branch-15731202767Ic.jpg
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There are some parts in

the body where the
Fibonacci spiral is evident.

http://www.creomedia.ie/wp- https://www.goldennumber.net/wp-
content/uploads/2016/05/MathsOfDesignIm content/uploads/finger-golden-spiral.png
age3.jpg

2.2 The Golden Ratio

The symbol of the golden ratio is the Greek letter "phi" – Ф (uppercase letter)
or φ (lowercase letter). It is named after the Greek sculptor Phidias. It is an irrational
number equal to 1.61803398874989484820... (approximately equal to 1.618). The
Golden Ratio is also equal to

√𝟓+𝟏
φ= and φ = 𝟐(𝑺𝒊𝒏 𝟓𝟒°). 2
𝟐

The Golden Ratio is also known as Divine Ratio or Divine Proportion.

The Golden Ratio in the Fibonacci Sequence

Using a line segment, divide it into two parts in such a way that the ratio of the
longer part to the shorter part is equal to the ratio of the whole segment to the longer
part.

https://byjus.com/maths/golden-ratio/

2
https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/golden-ratio.html
 24

Surprisingly, we can see the relationship between the Golden Ratio and the
Fibonacci sequence when we divide a Fibonacci number by the Fibonacci number
before it. Let us consider the first eleven (11) numbers in the sequence.

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89

1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th

Then find the ratio of the next number and the preceding as shown in the table.

Ratio Quotient
2𝑛𝑑 1
1
1𝑠𝑡 1
3𝑟𝑑 2
2
2𝑛𝑑 1
4𝑡ℎ 3
1.5
3𝑟𝑑 2
5𝑡ℎ 5
1.666666…
4𝑡ℎ 3
6𝑡ℎ 8
1.6
5𝑡ℎ 5
7𝑡ℎ 13
1.625
6𝑡ℎ 8
8𝑡ℎ 21
1.61538462
7𝑡ℎ 13
9𝑡ℎ 34
21
1.61904762
8𝑡ℎ
10𝑡ℎ 55
1.61764706
9𝑡ℎ 34
11𝑡ℎ 89
1.6181818…
10𝑡ℎ 55

You will notice that the bigger Fibonacci numbers you use as a ratio, the closer
you get to the approximate value of φ (1.61803398874989484820...).

Continue the table using up to the 15th number in the sequence.

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Application

Many artists and architects apply the Golden Ratio in their artworks and creative
designs, believing that their works would be more pleasing and beautiful.

1. The Golden Spiral

The Fibonacci spiral, as mentioned

in the previous lesson, is constructed using
the numbers in the Fibonacci sequence. The
Fibonacci spiral is also known as the
Golden Spiral.

https://pixabay.com/vectors/fibonacci-spiral-science-golden-
1601158/?fbclid=IwAR2D6Lr7UjLcZD8gmwxmwVYA9lLCPulqi1cjX
H9103GVbOYycYLVg7DwmGs

Many artists who lived after Phidias

have used the Golden Rectangle and the
Golden Ratio like Leonardo Da Vinci in his
painting "Mona Lisa."

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/78/0d/70/780d70cee
ad6fd4550b0d5dbe137f157.jpg
 26

2. The Golden Rectangle is a rectangle whose sides are in the proportion of the
Golden Ratio. This may be observed in notable architectural structures dating back
to ancient times as well as art.

Temples like the Parthenon

in Greece are believed to have
the Golden Ratio in them.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-
RL5ZXm0fPiY/TZ4PKWJcvUI/AAAAAAAAAFk/wJIO2cjskro/s640/pa
rthenongoldenratio.png

3. Proportions of the human body, such as the face, follows the Divine Proportion.
The closer the body parts' proportion is to the Golden Ratio, the more aesthetic
and beautiful the body is.

https://www.deviantart.com/lighthouse-beacon/art/The-Golden- https://sriyantraresearch.com/Article/GoldenRati
Ratio-and-Body-Proportions-289022375 o/face1.jpg
 27

References

Nocon, R. & Nocon, E.(2018). Essential Mathematics for the Modern Word. C & E
Publishing, Inc.

Baltazar, E., Ragasa, C., & Evangelista, J. (2018). Mathematics in the Modern World.
Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc.