Mathematics in the

Modern World
Jacobe, Andhee M.
August 2018
 What is mathematics?

The science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations,

generalizations, and abstractions and of space configurations and their
structures, measurement, transformations, and generalization.[1]
The science of structure, order, and relation that has evolved from elemental
practices of counting, measuring, and describing shapes of objects. It deals
with quantitative calculation and logical reasoning.[2]
 Divisions of Mathematics

Foundations
Algebra
Analysis
Geometry
Applied Mathematics
Foundations

The study of philosophical, logical, and algorithmic bases of mathematics.[2]

This involves the language of mathematics and considers questions in logical methods on which all
mathematics rest.
 Logic Model Theory
 Computability Theory
 Recursion Theory
 Set Theory
 CategoryTheory
Foundations
 Algebra

The branch of mathematics dealing with symmetry, patterns, discrete sets, and
rules of manipulating arithmetic operations.
 Group Theory
 Ring Theory
 Field Theory
 Module Theory
 Number Theory
 Combinatorics
 Algebraic Geometry
Algebra
 Analysis

Pertains to the study of functions, the real line, and use of infinite processes as
well as the ideas of continuity and limits.
 Real Analysis
 Complex Analysis
 Tensor and Vector Analysis
 Differential and Integral Calculus
 Differential and Integral Equations
 Numerical Analysis
 Functional Analysis
Analysis
 Geometry

Refers to the branch of mathematics that involves shapes, sizes and sets, and
properties of figures which are preserved under various kinds of motion.
 Euclidean Geometry
 Non – Euclidean Geometry
 Trigonometry
 Absolute Geometry
 Differential Geometry
 Fractal Geometry
 Topology
 Graph Theory
Geometry
 Applied Mathematics

Deals with mathematical methods that find use in science, engineering,

business, computer science, and industry.
 Probability Theory
 Statistics
 Computer Science
 Mathematical Physics
 Game Theory
 Systems and Control Theory
Applied Mathematics
Mathematics in Nature
 The Fibonacci Sequence
The Fibonacci sequence is the number sequence given by:
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12, …
It can be seen that the 𝑛𝑡ℎ number in the sequence is given as the sum of the two
numbers it preceded. It can be represented by the recursive function:
𝑓 𝑛 = 𝑓 𝑛 − 1 + 𝑓 𝑛 − 2 ; 𝑓 1 = 0, 𝑓 2 = 1

Any number in this sequence is called a Fibonacci Number.

The Sunflower and Fibonacci Relation

The number of spirals in the

sunflower seed formation are
usually a pair of Fibonacci numbers
(counter-clockwise and clockwise).
The ratio of these numbers (larger /
smaller) estimates the Golden
Ratio.

Flower petals are also typically

arranged in Fibonacci patterns.

Certain galaxies and hurricanes

also exhibit this pattern.
 Snowflakes and Fractals
Fractals are defined as geometric figures having each
part similar to the whole, i.e., you get a part of and zoom
it in, you get the whole figure. Fractals are very useful in
modelling structures like eroded coastlines and
snowflakes.

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 Honeycombs, Tessellation, and Optimization

Honeycombs are natural

applications of tessellation
– the pattern of repeating
figures with no gaps or
overlaps.[3]
Not to mention the “idea”
that bees knew that
hexagons are much more
optimal than triangles and
squares.
Tiger’s Stripes, Hyena’s Spots and
Mathematical Modeling
Biologists are perplexed why animals (even
across the same species) exhibit different
patterns. Why are tigers striped while
hyenas are spotted? A more interesting
question is “Why are some hyenas spotted
yet others are striped’.

The answer can be found in mathematics.

Patterns are modeled and one such model
is given below.
 Snail’s Shell and the Logarithmic Spiral

The logarithmic
spiral is one of the
most frequent
mathematical
patterns that appear
in nature.

One famous example

are snail shells.
𝒃𝜽
𝒓 = 𝒂𝒆
 World’s Population and Logistic Growth

One might be surprised to

know that the world’s
population is not random.
Yes! It is not random in the
sense that it can be
accurately predicted.
Thus, to many, it is not
surprising to have 7 Billion
people in this planet. Don’t
worry , our number will
definitely stabilize once
the planet cannot sustain
our needs. ^_^
 Weather
One of the most difficult
thing to predict in our
daily lives is the weather.

Despite this, there are

variety of mathematical
fields which are
connected with
meteorology.
For example, hurricanes
exhibit spiral patterns,
follow a trochoidal
pattern of motion, and so
on.