Thursday, March 13, 2008

Design #38- The Fibonacci Series

Design can we found in math where orderliness is expressed in creation’s designs

Here is a little math puzzle. Start with zero and add 1. Now add these two numbers to get 1. Add the last two numbers, 1+1 to get 2. Next add the last two numbers (1+2) to get 3. If you continue this pattern, you have the Fibonacci series, named after Leonardo Fibonacci, an Italian mathematician who developed the concept around 1200. It looks like this: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, etc. Now take the first number in this series, and draw a square 1 unit on each side, representing the first number. Draw a curved line connecting the upper right corner to the lower left. Now draw another square to its left the same size, representing the second number, and continue the curved line to the upper left corner.  Next draw a square above these, 2 units on a side representing the third number and continue the curved line. If you continue this pattern, it should look like an enlarging spiral. Mathematicians were interested in this series because the shapes it formed were the most pleasing to the eye in ancient architecture.
Now consider the picture of a common seashell. You immediately notice that same pattern, don’t you? The seashell does indeed follow the Fibonacci pattern, showing order and predictability. This same pattern is found in other ways in nature. Find a picture of a passion fruit plant. Can you see the pattern? It can also be seen in whirlpools, sunflowers, daisies, pinecones, pineapples, broccoli flowers, and a multitude of other natural beauty. It is found in beautiful faces, beautiful music, even in the length of our finger bones! How can we explain this mathematical precision apart from design? How can we explain design apart from a Designer? His name is Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world! (John 1:3, 12) (for more explanation and pictures check here: http://britton.disted.camosun.bc.ca/fibslide/jbfibslide.htm or http://www.world-mysteries.com/sci_17.htm#Nature )

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Posted by Jim at 04:34 PM

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