As a universal language, mathematics is not only within the education system but rather in almost every aspect of life. When looking outside at nature or even at oneself, various types of symmetrical examples are present. Symmetry, according to the Oxford dictionary, means the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis. Hence, this similarity within symmetrical patterns, designed within various objects or persons appeals to the eye at first glance due to the formality and elegance created by its symmetrical balance. Symmetry is the most powerful and pervasive concept in mathematics, but yet many take it for granted and forget about its unique beauty. There are numerous types of symmetry, but consider
…show more content…
Honey hunting is not the only fun activity that bees enjoy. On a daily basis, bees perfectly construct hexagonal figures in their honeycombs that illustrate wallpaper symmetry. Wallpaper symmetry is a result of repetition of patterns that cover a plane. As amazing as this design is, many wonder why the hexagonal shapes fill beehives, instead of triangles or circles, for example. Consequently, after much consideration, mathematicians believe that the hexagonal shape is the most efficient and effective shape in order to store the most amount of honey while using the less amount of wax. Circles, triangles or any other figures on the other hand, if repeated, would leave too big of a gap in between each cell and therefore, require extra wax. (www.planetdolan.com/15-beautiful-examples-of-mathematics-in-nature/2/) Figure C- Honeycomb
As brought out earlier, mathematical patterns are present here on earth, but they also appear in outer space too. The Milky Way Galaxy, for example, contains a near perfect mirror image of itself. This is prevalent since it has two major arms, Perseus and Scutum-Centaurus. In addition to mirror symmetry, the Milky Way Galaxy also contains logarithmic spirals similar in design to nautilus shells and sunflowers. These logarithmic spirals are present from the center of the galaxy and expand outward. (www.planetdolan.com/15-beautiful-examples-of-mathematics-in-nature/2/) Figure D- Example 1 of Milky Way and example 2 of Milky
Honey hunting is not the only fun activity that bees enjoy. On a daily basis, bees perfectly construct hexagonal figures in their honeycombs that illustrate wallpaper symmetry. Wallpaper symmetry is a result of repetition of patterns that cover a plane. As amazing as this design is, many wonder why the hexagonal shapes fill beehives, instead of triangles or circles, for example. Consequently, after much consideration, mathematicians believe that the hexagonal shape is the most efficient and effective shape in order to store the most amount of honey while using the less amount of wax. Circles, triangles or any other figures on the other hand, if repeated, would leave too big of a gap in between each cell and therefore, require extra wax. (www.planetdolan.com/15-beautiful-examples-of-mathematics-in-nature/2/) Figure C- Honeycomb
As brought out earlier, mathematical patterns are present here on earth, but they also appear in outer space too. The Milky Way Galaxy, for example, contains a near perfect mirror image of itself. This is prevalent since it has two major arms, Perseus and Scutum-Centaurus. In addition to mirror symmetry, the Milky Way Galaxy also contains logarithmic spirals similar in design to nautilus shells and sunflowers. These logarithmic spirals are present from the center of the galaxy and expand outward. (www.planetdolan.com/15-beautiful-examples-of-mathematics-in-nature/2/) Figure D- Example 1 of Milky Way and example 2 of Milky