The Fibonacci Sequence by Nandipha
Ndenda
What is the fibonnaci sequence?
The fibonnaci sequecne is a series of numbers where each number is the sum
of the two preceding ones. It starts like this: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 21, 34,…
Mathematically it can be defined as:
F(n) = F(n-1) + F(n-2)
An example using the sequence above:
F(3) = F(3-1) + F(3-2)
F(3) = F(2) + F(1)
F(3) = 1 + 0
F(3) = 1
An example of the fibonnaci sequence in everyday life:
The number of petals in flowers often follow the Fibonnaci numbers (e.g., lillies
have 3 petals followed by another 3 then 6, then 9, etc…)
What aspect I find interesting of the fibonnaci sequence:
One of the mysterious things is how mathematics can always be applied things
about nature. As mentioned above, the numbers of petals on flowers often
follow the fibonnaci sequence. What fascinates me about this is why this
happens. Scientists believe flowers grow in this sequence to maximise sunlight
exposure and efficiently pack seeds in the centre.