Fractals
Fractals
By Geo Larsnick
Have you ever looked at a math book and thought, “This is boring?†Have you ever looked at an art book and thought, “This is interesting!†Would it surprise you to know that art and mathematics are closely related? That’s right, art and math come together in fractals.
But, what is a fractal? Fractals are complex mathematical equations that take geometric shape. They are vibrant, encompassing every color of the spectrum visible to our eyes. Imagine a series of triangles that repeat endlessly, constantly decreasing. This is one of the properties of a fractal, known as self-similarity. The repetition of the pattern is directed by the mathematical equation. So every equation will produce a different fractal. They can be simple or complex but all are artful representations of math.
Yet, fractals aren’t just pieces of abstract art or only for the mathematicians. No, we can see fractals in our every day life. They are hiding right under our noses, we just don’t realize what we are seeing. Ferns are fractals. Trees are fractals. The fruit we eat contains fractals. Even human beings! Every thing on the planet is a fractal—it can all be expressed mathematically. Fractals are a portal to seeing the world differently; math becomes art and art becomes math, and both are hardly boring.
November 2nd, 20071:46 am at
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – you’ve written what could be an excellent introduction to an entire book on Fractals. There’s lots to explore – I hope you keep going!
November 13th, 20079:50 pm at
Wow. That post makes me feel dumb.
December 7th, 200711:20 pm at
G,
I have always believed that I think in pictures. If I visualized the physical aspects of an equation then I could much better understand a mathmatical representation. The thought of fractals and what they represent, obviously infinite visual possibilities is intriguing. I am pretty lame when it comes to fractals, tho. Thank you for views.
gpr