Patterns and Regularities in Nature and Mathematics

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions of patterns, regularities, types of algebraic patterns, and various examples of patterns found in nature.

Regularity (Collins, 2018)

The fact that the same thing always happens in the same circumstances.

Pattern

A discernible regularity in the world or in a man-made design.

Geometric pattern

A kind of pattern formed of geometric shapes and typically repeated like a wallpaper design.

Algebraic pattern categories

The two common categories of patterns in Algebra: the repeating pattern and the growing pattern.

Regularity in the world

States the fact that the same thing always happens in the same circumstances.

Ian Stewart (1995)

Noted that we live in a universe of patterns.

Symmetry

Means agreement in dimensions, due proportion and arrangement.

Spiral

A curve which emanates from a point, moving farther away as it revolves around the point.

Meander

One of a series of regular sinuous curves, bends, loops, turns, or windings in the channel of a river, stream, or other watercourse.

Wave

A disturbance that transfers energy through matter or space, with little or no associated mass transport.

Foam

A substance formed by trapping pockets of gas in a liquid or solid.

Tessellation

The tiling of a plane using one or more geometric shapes, called tiles, with no overlaps and no gaps.

Fracture or crack

The separation of an object or material into two or more pieces under the action of stress.

Stripes

Patterns made by a series of bands or strips, often of the same width and color along the length.

Fractal

A never-ending pattern.

Affine Transformations

The processes of rotation, reflection, and scaling.