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National Fibonacci Day

Study and research the Fibonacci sequence on #NationalFibonacciDay

23 November is National Fibonacci Day, created to commemorate the Fibonacci sequence and the man who brought it to our attention in 1202.

A Fibonacci sequence is a sequence of numbers, starting with a 1 or a 0 in which the next number is equal to the previous two numbers added together. Thus: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13 and so on.

There are many sequences that appear in nature time and time again – ones that seem to define the very basis of our reality and coordinate how everything comes together. One of these sequences is the Fibonacci sequence, which can be found in the most surprising places.

“Who is this man?” you may ask. The answer to that question is, he is Leonardo of Pisa – known today as Fibonacci. Although he was not the first man to think of the sequence, he was the first to bring it to the attention of the European world. He showed the importance of this sequence in the furthering of science.

The sequence itself was initially known as Virahanka numbers and first appeared in Indian mathematics – closely connected to the Sanskrit prosody. It is also tied to the golden ratio and the golden triangle, both of which appear again and again in nature – just like the sequence itself.

Wondering where in nature this sequence can be seen? It is in the most fundamental of things, from the petals of the yellow chamomile, the complex and seemingly random branching of tree limbs to the pine cone and the shape of an unfurling fern. The strangest one is in the description of the family tree of bees.

Celebrating Fibonacci Day is best done by studying and researching the Fibonacci sequence, and going out in nature to find it – and it actually occurs everywhere. You can even look for it in your own home and garden. You’ll be amazed at all the places where the Fibonacci sequence structures your world. If you are up for a different challenge, you can research the man himself, and all those who have built from his work.

There is so much about the Fibonacci sequence that leads to fascinating discoveries – just reading about it brings pure joy!

So get out there on National Fibonacci Day, listen to some great music and learn a bit more about the world around you. Post your discoveries on social media using #NationalFibonacciDay.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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