The Golden Ratio
----Alexander Cartwright(Y8)
22 The Golden Ratio or golden mean (or its symbol [φ]) is equivalent to 1.62 (simplified to 2 d.p.). Some of the many ways it appears in our lives; Architecture, Nature and Painting (painters such as Leonardo de Vinci are thought to have used this mathematical ratio). The reason many buildings and paintings use this ratio is because it looks
aesthetically pleasing, particularly in the form of The Golden Rectangle, this is when the ratio of longer side of the rectangle to the smaller side is the golden ratio. There are many mathematical ties with the Golden Ratio, such as its relationship with The Fibonacci Sequence (add the two previous numbers to form the next number in the sequence).
However this article will mainly be visiting its uses in our society and nature. In architecture it is said that the Parthenon’s façade contained Golden rectangles. Other ancient structures such as The Great Mosque of Kairouan are also thought to use the Golden ratio. A Swiss architect named Le Corbusier also based his design philosophy around systems of harmony and proportion. There are many examples of The Golden Ratio being seen in nature. For example in pine cones the spiralling pattern employs the golden ration. It can even be spotted in leaves, branches and petals!
22 Available at: http://www.natureknows.org/2013/12/understanding-fibonacci-sequence-and.html (Accessed: 16 June 2015
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