Learn the mathematics behind the Fibonacci numbers, the golden ratio, and how they are related. These topics are not usually taught in a typical math curriculum, yet contain many fascinating results that are still accessible to an advanced high school student.
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Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden Ratio
The Hong Kong University of Science and TechnologyAbout this Course
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Beginner Level
High school mathematics
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish
What you will learn
Fibonacci numbers
Golden ratio
Fibonacci identities and sums
Continued fractions
Skills you will gain
- Recreational Mathematics
- Discrete Mathematics
- Elementary Mathematics
Flexible deadlines
Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.
Shareable Certificate
Earn a Certificate upon completion
100% online
Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.
Beginner Level
High school mathematics
Approx. 10 hours to complete
English
Subtitles: Arabic, French, Portuguese (European), Italian, Vietnamese, German, Russian, English, Spanish
Offered by
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
HKUST - A dynamic, international research university, in relentless pursuit of excellence, leading the advance of science and technology, and educating the new generation of front-runners for Asia and the world.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
3 hours to complete
Fibonacci: It's as easy as 1, 1, 2, 3
We learn about the Fibonacci numbers, the golden ratio, and their relationship. We derive the celebrated Binet's formula, an explicit formula for the Fibonacci numbers in terms of powers of the golden ratio and its reciprical.
3 hours to complete
7 videos (Total 55 min), 8 readings, 4 quizzes
3 hours to complete
Identities, sums and rectangles
We learn about the Fibonacci Q-matrix and Cassini's identity. Cassini's identity is the basis for a famous dissection fallacy colourfully named the Fibonacci bamboozlement. A dissection fallacy is an apparent paradox arising from two arrangements of different area from one set of puzzle pieces. We also derive formulas for the sum of the first n Fibonacci numbers, and the sum of the first n Fibonacci numbers squared. Finally, we show how to construct a golden rectangle, and how this leads to the beautiful image of spiralling squares.
3 hours to complete
9 videos (Total 65 min), 10 readings, 3 quizzes
3 hours to complete
The most irrational number
We learn about the golden spiral and the Fibonacci spiral. Because of the relationship between the Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio, the Fibonacci spiral eventually converges to the golden spiral. You will recognise the Fibonacci spiral because it is the icon of our course. We next learn about continued fractions. To construct a continued fraction is to construct a sequence of rational numbers that converges to a target irrational number. The golden ratio is the irrational number whose continued fraction converges the slowest. We say that the golden ratio is the irrational number that is the most difficult to approximate by a rational number, or that the golden ratio is the most irrational of the irrational numbers. We then define the golden angle, related to the golden ratio, and use it to model the growth of a sunflower head. Use of the golden angle in the model allows a fine packing of the florets, and results in the unexpected appearance of the Fibonacci numbers in the sunflower.
3 hours to complete
8 videos (Total 61 min), 8 readings, 3 quizzes
Reviews
- 5 stars82.39%
- 4 stars15.13%
- 3 stars1.87%
- 2 stars0.49%
- 1 star0.09%
TOP REVIEWS FROM FIBONACCI NUMBERS AND THE GOLDEN RATIO
by BHOct 28, 2020
Great course concept for about one of the most intriguing concepts in the mathematical world, however I found it on the difficult side especially for those who find math as a challenging topic.
by MVJun 1, 2020
Macharla Varshitha Roll no 588\n\nSt Martin's engineering college\n\nSir I have completed 2 courses successfully\n\nBut I am not getting certificates
by UBJun 5, 2018
This course blends the rational thinking of mathematics and the aesthetics of art in nature. Enjoyed it. Thanks Coursera and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
by GMMar 15, 2017
Finally I studied the Fibonacci sequence and the golden spiral. I used to say: one day I will. Very interesting course and made simple by the teacher in spite of the challenging topics
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