Students' Contributions: The Golden Ratio (by 9B Lucy Chu)

Golden ratio is popular not only in mathematics but also in many other areas. It is used in mathematics, arts, and sciences. The ratio is said to be the most pleasing to the eyes.

“Two quantities are in the golden ratio if the ratio of the sum of the quantities to the larger quantity is equal to (=) the ratio of the larger quantity to the smaller one.” Which means,

Golden ratio is said to be a irrational number.

Ancient Greek mathematicians first studied the golden ratio because of its frequent appearance in geometry. Euclid first provided the definition of the golden ratio: “A straight line that is said to have been cut in extreme and mean ratio when, as the whole line is to the greater segment, so is the greater to the less.”

During the Renaissance, many artists and architects had applied the golden ratio to their works. Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Golden Ratio. Also, Mona Lisa by Da Vinci has applied the golden ratio. In addition, the ancient Greek building, the Parthenon has many of its proportions approximate the golden ratio.

Statistics have shown that golden ratio can be applied to people’s different body parts. People who fit almost perfectly to the golden ratio most are said to be perfectly beautiful. Golden ratio can also be used in modern architecture. Our 2x3 Id photo and 3x5 index card, are all calculated to be golden ratio. Also Artists could use the ratio for drawing portraits. I think the golden ratio is very important in aesthetics. It is also very important how people are able to apply it for daily life. It is a wonder how people could discovered the ratio that is perfect for anything. The golden ratio is a perfect example for applying math on other areas.

Source:

http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/~demo5337/s97b/discover.htm