Real-World Examples of Sequences
Sequences are not just abstract mathematical concepts; they can be found all around us in the real world. Let’s explore some everyday examples of different types of sequences:
1. Arithmetic Sequence: Saving Money
If you save $10 more each month than the previous month, you are following an arithmetic sequence. Here’s how it might look:
Month 1: $10
Month 2: $20 (10 + 10)
Month 3: $30 (20 + 10)
And so on…
The difference between each month’s savings is $10.
2. Geometric Sequence: Population Growth
If a population of bacteria doubles every hour, it follows a geometric sequence. Here’s an example:
Hour 1: 100 bacteria
Hour 2: 200 bacteria (100 × 2)
Hour 3: 400 bacteria (200 × 2)
And so on…
Each hour, the population is multiplied by 2.
3. Fibonacci Sequence: Flower Petals
The Fibonacci sequence can be found in nature, such as in the arrangement of flower petals. Many flowers have a number of petals that is a term in the Fibonacci sequence:
3 petals: lily
5 petals: rose
8 petals: delphinium
And so on…
The number of petals often follows the pattern 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, …
These real-world examples show that sequences are not just theoretical ideas but practical tools that help us understand and describe patterns in nature, finance, biology, and more. By studying sequences, we can gain insights into the world around us and make predictions about future events. Stay tuned for more exciting explorations into the world of sequences!