Ksusha Bogatyreva

SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash

The Power of Patterns

Introduction
The purpose of this investigation is to use exponential and logarithmic laws to learn more about
patterns, how they work, their functions and real-life applications. This report demonstrates and
applies knowledge about exponents, logarithms, sequences and growth models, and could be very
essential to learning more about sequences and patterns that exist in the world. In Part 1, a line
pattern will be analysed to figure out the relationship between the number of pieces in the pattern
and its reduction factor. In Part 2, 2 similar patterns will be analysed and compared to see the
differences between them. In Part 3, the measurement of coastlines will be investigated by looking
at the example of Koch's Snowflake and changing the shapes.

Part 1 - A matter of dots and dashes ...

Original

Iteration 1

Iteration 2

Iteration 3

Number of pieces
(N)

Size of pieces (S)

18mm

6mm

2mm

0.67mm

Reduction factor (R)

27

Total length (D)

18mm

12mm

8mm

5.33mm

Appearance

For Part 1 of the folio task, we need to investigate this pattern and find the relationship between N
and R. In this pattern, the middle third of any line segment is removed, leaving 2 line segments
behind. Each time the line shrinks, the number of pieces (N) is increased by double: 1, 2, 4, 8.
Similarly, every time the line shrinks, the reduction factor (R) is tripled, thus the line is being reduced
by a third: 1, 3, 9, 27.
A graph can be plotted on Excel to show the relationship between N and R.

Relationship between no. of pieces and the reduction factor

30

Reduction Factor (R)

25
20
15
10
5
0
0

Number of pieces (N)

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
Using the Trendline function in Excel, we can find the trendline of the graph. The graph has a power
trendline, meaning that is a power function as its R-value is equal to 1. The equation of the graph is
y=x1.585, meaning that R=N1.585.

Relationship between no. of pieces and

the reduction factor
Reduction Factor (R)

30
y = x1.585
R = 1

25
20
15
10
5
0
0

Number of pieces (N)

The graph has an increasing slope and a positive slope. It has a slightly curved shape, and a shallow
shape. The graph is exponentially increasing.
Using the Power Rule (

), we can find the relationship between N and R.

This rule is called the power rule, because it shows the function of a sequence or a graph to an
exponential power. The power rule has x on the bottom instead the exponent, which makes it
different from the usual exponential function, however it still creates an exponential/power graph.

This is the relationship between N and R, if we use the function found by Excel.
Although the relationship between the number of pieces and the reduction faction can be found
using Excel, it can also be found manually.
Firstly, the functions of the geometric sequences must be found. N and R are geometric sequences,
as they are multiply/divide, not add/subtract.

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
To find the functions of geometric sequences, this formula will be used:

N has a sequence of 1, 2, 4 and 8, where a=1 and r =2.

R has a sequence of 1, 3, 9 and 27, where a=1 and r=3.

Using our knowledge of exponents and logarithms, the exponential function can be transformed into
logarithms.

Since both formulas equal (x-1), we can equate them to each other.

By removing/changing log3 R into exponential function, we can make R the subject. Same can be
done to make N into the subject.

These two functions show the relationship and connection between N and R, and can be used to
solve problems for this pattern, as well as the two highlighted functions above this.

Part 2 - "A simple rule"

For Part 2 of the folio task, 2 patterns had to be chosen, the number of pieces and reduction factor
for each pattern, and compare the 2 patterns and the pattern in Part 1. The first pattern will be the
triangle pattern.
Triangle Pattern - Sierpinski's triangle

and etc.
In this pattern, the middle triangle is removed from an equilateral triangle, leaving 3 equilateral
triangles. This pattern was created by Waclaw Sierpinski (1882-1969), a Polish mathematician, who
was a specialist in topology, the theory of real functions and logics, which means he really liked cool

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
real life patterns, like this one (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2015). The number of pieces will be the
number of black triangles, and the reduction factor will be how many of the smallest triangles can fit
into the pattern:

and etc.

Let's create a table.

Original

Iteration 1

Iteration 2

Iteration 3

Number of pieces
(N)

27

Reduction factor
(R)

16

64

Appearance

Number of pieces has a geometric sequence of 1, 3, 9 and 27, and each time the number is tripled
(it's a geometric sequence because multiplication/division, not addition/subtraction). Reduction
factor has a geometric sequence of 1, 4, 16, and 64, each time the number is being quadrupled.
Let's plot a graph of the relationship between N and R.
The relationship between N and R for Sienpinski's triangle
70
Reduction factor (R)

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0

10

15
Number of pieces (N)

20

25

30

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
Using the Trendline function in Excel, a trendline and its function/formula can be found. This can be
done by clicking 'Trendline' under the Chart Tools Layout, and then clicking 'More Trendline Options'
and selecting the Power trendline. The function of the graph is y=x1.2619 and it's R2 value is equal to 1,
which means this function perfectly fits the trend of the data.
The relationship between N and R for Sienpinski's triangle
70
y = x1.2619
R = 1

Reduction factor (R)

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0

10

15

20

25

30

Number of pieces (N)

The graph has an increasing slope and a positive slope. It has a slightly curved shape, and a shallow
shape. The graph is exponentially increasing. It has an exponential line.
Using the Power Rule (
), we can find the relationship between N and R. This rule is called the
power rule, because it shows the function of a sequence or a graph to an exponential power. The
power rule has x on the bottom instead the exponent, which makes it different from the usual
exponential function, however it still creates an exponential/power graph.

This is the relationship between N and R, if we use the function found by Excel.
Although the relationship between the number of pieces and the reduction faction can be found
using Excel, it can also be found manually.
Firstly, the functions of the geometric sequences must be found. N and R are geometric sequences,
as they are multiply/divide, not add/subtract.
To find the functions of geometric sequences, this formula will be used:

N has a sequence of 1, 3, 9 and 27, where a=1 and r =3.

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash

R has a sequence of 1, 4, 16 and 64, where a=1 and r=4.

Using our knowledge of exponents and logarithms, the exponential function can be transformed into
logarithms.

Since both formulas equal (x-1), we can equate them to each other.

By removing/changing log3 R into exponential function, we can make R the subject. Same can be
done to make N into the subject.

These two functions show the relationship and connection between N and R, and can be used to
solve problems for this pattern, as well as the two highlighted functions above this.

and so on...
In this pattern, the middle third of each side/line is replaced with two, forming the point of an
equilateral triangle. It was created by Helge Von Koch (1870-1924), a Swedish mathematician, who's
work was mainly based in the study of fractal geometry (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2015). The number
of pieces will be represented by the number of triangles, and the growth factor will be the size of the
triangles. Since they are equilateral triangles, it is obvious from the base if the triangles are getting
smaller of bigger.
Let's create a table.
Original

Iteration 1

Iteration 2

Iteration 3

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
Appearance

Number of pieces
(N)
Reduction Factor
(R)

16

64

27

Number of pieces has a geometric sequence of 1,4, 16 and 64, and each time the number is
quadrupled (it's a geometric sequence because multiplication/division, not addition/subtraction).
The reduction factor has a geometric sequence of 1, 3, 9 and 27, each time the number is being
tripled.
Let's plot a graph of the relationship between N and R.

The relationship between N and R of Koch Snowflake

30

Reduction Factor (R)

25

20

15

10

0
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Number of pieces (N)

The graph looks quite linear, however it might be that way because of the scale of the graph
compared to its slope, making it seem more of a straight line. Using the Trendline function in Excel, a
trendline and its function/formula can be found. This can be done by clicking 'Trendline' under the
Chart Tools Layout, and then clicking 'More Trendline Options' and selecting the Power trendline.
The function of the graph is y=3x and it's R2 value is equal to 1, which means this function perfectly
fits the trend of the data.

70

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash

The relationship between N and R of Koch Snowflake

30
y = x0.7925
R = 1

Reduction Factor (R)

25

20

15

10

0
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Number of pieces (N)

The graph has an increasing slope and a positive slope. It has a slightly curved shape, and a shallow
shape. The graph is exponentially increasing. It has an exponential line.
Using the Power Rule (
), we can find the relationship between N and G. This rule is called the
power rule, because it shows the function of a sequence or a graph to an exponential power. The
power rule has x on the bottom instead the exponent, which makes it different from the usual
exponential function, however it still creates an exponential/power graph.

This is the relationship between N and G, if we use the function found by Excel.
Although the relationship between the number of pieces and the growth faction can be found using
Excel, it can also be found manually.
Firstly, the functions of the geometric sequences must be found. N and G are geometric sequences,
as they are multiply/divide, not add/subtract.
To find the functions of geometric sequences, this formula will be used:

N has a sequence of 1, 4, 16 and 64, where a=1 and r =4.

70

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash

R has a sequence of 1, 3, 9 and 27, where a=1 and r=3.

Using our knowledge of exponents and logarithms, the exponential function can be transformed into
logarithms.

Since both formulas equal (x-1), we can equate them to each other.

By removing/changing log4N into exponential function, we can make R the subject. Same can be
done to make N into the subject.

These two functions show the relationship and connection between N and R, and can be used to
solve problems for this pattern, as well as the two highlighted functions above this.
Comparison between 3 patterns
3 patterns were analysed to see the differences between them: the line pattern in Part 1, Sierpinski's
triangle and Koch's snowflake. The function of each line was calculated and each function was
graphed. The functions of the geometrical sequences were found.
The line pattern was different from the other patterns as it was a one-dimensional model, unlike the
other patterns, which were 2D. It was similar to the other patterns as it had a reduction factor.. It
had the equation of R=N1.585 and had the steepest slope of all of the graphed patterns:

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash

It was an exponential function, however it was to the power rule, as x was the base, not the
exponent. All of the functions start (0, 0), except the Koch Snowflake, because you could reduce
Koch's Snowflake as well as grow it. N had the function N=2x-1, while R had the function of R=3x-1,
which would look like this when the two are graphed together:

Sierpinski's Triangle was a 2D model and used triangles in the pattern, similar to Koch Snowflake
model. It had a reduction factor, as the area was growing smaller not larger. It was an exponential
function to the power rule, and had the equation R=N1.2619. N had the function of N=3X-1 and R had
the function of R=4x-1, which look like this when graphed:

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash

Koch Snowflake was the last pattern. It was a 2D model. It had an equation of
. N had
the equation of
and R has an equation of
. It looks similar to a logatithmic graph,
however it is a power graph.

These functions are each unique in their own way, however the major differences between them
was the slope of each line, and the difference between the dimensions of the models.

Part 3 - "Over to you"

For Part 3, we had to choose our own task, and I have decided to investigate how coastlines are
measures using the Koch Snowflake pattern and the Koch curve.
Fractals can be described as objects that look similar as you continue to zoom in and they seem to be
endless; similar structures on different scales (Splash ABC, 2013) Fractals make up our world: crystal

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
formations, sea shells, lightning, fern, broccoli and other plants, coastlines, they are all fractals or
contain fractal patterns.
Since coast lines have fractal-like properties they can never be measured. Why, you ask?
Well, firstly, let's find out why coastlines have fractal-like properties.
Coastlines normally have cliffs and uneven land, which results in the going in jagged ways in all
directions, even on microscopic levels due to waves eroding the coastlines. This means that the
coastline cannot be accurately measured, hence no defined perimeter could be found, making the
coastline infinite (Maths is weird, let me try to explain). This phenomenon is called the Coastline
Paradox. An example of it would a measurement of Kangaroo Island. The only way to measure a
coastline would be to use straight lines:

(vanderbilt.edu, n.d.)
The coast is jagged so we would use lines to measure the coast. However, depending on the scale
you use, the size of the perimeter changes. An example would be the measurement of the coastline
of Great Britain: "If the coastline of Great Britain is measured using units 100 km (62 mi) long, then
the length of the coastline is approximately 2,800 km (1,700 mi). With 50 km (31 mi) units, the total
length is approximately 3,400 km (2,100 mi), approximately 600 km (370 mi) longer" (Wikipedia,
2015).
So the smaller the scale of the measurement units, the more precise the measurement is, however it
would be impossible to measure the coastline, because it is infinite. Why is it infinite?
Let's use Koch Curve to explain this phenomenon. The Koch curve is a fractal that starts with a line,
and each time that line is divided into thirds, and the middle segment is replaced with 2 lines, which
look like an triangle without a base.

(vanderbilt.edu, n.d.)

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
Each the iteration is increased, the length grows. This would similarly happen to the coastline if we
were to make the scale smaller to get a more precise measure. However, the Koch curve is infinite:
you can keep splitting the lines infinitely without any end, similarly with the coastline. Even if we get
down to molecular level and measure it, we would still be off the accurate perimeter.
This is the reason why Kangaroo Island's perimeter of the coastline varies by 100 km. I have decided
to investigate the South Australian coastline, seeing how I measure up.

This is the South Australian Coastline. We will firstly use a step of 500 km to measure the coastline.
Afterwards, we will use steps of a 200km, 100km, 50 km, and then 20km. Using MS Paint, I will
create a line identical to the scale and measure the coastline.
Geoscience Australia says that the currently measure South Australian coastline is 5067 km in length
(GA, 2004). They used a 100km scale to get that measure, however their method of measuring
would be more advanced and precise than mine, looking more like this:

(P. Lynch, 2013). They would measure the little

cubes, not draw straight lines. Since such an option wasn't easily acceptable.

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
Let's firstly use a scale of 500km.

The estimated measured length is 1500km. The difference between the official coastline length and
my measured length is 5067-1500=3567km.
Let's use a scale of 200 km.

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
The measured length is an estimated 1800km. The difference from the actual official length from my
measured length is 5067-1800=3267km.
Now let's use a scale a 100km.

The measured coastline length is 2100km. The difference from the official coastline length from my
measured length is 5067-2100=2967km.
Let's use a 50 km scale.

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash
The measured coastline length is an estimated 2350km at a 50km line scale. The difference from the
official coastline length from my measured length is 5067-2350=2717km.
Lastly, use a scale of 25km.

The measured coastline length is an estimated 2050km at a 25km line scale. The difference from the
official coastline length from my measured length is 5067-2050=3017km..
We can make a table:

Scale of
Measurement
(km)

500

200

100

50

25

Coastline length
(km)

1500

1800

2100

2350

2050

Let's graph the result to see the trend of the line.

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash

Coastline Paradox using South Australian Coast

Coastline length (km)

2500

2100
2350

2000

1800

2050

1500

1500
1000
500
0
0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Scale of measurement (km)

The graph is decreasing, meaning that the smaller the scale of measurement/step, the more precise
the measurement. There is a bump between 25 and 50, where the graph is increasing, but this might
have happened due to bad measurement and human error. If you ignore the outlier, it is visible that
the line follows a model of exponential decay.
This shows that the coastal paradox is a real problem and issue and can result in faulty
measurements of the coast. The coastal paradox shows what fractals exist in real-life, and prove that
mathematic could be applied in everyday situations. It also shows how weird our world could be and
how mathematics could explain it: how can the coastline be infinite, if everything in the real world is
finite?

Discussion and analysis

In Part 1, no assumptions were made, as the task was straightforward. There was an assumption
that the graph was exponential, however the function shows that the graph is exponential, and is to
the power rule.
In Part 2, all assumptions about the patterns' reduction factor and number of pieces were listed.
There was an assumption that the graphs were exponential, however the functions show that the
graph are exponential, and are to the power rule.
In Part 3, the major assumptions and errors were related to the measurement of the graph. Since
there was no automatic or easy way to measure it, so it had to be done manually. I used MS Paint
and tried to create equal lines to measure the coastline. This resulted in human error, as I couldn't
create perfect lines that join up together, and sometimes, they wouldn't be an exact measurement.
Overall, I really enjoyed this folio task. It helped me develop my skills at using Excel and apply my
knowledge of exponential and logarithmic functions to investigate patterns and sequences. Next
Folio task, I would like to manage my time better to complete the Folio earlier, ask more questions
about what the task requires and investigate deeper.

Ksusha Bogatyreva
SACE 2015
TG 14 Ash

Conclusion
In Part 1, using knowledge about geometric sequences and patterns, we investigated the Cantor line
pattern. In Part 2, we analysed Sierpinski's triangles and Koch's Snowflake to see the differences
between the different patterns. In Part 3, we investigated coastal paradox, and try to determine if it
is real and if there is trend in the measurement.
This report was very useful in developing knowledge of sequences and patterns in everyday life, and
how fractals and patterns make up our world.

Bibliography
Encyclopedia Britannica, (2015). Niels Fabian Helge von Koch | biography - Swedish mathematician.
[online] Available at: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/958515/Niels-Fabian-Helge-vonKoch [Accessed 31 May 2015].
Encyclopedia Britannica, (2015). Waclaw Sierpinski | biography - Polish mathematician. [online]
Available at: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/958537/Waclaw-Sierpinski [Accessed 31
May 2015].
Ga.gov.au, (2004). Border Lengths - States and Territories - Geoscience Australia. [online] Available
at: http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/geographic-information/dimensions/border-lengths
[Accessed 31 May 2015].
Lynch, P. (2013). Ireland's Fractal Coastline. [online] That's Maths. Available at:
http://thatsmaths.com/2013/12/12/irelands-fractal-coastline/ [Accessed 1 June 2015].
Measuring our coastlines, (2013). Splash ABC. [online] Available at:
http://splash.abc.net.au/home#!/media/154882/measuring-our-coastline [Accessed 31 May 2015].
Vanderbilt.edu, (n.d.). Fractals & the Fractal Dimension. [online] Available at:
http://www.vanderbilt.edu/AnS/psychology/cogsci/chaos/workshop/Fractals.html [Accessed 31
May 2015].
Wikipedia, (2015). Coastline paradox. [online] Available at:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coastline_paradox [Accessed 31 May 2015].