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[[Image:Fractal.jpg|The delicate tracery of a computer-generated fractal|right|thumb|250px]]

[[Image:Fractal.jpg|The delicate tracery of a computer-generated fractal|right|thumb|250px]]

A '''fractal''' is a [[design]] which contains in detail a shape which looks like the whole. This can be repeated ''ad infinitum'', meaning that fractals do not cease in their [[similarity]].

A '''fractal''' is a mathematically generated [[design]] whose details resemble the original fractal, a property known as self-similarity. A fractal is produced with mathematical equations that undergo iteration or are recursive in form. The two leading computer programs for creating fractals are UltraFractal and [[Apophysis]].

[[Image:SsFb.gif|A computer generated image of a [[fern]] frond, an example of fractals in nature.|left|thumb]]

[[Image:SsFb.gif|A computer generated image of a [[fern]] frond, an example of fractals in nature.|left|thumb]]

Damien Jones wrote:

Damien Jones wrote:

*A fractal is a shape that, when you look at a small part of it, has a similar (but not necessarily identical) appearance to the full shape. Take, for example, a rocky mountain. From a distance, you can see how rocky it is; up close, the surface is very similar. Little rocks have a similar bumpy surface to big rocks and to the overall mountain. <ref>http://www.fractalus.com/info/layman.htm</ref>

*A fractal is a shape that, when you look at a small part of it, has a similar (but not necessarily identical) appearance to the full shape. Take, for example, a rocky mountain. From a distance, you can see how rocky it is; up close, the surface is very similar. Little rocks have a similar bumpy surface to big rocks and to the overall mountain.<ref>http://www.fractalus.com/info/layman.htm</ref>

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==References==

==References==

*[http://www.creativitysoftware.com/fractals-images/pages-hs/fern-fronds.htm Fractal fronds]

*[http://www.creativitysoftware.com/fractals-images/pages-hs/fern-fronds.htm Fractal fronds]

*[http://www.fractalus.com/info/layman.htm Fractals, in Layman's Terms]

*[http://www.fractalus.com/info/layman.htm Fractals, in Layman's Terms]

[[category:mathematics]]

 

[[Category:Mathematics]]