| − | 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. | + | 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]] |
| − | *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> |