Difference between revisions of "Fractal"
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[[Image:SsFb.gif|A computer generated image of a leaf.|right|thumb]] | [[Image:SsFb.gif|A computer generated image of a leaf.|right|thumb]] | ||
| − | A '''fractal''' is a design which contains in detail a shape which looks like the whole. | + | A '''fractal''' is a [[design]] which contains in detail a shape which looks like the whole. This can be repeated ''add infinitum'', meaning that fractals do not cease in their [[similarity]]. |
The fractal nature of some plants has convinced many people that God must have designed the natural world (see [[fern]]s).{{fact}} The leaves of a fern are shaped very much like the frond. | The fractal nature of some plants has convinced many people that God must have designed the natural world (see [[fern]]s).{{fact}} The leaves of a fern are shaped very much like the frond. | ||
| − | *Fractals have been studied by mathematicians for over a century. The name was coined by [[Benoit Mandelbrot]], a mathematician at Yale University. He calls fractals the "geometry of nature." [http://www.wsu.edu/DrUniverse/fractal.html] | + | *Fractals have been studied by mathematicians for over a century. The name was coined by [[Benoit Mandelbrot]], a mathematician at [[Yale University]]. He calls fractals the "geometry of nature." [http://www.wsu.edu/DrUniverse/fractal.html] |
Damien Jones wrote: | Damien Jones wrote: | ||
Revision as of 02:09, September 28, 2008
A fractal is a design which contains in detail a shape which looks like the whole. This can be repeated add infinitum, meaning that fractals do not cease in their similarity.
The fractal nature of some plants has convinced many people that God must have designed the natural world (see ferns).[Citation Needed] The leaves of a fern are shaped very much like the frond.
- Fractals have been studied by mathematicians for over a century. The name was coined by Benoit Mandelbrot, a mathematician at Yale University. He calls fractals the "geometry of nature." [1]
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. [2]
External links
- Ask Dr. Universe - Washington State University
- Fractal fronds
- Fractals, in Layman's Terms