An introduction to FRACTALS
A fractal is a mathematical
object that exhibits self
similarity
— it looks the same at any scale
Benoit Mandelbrot
Professor of Mathematical Sciences
Yale University
http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/PictDisplay/Mandelbrot.html
Coined the
word “fractal”
in 1975
Fractal Sequence:
• A fractal sequence
contains an infinite number of copies of
itself, embedded within itself.
• It is a pattern within a pattern within a
pattern
• Fractals are often formed by what is called
an iterative process
• to repeat exactly the same step over and
over
• Fractals are often formed by what is called
an itertive process
• to repeat exactly the same step over and
over
Fractals exist in every day life
By: Corey Kisner and Cari Faszewski
May 18, 2000
Sierpinski Carpet
Mathematics & Science Center
Eight Tangent
Reflecting Spheres
by Dave Matthews
2004
http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/~pbourke/povray/povfrac/final/
Mathematics & Science Center
Frost on my windshield
by Betsey Davis
2001
Mathematics & Science Center
Tie-dye
by Betsey Davis
2005
Mathematics & Science Center
Seven Zebra
Poles
by
Betsey Davis
2005
Mathematics & Science Center
Seven Yellow
Feathers
by Betsey Davis
2005
Mathematics & Science Center