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A Golden
Rectangle is a rectangle in which the ratio of the length to the
width
is approximately 1.618 : 1.
The Golden
Rectangle is described as one of the most pleasing shapes to the human
eye. For
over 2,000 years, people have used "golden rectangles" in art
and architecture. The Parthenon and the head of Mona Lisa were
designed using the concept of the "golden rectangle."
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The very old
mathematics movie "Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land" does a
wonderful job of illustrating the Golden Rectangle. This old
16mm film has been updated to videotape and can be purchased
for as little as $5.00 at most family chain stores such as Walmart and
KMart. All mathematics teachers should have their own copy
of "Donald" - it's a tradition!!! : ) |
After watching
"Donald" (or discussing the Golden Rectangle), have students
complete the following exercise:
| Item |
Length |
Width |
Ratio
of length to width |
Golden
Rectangle? |
| 3
x 5 card |
|
|
|
|
| 8.5
x 11 sheet of paper |
|
|
|
|
| desk
top |
|
|
|
|
| textbook |
|
|
|
|
| teacher's
desk |
|
|
|
|
| ID
card |
|
|
|
|
| Anything
else of interest.... |
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|
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