What Causes the ‘Golden Ratio’ and Why Is It Special?

Imagine you have a rectangle that looks really balanced, not too long, not too short. If you divide the longer side by the shorter one, and it gives you about 1.618, then it’s using something called the golden ratio! This number appears in nature, like in flower petals and seashells, and even in art and architecture. It's so special because it creates a sense of harmony that people find really pleasing to the eye.

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Examples

  1. A sunflower's petals follow a spiral that uses the golden ratio to fit as many petals as possible.
  2. The shape of a seashell grows following a pattern similar to the golden ratio.
  3. The proportions of the human face often match the golden ratio, making it look more attractive.

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