Interesting Stuff Part 1: Phi

Phi, the golden ratio, is an irrational number commonly found in nature, statistics, art, etc., but the cause of its prevalence is a mystery. The number, which is 1.618... is derived from the equation x^2 = x + 1 (ie. 1.618... * 1.618... = 2.618...). Phi can also be represented as (5^.5) * .5 + .5 or

Phi is closely related to the Fibonacci sequence. The ratio of each Fibonacci number to the number before converges to phi.

Here are some examples of objects with phi-ratio measurements.

Phi in nature:




Phi in Art:


Phi in Architecture:


For more info on the mysterious number 'phi', go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio