Mathematics Colloquium: "The Not-So-Golden Ratio"

Abstract:  The golden ratio, also called by different authors the golden section, golden number, golden mean, divine proportion and division in extreme and mean ratios, has captured the popular imagination and is discussed in many books and articles. Generally, the mathematical properties of the golden ratio are correctly stated, but much of what is presented about the golden ratio in art, architecture, literature and esthetics is false or seriously misleading. Unfortunately, these statements about the golden ratio have achieved the status of common knowledge and are widely repeated. Even current high school geometry textbooks make many incorrect statements about the golden ratio. This talk will set the recored straight about the golden ratio. It will discuss its mathematical significance as well as some of the most commonly repeated falsehoods about it. 

Free