WHY STUDY FRACTALS?
Fractal theory forms a primary link between mathematics and nature, a link that conventional mathematics had long been straining to achieve. Coastlines are not curves, trees are not tubes, and clouds are not globes. But, all of these are fractal shapes which can be described and simulated with mathematical formulas. Fractal theory is being used to study atmospheric turbulence, patterns of arteries and veins, and the distribution of stellar systems throughout the universe. In the simplest of terms, fractals imitate nature. WHAT IS A FRACTAL? Fractals are shapes which are “infinitely squiggly.” Imagine a shape with an infinite perimeter (outer edge), but a finite area. You might draw a circle around such a shape in a moment, but you’d need an eternity to trace it precisely The coastline of Britain is a popular example of a fractal. In the following mental exercise, our task will be to find the exact length of this coastline. This is not as simple as it sounds. Coastlines are usually quit
