Introduction to Fractals

Introduction to Fractals

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Show your work where applicable.

What is a Fractal?

A fractal is a never-ending pattern that repeats itself at different scales. It's often called 'self-similar' because small parts of the fractal look like the whole thing. Many things in nature, like snowflakes, coastlines, and trees, show fractal-like patterns.

1. Which of the following best describes a fractal?

2. Which of these is an example of a fractal pattern found in nature?

3. Fractals are often described as   because small parts resemble the whole.

4. The patterns in fractals are  -ending.

5. Describe in your own words what 'self-similar' means in the context of fractals.

6. Draw a simple fractal pattern by repeating a basic shape (like a triangle) and making each repetition smaller. Start with a large shape, then add smaller versions to its sides.

7. A straight line is an example of a fractal.

8. Fractals are only found in mathematical drawings and not in nature.

9. Think of another example of a fractal-like pattern you might see in the real world (besides the ones mentioned in the text). Explain why you think it's a fractal.