Fractals and Labyrinths

Fractals are the result of looping through a formula hundreds of times for each pixel on the screen. If the result tends toward a certain fixed number, the color assigned is the inner color. If the result keeps getting bigger, the color is assigned based on how fast it is growing. The areas in between the static and the infinite is where all the interesting swirls and patterns live. They represent a multidimensional intertwining of both order and chaos that can be quite beautiful. Fractals tend to show self-similarity - that is, if you zoom in on part of a fractal, you will keep seeing more of what you started with. Many natural and man-made things and processes can be represented by fractals. Fractals are part of Chaos Theory and Dynamics.

Labyrinths are unicursal - they have one path from start to finish, with no intersections or dead-ends. Various cultural and spiritual significances have been attached to labyrinths over the last few thousand years. However, they usually have a kind of mathematical symmetry and beauty on their own.

Why should Fractals and Labyrinths be together on the same site? No good reason really.
Although, they are both kind of loopy and curious - which appeals to me for some reason....

This site does not go into detail on either topic. It's a very basic introduction that will hopefully catch your interest and help to point you toward more comprehensive sources. I'm a high school math/computer teacher, but I claim no expertise in either of these areas.

Mark Olson

modified: 11/24/01

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