A fractalfractal is a mathematical object that exhibits self self

similaritysimilarity — it looks the same at any scale

Benoit MandelbrotProfessor of Mathematical Sciences

Yale University

Coined the Coined the word “fractal” word “fractal” in 1975in 1975

http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/PictDisplay/Mandelbrot.html

Fractal Sequence:• A fractal sequencefractal sequence contains an infinite number of copies of

itself, embedded within itself.• It is a pattern within a pattern within a

pattern

• Fractals are often formed by what is called an iterative process

• to repeat exactly the same step over and over

• Fractals are often formed by what is called an itertive process

• to repeat exactly the same step over and over

Mathematics & Science Center

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