Fractal

There are 9 NRICH Mathematical resources connected to Fractal
Smaller and Smaller
problem

Smaller and smaller

Age
7 to 14
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star
Can you predict, without drawing, what the perimeter of the next shape in this pattern will be if we continue drawing them in the same way?
Sierpinski Triangle
problem

Sierpinski triangle

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
What is the total area of the triangles remaining in the nth stage of constructing a Sierpinski Triangle? Work out the dimension of this fractal.
Squareflake
problem

Squareflake

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
filled star filled star empty star
A finite area inside and infinite skin! You can paint the interior of this fractal with a small tin of paint but you could never get enough paint to paint the edge.
Von Koch Curve
problem

Von Koch curve

Age
16 to 18
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star

Make a poster using equilateral triangles with sides 27, 9, 3 and 1 units assembled as stage 3 of the Von Koch fractal. Investigate areas & lengths when you repeat a process infinitely often.

The Cantor Set
problem

The Cantor set

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star

Take a line segment of length 1. Remove the middle third. Remove the middle thirds of what you have left. Repeat infinitely many times, and you have the Cantor Set. Can you picture it?

How long is the Cantor Set?
problem

How long is the Cantor set?

Age
11 to 14
Challenge level
filled star filled star filled star

Take a line segment of length 1. Remove the middle third. Remove the middle thirds of what you have left. Repeat infinitely many times, and you have the Cantor Set. Can you find its length?

Paper Curves
problem

Paper curves

Age
7 to 11
Challenge level
filled star empty star empty star
This is a simple paper-folding activity that gives an intriguing result which you can then investigate further.