The Golden Section

The Golden Section The Golden Section is a ratio based on a phi The Golden Section is also known as the Golden Mean, Golden Ratio and Divine Proportion. It is a ratio or proportion defined by the number Phi ( = 1.618033988749895... ) It can be derived with a number of geometric constructions, each of which divides a line segment at the unique point where: the ratio of the whole line (A) to the large segment (B) is the same as the ratio of the large segment (B) to the small segment (C).

In other words, A is to B as B is to C. This occurs only where A is 1.618 ... times B and B is 1.618 ... times C.

This ratio has been used by mankind for centuries Its use may have started as early as with the Egyptians in the design of the pyramids,

The Greeks recognized it as

The Renaissance artists

"dividing a line in the extreme and mean ratio"

knew it as the Divine Proportion

and used it for beauty and balance in the design of architecture

and used it for beauty and balance in the design of art

It was used in the design of Notre Dame in Paris

and continues today in many examples of art, architecture and design. It also appears in the physical proportions of the human body, movements in the stock market and many other aspects of life and the universe.