Metallic Ratios Models

Metallic Ratios of Shapes

The Golden Ratio has been explored in natural organisms and employed in human technologies for centuries. You may have heard of it, but there are many metallic ratios: silver, bronze, copper,… Use these three models to compare rectangular shapes using the ratios of width to height to a square to see which you prefer aesthetically and learn how to calculate and draw each.

Screenshot comparing a square to a rectangle created with the Golden Ratio.

Open the first metallic ratio model by clicking on the graph or here. Overlay rectangles to compare their aspect ratios.

Screenshot of the second metallic ratio model to allow a different comparison of sizes and shapes,

Open the second metallic ratio model by clicking on the graph or here. Use a different perspective to compare the aspect ratios.

Screenshot of the third metallic rectangle model that explores how they may be calculated and drawn.

Open the third metallic ratio model by clicking on the graph or here. Explore how to calculate and draw each of the nine metallic ratios: gold, silver, bronze, copper, nickel, aluminum, iron, tin, and lead.

This is the last Desmos activity in the series, and it is intended for exploration, although it does open the door to the importance of visualizations. When you look at these boxes, decide if one is the most aesthetically pleasing box. Is there a perfect shape to look at?

← Desmos: Spirals and Shells | →