Ethnomathematics: The exploration of fractal geometry in Tian Ti Pagoda using the Lindenmayer system

Abstract

This study explores the concept of fractal geometry found in the Tian Ti Pagoda. Fractal geometry is a branch of mathematics describing the properties and shapes of various fractals. A qualitative method with an ethnographic approach is used in this study. Observation, field notes, interviews, documentation, and literature study obtained research data. The observation results were processed computationally using the Lindenmayer system method via the L-Studio application to view fractal shapes. The results show that the concept of fractal geometry is contained in the ornaments on the Tian Ti Pagoda. The length and angles of each part of the ornament influence the fractal shape of the Tian Ti Pagoda ornament. In addition, the length and angle modifications resulted in several variations of the Tian Ti Pagoda fractal. The findings from this study can be used as an alternative medium for learning mathematics lectures, especially in applied mathematics, dynamical systems, and computational geometry.