Phi, Φ, 1.618…, has two properties that make it unique among all numbers. If you square Phi, you get a number exactly 1 greater than itself: 2.618…, or Φ² = Φ + 1. If you divide Phi into 1 to get its reciprocal, you get a number exactly 1 less than itself: 0.618…, or 1 / Φ = Φ - 1. These relationships are derived from the dividing a line at its golden section point, the point at which the ratio of the line (A) to the larger section (B) is the same as the ratio of the larger section (B) to the smaller section (C). This relationship is expressed mathematically as: A = B + C, and A / B = B / C. Solving for A, which on both sides give us this: B + C = B²/C Let's say that C is 1 so we can determine the relative dimensions of the line segments. Now we simply have this: B + 1 = B² This can be rearranged as: B² - B - 1 = 0 Note the various ways that this equation can be rearranged to express the relationship of the line segments, and also Phi's unique … More on Mathematics