ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Golden rectangle

Okay kiddo, have you ever drawn a rectangle? It's a shape with four sides, right? Now, imagine a special kind of rectangle that is very special because it's made up of two smaller rectangles: one skinny rectangle and one wider rectangle.

This special rectangle is called the golden rectangle. It's special because the ratio of its length to its width is always the same. This ratio is called the golden ratio, which is about 1.618. This ratio is found in many things in nature, like the shape of shells, leaves, and even our own bodies!

Scientists and architects love using the golden ratio because they think it's very pleasing to the eye. They use it when they design buildings, like fancy houses or museums, so that they look really nice and balanced.

So when you draw a rectangle, try making it a golden rectangle by using the golden ratio. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be a famous architect or artist and use this special shape in your work!