We are asked to research the Golden Mean (also known as the Golden Ratio, Golden Section), as well as the Rule of Thirds.
Golden Ratio / Fibonacci Sequence
Yes, well I don’t do maths. So, I will not try to pretend I completely understand the Golden Ratio at all. There are many helpful websites that go into this in great detail, such as this one with overview, diagrams, illustrations etc.:
https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/golden-ratio.html
Simply put- we find the golden ratio when we divide a line into two parts so that the long part divided by the short part is also equal to the whole length divided by the long part.

Several YouTube videos explain this in more detail, here’s one of the clearest (for mathphobes like me … duh).
Golden Ratio Theory | Basics for Beginners
By Tip Tut
Rule of Thirds
I understand the rule of thirds and have used this device many times with regards formulating a composition for a landscape or other types of artwork, as well as photography. It is possible, though, to fall into the trap of only using this trick in your work, thereby making everything formulaic. However, I am always aware of this rule when I start any work, which can be annoying.
Bibliography
https://www.canva.com/learn/what-is-the-golden-ratio/
Albert. G The Simple Secret to Better painting NorthLightBooks 2003 ps. 47-48, 51, 88-89, 91 (source of images for Rule of Thirds examples above)