In this second method the larger number (pulse) in the ratio (3) is squared (3*3) to provide the total length and the number of repetitions of that pulse (3+3+3). The number of repetitions of the smaller pulse (2) is multiplied by the larger (3) in order to give the number of repetitions. However, note that (2+2+2) does not complete the cycle of 9 beats as was the case in method 1. It is necessarry to repeat the smaller pulse group (2+2+2) but starting not at the beginning but at the second appearance of the larger pulse. The starting point has been marked in bold on the diagram.
All rhythms generated by this method are repetitive. Each complete cycle is symmetrical around its centre (2 1 1 2). Schillinger suggests that symmetrical rhythms have important musical qualities: economy, since one half generates the other, balance due to the mirror symmetry and a quality Schillinger refers to as contrast, the difference between successive numbers. In Figure 2.2, the contrast between the numbers is 2-1=1. The greater the difference between numbers the greater the contrast.
Note that the ratio is underlined in order to visually distinguish from method 1.