Proving the Formula of Fibonacci Numbers

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In summary, the Fibonacci numbers are a sequence defined by $t_n=t_{n-1}+t_{n-2}$ and $t_0=t_1=1$. It can be proven that $1+S_n=t_{n+2}$ using either induction or a direct approach.
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mathworker
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we all know Fibonacci numbers,just for information
they are the numbers of sequence whose \(\displaystyle t_n=t_{n-1}+t_{n-2}\) and \(\displaystyle t_0=t_1=1\)

\(\displaystyle \text{PROVE THAT:}\)
$$1+S_n=t_{n+2}$$
where,
$$S_n=\text{sum up-to n terms}$$
$$t_n=\text{nth term}$$
 
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  • #2
Re: fibonacci numbers

We can use induction here (I prefer the notation $F_n$ for the $n$th Fibonacci number). The base case $P_0$ is:

\(\displaystyle 1+S_0=F_{0+2}\)

\(\displaystyle 1=1\)

This is true. The induction hypothesis $P_k$ is then:

\(\displaystyle 1+S_k=F_{k+2}\)

Add \(\displaystyle F_{k+1}\) to both sides:

\(\displaystyle 1+S_k+F_{k+1}=F_{k+2}+F_{k+1}\)

\(\displaystyle 1+S_{k+1}=F_{(k+1)+2}\)

We have derived $P_{k+1}$ from $P_{k}$ thereby completing the proof by induction.
 
  • #3
Re: fibonacci numbers

mathworker said:
we all know Fibonacci numbers,just for information
they are the numbers of sequence whose \(\displaystyle t_n=t_{n-1}+t_{n-2}\) and \(\displaystyle t_0=t_1=1\)

\(\displaystyle \text{PROVE THAT:}\)
$$1+S_n=t_{n+2}$$
where,
$$S_n=\text{sum up-to n terms}$$
$$t_n=\text{nth term}$$

I'm going to do this without induction. The relation used to rewrite the terms in the sum will be $t_k=t_{k+2}-t_{k+1}$ for $k=0,\ldots,n$.

We have that
\[\begin{aligned}S_n &= t_n + t_{n-1}+t_{n-2}+\ldots+t_3+t_2+t_1+t_0\\ &= \underbrace{(t_{n+2}-t_{n+1})}_{t_n} + \underbrace{(t_{n+1}-t_n)}_{t_{n-1}} +\underbrace{(t_n-t_{n-1})}_{t_{n-2}} + \underbrace{(t_{n-1}-t_{n-2})}_{t_{n-3}} +\ldots+\underbrace{(t_5-t_4)}_{t_3} + \underbrace{(t_4-t_3)}_{t_2} + \underbrace{(t_3-t_2)}_{t_1}+\underbrace{(t_2-t_1)}_{t_0} \\ &= t_{n+2} -t_1\\ &= t_{n+2}-1\end{aligned}\]
Thus, $S_n=t_{n+2}-1\implies \boxed{1+S_n=t_{n+2}}$
 

FAQ: Proving the Formula of Fibonacci Numbers

What is the formula for Fibonacci numbers?

The formula for Fibonacci numbers is Fn = Fn-1 + Fn-2, with F0 = 0 and F1 = 1.

How is the formula of Fibonacci numbers proven?

The formula for Fibonacci numbers can be proven by mathematical induction. This involves showing that the formula works for the first few numbers (base case), then assuming it works for a specific number (inductive hypothesis), and finally proving that it works for the next number (inductive step).

What is the significance of the Fibonacci sequence?

The Fibonacci sequence has many applications in mathematics, including in number theory, geometry, and algebra. It also appears in nature, such as in the growth patterns of plants and the arrangement of leaves on a stem.

Can the formula for Fibonacci numbers be generalized?

Yes, the formula for Fibonacci numbers can be generalized to find the nth term in any sequence where each term is the sum of the two previous terms. This is known as a linear recurrence relation.

Are there any other ways to prove the formula for Fibonacci numbers?

Yes, there are other methods to prove the formula for Fibonacci numbers, such as using binomial coefficients or matrix multiplication. However, mathematical induction is the most common and widely accepted method of proof.

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