Intro To Fibonacci Sequence
Intro To Fibonacci Sequence
The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers that has fascinated mathematicians, scientists, and
artists for centuries. It was introduced to the Western world by the Italian mathematician
Leonardo of Pisa, who is also known as Fibonacci.
Definition: The Fibonacci sequence is a sequence of numbers in which each number is the sum
of the two preceding ones, usually starting with 0 and 1.
Example:
And so forth.
3. Mathematical Properties
An explicit formula for finding the nnn-th Fibonacci number is given by Binet’s formula:
F(n)=ϕn−(1−ϕ)n5F(n) = \frac{\phi^n - (1 - \phi)^n}{\sqrt{5}}F(n)=5ϕn−(1−ϕ)n where ϕ\phiϕ
(the golden ratio) is: ϕ=1+52≈1.6180339887\phi = \frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2} \approx
1.6180339887ϕ=21+5≈1.6180339887
Example:
Flower Petals: Many flowers have petals in Fibonacci numbers (e.g., lilies have 3,
buttercups have 5).
Seed Heads: The arrangement of seeds in a sunflower follows the Fibonacci sequence.
Pine Cones and Pineapples: The arrangement of scales in pine cones and pineapples is
often in Fibonacci numbers.
The Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio are used in art and architecture for their aesthetic
properties:
Renaissance Art: Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci used the golden ratio in their works.
Architecture: The Parthenon and the pyramids are believed to exhibit proportions
related to the golden ratio.
Fibonacci Retracement Levels: Traders use these levels to predict potential reversals in
the market.
Lucas numbers are similar to Fibonacci numbers but start with 2 and 1: 2,1,3,4,7,11,…2, 1, 3, 4,
7, 11, \ldots2,1,3,4,7,11,…
The sequence can be studied under modulo arithmetic, which provides insights into periodicity:
Pisano Period: The Fibonacci sequence modulo nnn repeats with a certain period called
the Pisano period.
Example:
Tribonacci Sequence: Each term is the sum of the three preceding ones.
T(n)=T(n−1)+T(n−2)+T(n−3)T(n) = T(n-1) + T(n-2) + T(n-
3)T(n)=T(n−1)+T(n−2)+T(n−3)
Example:
Nautilus Shells: The spiral of a nautilus shell approximates the golden spiral related to
Fibonacci numbers.
Hurricanes and Galaxies: Many natural spirals, including hurricanes and spiral
galaxies, exhibit patterns related to Fibonacci numbers.
Example:
Composers like Béla Bartók and Olivier Messiaen incorporated Fibonacci numbers into
their works.