Solving Recursive Sequence Homework

  • Thread starter HallsofIvy
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Sequence
In summary, the conversation discusses a fixed sequence of integers, determined by a recursive formula. The question at hand is whether there exists an integer larger than 1 such that a_{k+1}^2 is divisible by a_k. The conversation then delves into finding a summation and using induction, as well as discussing the properties of prime numbers. The final conclusion is that there is no integer k>=2 such that both b_k and b_{k+1} are 0.
  • #1
HallsofIvy
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
42,989
975

Homework Statement


Sequence of integers a1, a2, a3, . . . is fixed by:
a1 =1,
a2 =2,
[tex]a_{n}={3a}_{n-1}+5a_{n-2}[/tex] for n=3,4,5, . . . .
Decide if exisist such an integer k[tex]\geq[/tex]2, that [tex]{a}_{k+1}\bullet {a}_{k+1}[/tex] is divisible by [tex]{a}_{k}.[/tex]


Homework Equations



don't care about latex error.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I edited to try to correct the Latex and accidently deleted the entire thread. Sorry about that. I don't know why the
[tex]a_n= 3a_{n-1}+ 5a_{n-2}[/tex]
still won't come out properly.
To make up for that, I'll try to help with the question!

Before you can prove anything, you need to decide if it is true or false! The question asks b if there exist an integer larger than 1 such that [itex]a_{k+1}^2[/itex] is divisible by a_k.

From the recursion formula, [itex]a_{k+1}= 3a_k+ 5a_{k-1}[/itex].
[itex](a_{k+1})^2= 9a_k^2+ 30a_ka_{k-1}+ 25a_{k-1}[/itex]
Since the first two terms are obviously divisble by [itex]a_k[/itex], the whole thing is if and only if [itex]25a_{k-1}^2[/itex] is divisible by a_k.

That's as far as I can get. Don't know if it helps.
 
  • #3
Find a summation then use induction^^
 
  • #4
Notice that if [tex] a_{k+1}^2 [/tex] is divisible by [tex] a_k [/tex] then there is a prime [tex] p [/tex] such that both [tex] a_{k+1}[/tex] and [tex]a_k [/tex] are divisible by [tex] p [/tex]. in other words
[tex] a_{k+1} = 0 [/tex] modulo [tex]p[/tex]
[tex] a_k = 0 [/tex] modulo [tex]p[/tex].

for a fixed prime [tex] q [/tex] define the sequence of integers [tex] b_1,b_2, \dots [/tex] by:
[tex] b_{1} = 1[/tex]

[tex] b_{2} = 2[/tex]

[tex] b_{n} = 3 b_{n-1} + 5 b_{n-2} [/tex] modulo [tex] q [/tex]

Show: there is no integer k>=2 such that both [tex] b_k [/tex] and [tex] b_{k+1} [/tex] are 0.
 

1. What is a recursive sequence?

A recursive sequence is a sequence of numbers where each term is defined by one or more previous terms. In other words, the next term in the sequence is determined by performing a specific operation on the previous term(s).

2. How do I solve a recursive sequence?

To solve a recursive sequence, you can use a recursive formula or an explicit formula. A recursive formula defines the next term in the sequence in terms of the previous term(s), while an explicit formula gives a direct equation for finding any term in the sequence.

3. Can a recursive sequence have negative numbers?

Yes, a recursive sequence can have negative numbers. The terms in a recursive sequence can be any type of number, including positive, negative, and fractions.

4. What is the difference between a recursive formula and an explicit formula?

The main difference between a recursive formula and an explicit formula is the way they define the terms in a sequence. A recursive formula uses the previous term(s) to determine the next term, while an explicit formula gives a direct equation for finding any term in the sequence.

5. Why is it important to understand recursive sequences?

Understanding recursive sequences is important because they have many real-life applications, such as in economics, physics, and computer science. They also help to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are important in many fields of study and work.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
881
Replies
1
Views
928
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
999
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
2K
Back
Top