Thread Closed

Lucas Numbers and Generating Functions

 
Share Thread Thread Tools
Oct30-05, 01:51 PM   #1
 

Lucas Numbers and Generating Functions


Here is my problem and my attempt at the answer. Any help or advice is highly appreciated.
Problem
With the famous sequence of Lucas numbers 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 18... (Where each number is the sum of the last two and the first two are defined as 1 and 3.) use generating functions to find an explicit formula for the Lucas function.
Attempted Solution
We have
[tex]\sum_{j=1}^{n}F_jx^j[/tex]
where Fj denotes the jth Fibonacci number and n is going to infinity. Then we add that to
[tex]\sum_{j=-1}^{n}F_jx^j^+^2[/tex]
Where F-1 = -1 and F0 = 0

And that should get us a function of Lucas numbers right?
 
PhysOrg.com
PhysOrg
science news on PhysOrg.com

>> 'Whodunnit' of Irish potato famine solved
>> The mammoth's lament: Study shows how cosmic impact sparked devastating climate change
>> Curiosity Mars rover drills second rock target
Oct30-05, 03:30 PM   #2
 
Recognitions:
Homework Helper Homework Help
Science Advisor Science Advisor
The Lucas numbers satisfy the relation

[tex]L_{n+1} = L_n + L_{n-1}[/tex]

Just set [itex]L_n = a^n[/itex] and solve for a. Your generating function will be a linear combination of the two solutions. Apply your initial conditions ( [itex]L_1[/itex] and [itex]L_2[/itex]) to determine the two arbitrary constants and you're done! :)
 
Oct31-05, 12:01 AM   #3
 
I should've been more specific, but we have to use the Fibonacci numbers to generate the Lucas numbers in this manner.

EDIT: I changed it up a little bit as well.
 
Oct31-05, 12:40 AM   #4
 
Recognitions:
Homework Helper Homework Help
Science Advisor Science Advisor

Lucas Numbers and Generating Functions


In that case, it should be apparent that [itex]L_n = F_{n+1} + F_{n-1}[/itex]
 
Nov1-05, 11:33 AM   #5
 
Ok so I believe that matches what I was intending on getting at. Thank you again.
 
Thread Closed
Thread Tools


Similar Threads for: Lucas Numbers and Generating Functions
Thread Forum Replies
Moment Generating Functions and Probability Density Functions Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics 4
Generating functions Calculus & Beyond Homework 2
Generating Functions! Linear & Abstract Algebra 7
generating prime numbers Linear & Abstract Algebra 12