The idea about Pythagoras stairs?

In summary: The above answer is not correct and there are some mistakes in the question, its easy to find the mistakes in the question.However the hint for the right question should use these formulaeY(n + 1) X(n + 1) = (2X(n+1) + Y(n+3) (X(n+4) + Y(n+5))
  • #1
memomath
13
0
Hello everybody

I have looked everywhere for some good guides, so the question is:


You probably know the Fibonacci sequence (1,1,2,3,5,8…) but there is a lesser-known sequence called (Pythagoras stairs) generated by a similar recursion formula.

This is a sequence of pairs (Xn,Yn) usually arranged as follows:
1 2
2 3
5 7
12 17

And so on……. It begins with (x1,y1)=(1,1) and the recursion formula is

X{n+1} = X{n} + Y{n}
Y{n+1} = X{n}+ X{n+1}

Prove by induction that always

Y^2 = 2 X^2 ± 1

Pythagoras used this equation to generate rational approximations to (2)^1/2


Thanks in advance for usefully discuss to solve for this interesting question
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi again

Hello everybody

I have looked everywhere for some good guides, so the question is:

You probably know the Fibonacci sequence (1,1,2,3,5,8…) but there is a lesser-known sequence called (Pythagoras stairs) generated by a similar recursion formula.

This is a sequence of pairs (Xn,Yn) usually arranged as follows:
1 2
2 3
5 7
12 17

And so on……. It begins with (x1,y1)=(1,1) and the recursion formula is

[tex]X\underline{n+1}[/tex]=[tex]X\underline{n}[/tex]+[tex]Y\underline{n}[/tex]

[tex]Y\underline{n+1}[/tex]= [tex]X\underline{n}[/tex]+[tex]X\underline{n+1}[/tex]


Prove by induction that always

[tex]Y\acute{2}[/tex]=2[tex]X\acute{2}[/tex] [tex]\pm1[/tex]

Pythagoras used this equation to generate rational approximations to [tex]\sqrt{2}[/tex]


Moreover, if you would like please open the enclosed to find the corrections/clarifications of the question.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
  • #3
No comments or solution until now!

memomath said:
hi

please open the enclosed to find the corrections/clarifications of the question.

Thanks
 
  • #4
A lot of people will not open a Word file because they are notorious for carrying viruses.
 
  • #5
Dear HallsofIvy

Thanks for your reply, in fact I already wrote the problem in webpage and at the same time wrote in the word file so there two options


HallsofIvy said:
A lot of people will not open a Word file because they are notorious for carrying viruses.
 
  • #6
Hi again

Hello everybody

I have looked everywhere for some good guides, so the question is:

You probably know the Fibonacci sequence (1,1,2,3,5,8…) but there is a lesser-known sequence called (Pythagoras stairs) generated by a similar recursion formula.

This is a sequence of pairs (Xn,Yn) usually arranged as follows:
1 2
2 3
5 7
12 17

And so on……. It begins with (x1,y1)=(1,1) and the recursion formula is

[tex]X\underline{n+1}[/tex]=[tex]X\underline{n}[/tex]+[tex]Y\underline{n}[/tex]

[tex]Y\underline{n+1}[/tex]= [tex]X\underline{n}[/tex]+[tex]X\underline{n+1}[/tex]


Prove by induction that always

[tex]Y\acute{2}[/tex]=2[tex]X\acute{2}[/tex] [tex]\pm1[/tex]

Pythagoras used this equation to generate rational approximations to [tex]\sqrt{2}[/tex]


Moreover, if you would like please open the enclosed to find the question as pdf form.

Thanks
 
Last edited:
  • #7
Okay here is how you do it...The method of mathematical induction for proofs follows the induction theorem which requires that for any relation dependent on variable N ,then if N=1,N=2 are TRUE and assuming N= k is TRUE then N=k+1 should also be TRUE...So if you test the Pythagoras' stairs for N=1 and N=2 then you find that it is TRUE...then assume that N=k is true such that y^2(k+1)=2x^2(k+1)+- 1...so using the above you should be able to prove that y^2(k+2)=2x^2(k+2)+-1...you can do this by taking the left hand side..You should be knowing that y(k+2)=2x(k+1)+y(k+1)..square this to have y^2(k+2) =4x^2(k+1)+4x(k+1)y(k+1)+y^2(k+1)...but from previously assuming N=k is true we had y^2(k+1)=2x^2(k+1)+-1..substitute in the previous equation...also keep in mind x(k+2)=x(k+1)+y(k+1)...use this [square it] in the above equations to get the right hand side of y^2(k+2)=2x^2(k+2)+-1 then you have proven using the induction theorem.
 
Last edited:
  • #8
some wrongs here in the question

YES I AGREE WITH YOU there are mistake in the question
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #9


The above answer is not correct and there are some mistakes in the question, its easy to find the mistakes in the question.

However the hint for the right question should use these formulae

Y(n + 1) X(n + 1) = (2X(n+1) + Y(n+3) (X(n+4) + Y(n+5))

memomath said:
YES I AGREE WITH YOU there are mistake in the question
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. What are Pythagoras stairs?

Pythagoras stairs are a mathematical concept named after the Greek mathematician Pythagoras. They are a set of stairs consisting of two right-angled triangular steps joined together in a continuous loop, with the bottom of one step forming the hypotenuse of the other.

2. What is the significance of Pythagoras stairs?

Pythagoras stairs demonstrate the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This concept is used in many fields of science and engineering, making Pythagoras stairs an important concept to understand.

3. How are Pythagoras stairs used in real life?

Pythagoras stairs are used in the design of spiral staircases, as they provide a more stable and efficient design. They are also used in architecture and construction to calculate the length and angles of diagonal support beams. In addition, Pythagoras stairs are used in navigation and map-making to determine distances and angles.

4. Can Pythagoras stairs be applied to other shapes besides squares?

Yes, the concept of Pythagoras stairs can be applied to any right-angled triangles, regardless of the shape of the sides. This means that Pythagoras stairs can be created using any polygon with at least one right angle, such as rectangles, hexagons, or octagons.

5. What is the history behind Pythagoras stairs?

The concept of Pythagoras stairs was first introduced by the Greek mathematician Pythagoras in the 6th century BC. It is said that he discovered this concept while observing the steps of a temple in ancient Greece. Since then, Pythagoras stairs have been studied and used in various fields of mathematics, science, and engineering.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • Math Proof Training and Practice
4
Replies
114
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Math Proof Training and Practice
3
Replies
93
Views
10K
  • Math Proof Training and Practice
2
Replies
51
Views
7K
  • Math Proof Training and Practice
3
Replies
97
Views
18K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top