Can This Summation Formula Generate the Fibonacci Sequence?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Vince00
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Proof
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
1 reply · 1K views
Vince00

Homework Statement


Proof that [tex]\sum a, m=0,[/tex] (a-m)! / m!(a-2m)! = the fibonacci sequence.

Homework Equations


Fibonacci: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, ... (but I think everyone knows that one!)

The Attempt at a Solution


Let Xm = [tex]\suma m=0[/tex] (a-m)! / m!(a-2m)!
I think I better proof Xm+2 = Xm+1 + Xm (follows from the fibonacci), so I can conclude that Xm = Fm+1.
I think using induction is the best way to go: Prooving it for X0 and X1, maybe even X2.
My attempt:
[tex]\sum a+2, m=0,[/tex] (a+2-m)! / m!(a+2-2m)! = [tex]\sum a+1, m=0,[/tex] (a+1-m)! / m!(a+1-2m)! + [tex]\sum a, m=0,[/tex] (a-m)! / m!(a-2m)!
=[tex]\sum a+1, m=0,[/tex] (a+1-m)! / m!(a+1-2m)! + [tex]\sum a+1, m=1,[/tex] (a-m-1)! / (m-1)!(a-m-1-m+1)! ... but I think I am making big mistakes here, because whatever I do, I get stuck.
I just don't see it!

Vince, freshmen physics, sorry but I don't know how to use the symbols and stuff!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's difficult to read what you have written. Try editing it by using the proper LaTeX. Just click on my output below to see the way to do it.
[tex]\sum_{n=0}^\infty a_n[/tex] for sums and subscripts
[tex]\frac{(a-m)!}{m!(a-2m)!}[/tex] for fractions
Also, what is Xm?