Complex Analysis - Fibonacci Identity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around deriving a formula for the nth term in the Fibonacci sequence, denoted as fn, using complex analysis techniques, particularly the residue theorem and generating functions. Participants explore various mathematical approaches, including Binet's formula, and discuss the implications of convergence and the extraction of coefficients from power series.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using the generating function Ʃk≥0 fnzn to derive the identity for fn and references Cauchy's integral formula.
  • Another participant asserts that the resulting identity is indeed Binet's formula.
  • There is a question regarding the origin of the term z^{n+1} in the context of extracting coefficients from a power series.
  • Participants discuss the significance of using -phi and 1-phi as roots of the polynomial 1-z-z^2, contrasting it with phi and its conjugate.
  • One participant explains that dividing by z^{n+1} transforms the z^n term into z^{-1}, allowing the extraction of the coefficient of z^{-1} via residues.
  • Another participant raises a question about the relevance of demonstrating a positive radius of convergence and how to establish it.
  • There is a discussion about the implications of having a positive radius of convergence, including its effects on the singularity of the function at z=0.
  • One participant proposes an alternative approach involving matrix diagonalization to derive a closed form for the nth term.
  • Another participant notes that changing variables between z and -z does not significantly affect the outcome of the derivation.
  • A request is made for clarification on using the ratio test to determine the radius of convergence.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the methods and implications of the approaches discussed, particularly regarding the choice of roots and the significance of convergence. No consensus is reached on the best method or the relevance of certain aspects of the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the need for specific mathematical assumptions and the potential complexity introduced by singularities in the function being analyzed. The discussion includes unresolved mathematical steps related to the extraction of coefficients and the application of the ratio test.

Physics-Pure
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Hey guys~
I was looking for a way to derive a formula for fn (the nth term in the fibonacci sequence). While looking for this, I came across a potential solution using the residue theorem.
Using the generating function Ʃk≥0 fnzn, find the identity for fn.
The problem looks like the right thumbnail.
Also, it can be found here on page 106: http://www.math.binghamton.edu/sabalka/teaching/09Spring375/Chapter10.pdf

I personally do not understand how using the suggested hint will bring you to a formula for fn.
I know that one must Recall Cauchy's integral formula to relate the integral to the value of fn.

Also, will the resulting identity simply be Binet's formula? Thanks all,
Physics-Pure
 

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If anyone knows where to find the solution set, that would also be appreciated. It isn't homework related, simply for fun.
 
Yes that is Binet's formula.

[tex]A=(z^{n+1}(1-z-z^2))^{-1} \\<br /> f_n=^\mathrm{Res}_{z=0}A=\left(^\mathrm{Res}_{z=-\phi}A+^\mathrm{Res}_{z=0}A+^\mathrm{Res}_{z=1-\phi}A \right)-^\mathrm{Res}_{z=-\phi}A-^\mathrm{Res}_{z=1-\phi}A=\frac{1}{2\pi i}\oint \! A \mathrm \,{dz}-^\mathrm{Res}_{z=-\phi}A-^\mathrm{Res}_{z=1-\phi}A=-^\mathrm{Res}_{z=-\phi}A-^\mathrm{Res}_{z=1-\phi}A[/tex]

The gain here is the residue at zero is complicated, while the two others lead easily to Binet's formula.
 
First off, where does the z^n+1 come from?
But I believe I understand the rest now.
 
z^(n-1) is part of the usual formula to extract coefficients from a power series.

[tex]1=^\mathrm{Res}_{z=0}z^{-1}\\<br /> a_n=^\mathrm{Res}_{z=0} \frac{1}{z^{n+1}}\sum_{n=-\infty}^\infty a_n z^n[/tex]
 
Ahh, I understand. Now why did you put -phi and 1-phi instead of phi and conjuagte phi?
 
Why would dividing by z^(n+1) extract the a_nth term?
 
-phi and 1-phi are the roots of 1-z-z^2
phi and conjuagte phi are the roots of 1-z+z^2
It works out the same in the end.
 
  • #10
Dividing by z^(n+1) makes the z^n term into z^-1, the residue is the coefficient of z^-1.
 
  • #11
Alright. Can you also tell me why it's even useful to show that it has a positive radius of convergence? And how to do so?
 
  • #12
Why is it even relevant to the question at hand?
 
  • #13
The positive radius of convergence can be found many ways including by the ratio test if you can find the limiting ratio. A positive radius of convergence tells us F is nonsingular at z=0 which we use in extracting the coefficients. If F had a pole we would need to ajust the coefficients, if F had an essential singularity it might be much harder.
 
  • #14
"phi and conjuagte phi are the roots of 1-z+z^2
It works out the same in the end."
Why does it work out the same in the end?
 
  • #15
Another approach is that of describing the regression as a matrix, and then diagonalizing the matrix ( not too hard to show it is diagonalizable). That gives you a closed form for the n-th term.
 
  • #16
[tex] f_n=^\mathrm{Res}_{z=0}(z^{n+1}(1-z-z^2))^{-1}=^\mathrm{Res}_{z=0}((-z)^{n+1}(-1-z+z^2))^{-1}[/tex]

so it does not make much difference. It is just a change of variable between z and -z.
 
  • #17
Would you mind showing the work required for (1)? Using the ratio test
 
  • #18
[tex]r^{-1}=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \left|\frac{f_{n+1}}{f_n}\right|=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \left|\frac{f_n+f_{n-1}}{f_n}\right|=\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty} \left|1+\frac{f_{n-1}}{f_n}\right|= 1+\phi^{-1}=\phi \\ r=\phi^{-1}[/tex]

provided we know
$$\lim_{n \rightarrow \infty}\frac{f_{n+1}}{f_n}=\phi$$
 

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