Fibonacci Proofs via Induction

  • Thread starter Thread starter cwatki14
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Induction Proofs
Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on two proofs involving Fibonacci numbers using mathematical induction. The first proof aims to establish that the sum of the first n Fibonacci numbers equals (Fn+2) - 1, starting with a base case of n=3. The second proof seeks to show that the sum of Fibonacci numbers at odd indices equals the Fibonacci number at the even index, specifically F2n. Participants suggest using summation notation for clarity and recommend separating terms to apply the induction hypothesis effectively. The conversation highlights the challenges in transitioning from the induction step to the conclusion, particularly in manipulating the Fibonacci recursion formula.
cwatki14
Messages
56
Reaction score
0
So I am looking at the following two proofs via induction, but I have not a single idea where to start.
The First is:
1. Suppose hat F1=1, F2=1, F3=2, F4=3, F5=5 where Fn is called a Fibonacci number and in general:
Fn=Fn-1+Fn-2 for n>/= 3. Prove that:
F1+F2+F3+...+Fn=(Fn+2)-1

Secondly is:
2. Prove that F1+F2+F5+...+F2n-1=F2n

Any help. I am looking for a proof via induction with a base case and induction step.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You could start by trying a base case. Let n=3. What can you conclude from this? Is the statement valid?
 
The base case part I think is more straight foward, but when I try to see if this hold for some k+1, things start to get tricky...
 
I find it easier to work in summation notation here to keep it neat.
Take the sum from i=1 to n+1 of fi. You can take fn+1 out of the sum and then apply the induction hypothesis to the other term. Then use the recursion formula for the fibonacci sequence to simplify.
 
So we I separate out the summation and apply the induction hypothesis to the other side I get:
\SigmaFj+Fk+Fk-1=(Fk+2 + Fk+1) -1
So I basically want to move the Fk+1 from the RHS to the LHS, but I would have to subtract it, and that gets me nowhere...
 
Simplify fn+1 + fn+2
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K