Fibonacci Series and Golden Ratio Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the mathematical relationship between the Fibonacci series and the golden ratio, specifically why the ratio of two consecutive Fibonacci numbers converges to the golden ratio. The scope includes theoretical exploration and mathematical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the connection between the ratios of Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio, suggesting a lack of apparent mathematical linkage.
  • Another participant outlines properties of ratios, indicating that if two positive real numbers have a certain ratio, their sum and the larger number maintain a similar ratio, and discusses how the difference to the golden ratio decreases under certain conditions.
  • A third participant presents a mathematical derivation of the Fibonacci sequence and its relationship to the golden ratio, proposing that if the sequence converges to a value, that value satisfies a specific equation involving the golden ratio.
  • A later reply acknowledges the contributions of others but indicates a lack of prior research on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial question regarding the connection between Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio, with some expressing uncertainty and others providing mathematical insights that suggest a relationship.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the properties of ratios and convergence are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the initial participant's concerns about the mathematical connection.

Kevin McHugh
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I'm not sure this is the right forum, so if not, please move to the appropriate forum. My question is why does the ratio of two consecutive fibonacci numbers converge to the golden ratio? I see no mathematical connection between the series ratios and ratios of a unit line segment divided into two unequal segments. .
 
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You can show that
(a) if two positive real numbers have this ratio, then their sum and the larger number have this ratio again
(b) if the ratio is larger, then the ratio of the sum and the larger number is smaller, and vice versa
(c) that the difference to the golden ratio always decreases in the cases of (b)
 
The Fibonacci sequence is defined by ##F(n+1)=F(n)+F(n-1)## and therefore
$$ \frac{F(n+1)}{F(n)}= \frac{F(n)+F(n-1)}{F(n)} = 1 + \frac{F(n-1)}{F(n)} $$
and the golden ratio is defined by
$$ \frac{a+b}{a}=\frac {a}{b} =: \varphi $$
If the Fibonacci sequence converges to ##\Phi##, then ##\Phi = 1 + \frac{1}{\Phi}##.

You may try and find out why ##\Phi = \varphi## or read the following passage:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio#Relationship_to_Fibonacci_sequence
 
Thank you gentlemen. I guess I should have searched the internet first,
 

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