Finding formula for nth term in sequence

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    Formula Sequence Term
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on finding a formula for the nth term in a sequence defined recursively. Participants explore the structure of the sequence, its properties, and potential simplifications, with a focus on mathematical reasoning and recursive definitions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a recursive definition for the sequence, suggesting that the nth term can be expressed in terms of previous terms and a summation.
  • Another participant questions the clarity of the definition, noting that it involves self-reference and may lead to ambiguity.
  • Concerns are raised about the limits of the summation, specifically whether it should include the term at index n.
  • A later reply suggests simplifying the problem by working with integers modulo 10 and provides specific relationships for even and odd indexed terms.
  • One participant draws an analogy between the recurrence relation and a shift register random number generator, indicating a potential structural similarity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definition of the sequence and the implications of the recursive structure. Multiple competing views remain on how to approach the problem and whether certain terms should be included in the summation.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the assumptions underlying the recursive definition and the implications of using "mod 1" in the context of the summation. The discussion also highlights the potential complexity of the sequence's behavior based on its recursive nature.

JimbleJambler
##\displaystyle f_{n} = ((\sum_{k= \lfloor{\frac{n}{2}}\rfloor}^{n-1}f_{k}) mod 1) + 0.1##
##\displaystyle f_{1} = 0##

I really would like to know where to begin for finding a formula for the nth term, I wrote out a bunch of the terms and couldn't really eyeball a pattern of any sort. I noticed sometimes it seems to be that f(n) = (f(n-1) * 2) mod 1, but that's not very consistent.
 
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Clarify your definition. You have f_n defined in terms of itself as well as previous values of the index.
 
Are you sure the sum ends with n? You use fn in the definition of fn.
You can ignore the "mod 1" and apply it afterwards in a suitable way, that won't change the sum.
 
mathman said:
Clarify your definition. You have f_n defined in terms of itself as well as previous values of the index.
mfb said:
Are you sure the sum ends with n? You use fn in the definition of fn.
You can ignore the "mod 1" and apply it afterwards in a suitable way, that won't change the sum.
Sorry I fixed it!
 
It's easier to work with integers mod 10. I can only simplify it a bit.
Since f(2k) = f(k)+ ... + f(2k-1) + 1,
f(2k+1) = f(k)+ ... + f(2k-1) +f(2k) +1 = 2f(2k) so the odd values aren't interesting
f(2k+2) = 4f(2k) - f(k)
The recurrence is rather like a shift register random number generator, only with a growing shift register.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linear-feedback_shift_register
 

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