Is the Series 2,3,5,8,13,21 a Fibonacci Sequence?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether the series of numbers 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 can be classified as a Fibonacci sequence. Participants explore definitions, initial conditions, and the implications of generalized Fibonacci sequences.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question if the series 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 qualifies as a Fibonacci sequence since it does not start with the traditional values of 0 or 1.
  • There is a suggestion that the definition of a Fibonacci sequence may vary depending on the author and context, with some proposing that any two initial terms could define a Fibonacci-like sequence.
  • A participant references a generalized Fibonacci sequence, indicating that the initial values can lead to different sequences, and emphasizes the importance of clearly stating when a generalized sequence is being referred to.
  • Another participant asserts that if the definition allows for any two initial terms, then the series can be considered a Fibonacci sequence; otherwise, it does not fit the classical definition.
  • One participant mentions that applying prime numbers could lead to considering the series as a Fibonacci series, although this point is not elaborated upon.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition of a Fibonacci sequence, with no consensus reached on whether the series in question qualifies as such. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the classification of the series.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions and initial conditions when classifying sequences, as well as the potential for varying interpretations based on context.

Ling Min Hao
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Is the series of numbers 2,3,5,8,13,21 ... a fibronacci sequence ? Because it doesn't start with 1 , but it fulfills the explicit formula .
 
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Ling Min Hao said:
Is the series of numbers 2,3,5,8,13,21 ... a fibronacci sequence ? Because it doesn't start with 1 , but it fulfills the explicit formula .
How do you define a Fibonacci sequence?
 
PeroK said:
How do you define a Fibonacci sequence?
I don't know , but from wikipedia , it says Fibronacci starts from either 0,1 or 1,1 but is 2,3,5,8,13,21... a Fibronacci sequence it remains unknown for me ..
 
Ling Min Hao said:
I don't know , but from wikipedia , it says Fibonacci starts from either 0,1 or 1,1 but is 2,3,5,8,13,21... a Fibronacci sequence it remains unknown for me ..
I guess it depends on author and purpose whether only the classical sequence is meant or all possible. I looked up "generalized Fibonacci sequence" and found, e.g. http://www.maths.surrey.ac.uk/hosted-sites/R.Knott/Fibonacci/fibGen.html

As so often the key lies in the question: What's your goal? Usually "a Fibonacci sequence" simply has to obey ##F_{n+1} = F_n + F_{n-1}##. Initial values result in different sequences. If someone speaks about "the Fibonacci sequence ##F_n##" he probably means the one starting with ##(0,1)##. Generalized ones should clearly by stated as such, which often can be recognized the way they define the initial values: ##(F_0,F_1)=(a_0,a_1)## indicates the usage of generalized ones. Formulas which contain ##F_n## without any further explanation probably refer to the classic sequence only.
 
Ling Min Hao said:
I don't know , but from wikipedia , it says Fibronacci starts from either 0,1 or 1,1 but is 2,3,5,8,13,21... a Fibronacci sequence it remains unknown for me ..
A question like this is entirely definition dependent. If you allow a Fibonacci sequence to have any two initial terms, then it is. If not, then it's not. Or, in this case, it is simply not the full sequence.
 
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If you apply prime numbers than it can be consider as a Fibonacci series. If you have any doubts to calculate Fibonacci series than you can visit Ashbox to use calculation tools.
 

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