Proving the Formula for Fibonacci Numbers using Strong Induction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the Fibonacci numbers formula using strong induction, specifically the formula: 1 / √5 * [(1 + √5) / 2]^n - [(1 - √5) / 2]^n. The main challenge presented is in the induction step, where the user struggles to express f(n) + f(n-1) in terms of f(n+1) while maintaining the correct powers. The discussion emphasizes the importance of using LaTeX for clarity in mathematical expressions and hints at the roots of the characteristic equation x² - x - 1 = 0 as a foundational concept.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fibonacci numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with strong induction in mathematical proofs
  • Knowledge of LaTeX for formatting mathematical expressions
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of strong induction in mathematical proofs
  • Learn how to derive Fibonacci numbers using characteristic equations
  • Practice writing mathematical proofs in LaTeX
  • Explore the properties of the golden ratio and its relation to Fibonacci numbers
USEFUL FOR

Students in proofs classes, mathematicians interested in number theory, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Fibonacci numbers and induction techniques.

moo5003
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Basically my problem comes down to an algebra thing. This is a proofs class and I'm trying to show using strong induction that the fionacci numbers to the nth power can be given by the formula

1 / Radical (5) [ (1+Rad(5) / 2) ^ n - (1-Rad(5) / 2) ^ n.

My problem comes down to the induction step.. after substiting the assumed for f(n) and f(n-1) and adding those to equal f(n+1) I have no clue how to get the equation given by f(n) + f(n-1) represent the above witn n+1 as the powers instead of n. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.
 
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Hint:

\frac{1\pm\sqrt{5}}{2}

are the solutions to x² - x - 1 = 0, so they satisfy x+1 = x². Anyways, please use LaTeX and show your work, because this problem is quite straightforward, so it's hard to guess where you're getting stuck. Therefore, it's hard to know what hint to give that will be useful but won't give too much away.
 
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