Sequence analysis of the Fibonacci sequence using matrices?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of the Fibonacci sequence using matrix representation. The original poster presents a matrix formulation involving the Fibonacci numbers and seeks to derive an expression for F_k in terms of u_0 and the matrix A.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the use of eigenvalues and eigenvectors to express the initial vector as a combination of eigenvectors. There is also consideration of alternative methods, such as using the recursion relation of the Fibonacci sequence.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into finding eigenvalues and suggested methods to express the initial conditions. Others are exploring how to combine eigenvectors to represent the initial vector and are seeking clarification on the next steps in the process.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention that eigenvalues and eigenvectors have not been covered in the participants' coursework, leading to questions about alternative methods for solving the problem. Additionally, the original poster expresses uncertainty about matrix operations needed for expansion.

jspectral
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Using [tex]u_k = \[ \left( \begin{array}{ccc} F_{k+1} \\ F_k \end{array} \right)\][/tex] [tex]u_0 = \[ \left( \begin{array}{ccc} 1 \\ 0 \end{array} \right)\][/tex] [tex]A = \[ \left( \begin{array}{ccc} 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{array} \right)\][/tex]
Solve for [tex]u_k[/tex] in terms of [tex]u_0[/tex] to show that:

[tex]F_k = \frac{1}{\sqrt{5}}\ \left(\left(\frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2}\ \right)^k - \left(\frac{1 - \sqrt{5}}{2}\ \right)^k\right)[/tex]

Homework Equations


See above.

The Attempt at a Solution


Well, I worked out that [tex]u_k = A^k u_0[/tex]
[tex]\[ \left( \begin{array}{ccc} F_{k+1} \\ F_k \end{array} \right)\][/tex] = [tex]\[ \left( \begin{array}{ccc} 1 & 1 \\ 1 & 0 \end{array} \right)\]^k[/tex] [tex]\[ \left( \begin{array}{ccc} 1 \\ 0 \end{array} \right)\][/tex]

But I'm not sure of the matrix operations I need to use to expand that A matrix, and the other two, in order to obtain an algebraic expression.

Note: That 1,1,1,0 matrix is meant to be to the power of k, but the LaTex went weird.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You need to find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of A. Then express u0 as a combination of eigenvectors.
 
Dick said:
You need to find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of A. Then express u0 as a combination of eigenvectors.

We haven't been taught eigenvalues/vectors yet. Is there any other method you can think of to do this problem?
 
jspectral said:
We haven't been taught eigenvalues/vectors yet. Is there any other method you can think of to do this problem?

The only other way to do it that I can think of is to notice your sequence satisfies the recursion relation F_(k+2)=F_(k+1)+F_k. Now you look for exponential solutions by substituting F_k=C*p^k into that relation and solving for p. Since it's quadratic you get two solutions for p. Now combine them to fit the initial conditions. I'm not sure why you'd set it up with matrices if you aren't going to use eigenvectors, though.
 
Dick said:
The only other way to do it that I can think of is to notice your sequence satisfies the recursion relation F_(k+2)=F_(k+1)+F_k. Now you look for exponential solutions by substituting F_k=C*p^k into that relation and solving for p. Since it's quadratic you get two solutions for p. Now combine them to fit the initial conditions. I'm not sure why you'd set it up with matrices if you aren't going to use eigenvectors, though.

Okay, so I got the eigenvalues of the matrix A as [tex]\left(\frac{1 \pm \sqrt{5}}{2}\ \right)[/tex]

Now how do I use those eigenvalues with the power of k in order to obtain an expression for F_(k)?
 
If v is an eigenvector of your matrix M with eigenvalue r, then M^k(v)=r^k*v. That means if you write the column vector (1,0) as a combination of the two eigenvectors, the first entry of M^k((1,0)) must be F_k=C*((1+sqrt(5))/2)^k+D*((1-sqrt(5))/2)^k. Find the constants C and D by requiring the F_0=0 and F_1=1.
 
Dick said:
If v is an eigenvector of your matrix M with eigenvalue r, then M^k(v)=r^k*v. That means if you write the column vector (1,0) as a combination of the two eigenvectors, the first entry of M^k((1,0)) must be F_k=C*((1+sqrt(5))/2)^k+D*((1-sqrt(5))/2)^k. Find the constants C and D by requiring the F_0=0 and F_1=1.

Okay so the Eigenvectors for mine are:

[tex] v_1 = \left(\frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2}\ , 1 \right)[/tex]
and
[tex] v_2 = \left(\frac{1 - \sqrt{5}}{2}\ , 1 \right)[/tex]

So [tex]A^k(v_1) = \left(\frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2}\ , 1 \right) \frac{1 + \sqrt{5}}{2}\[/tex] to the power of k for the non-vector
and
[tex]A^k(v_2) = \left(\frac{1 - \sqrt{5}}{2}\ , 1 \right) \frac{1 - \sqrt{5}}{2}\[/tex] to the power of k for the non-vector

I'm not sure what you mean to do next, how exactly do I go about writing (1,0) as a combination of [tex]A^k(v_1)[/tex] and [tex]A^k(v_2)[/tex] ?
 
Last edited:
You write it a combination of v1 and v2. Write a*v1+b*v2=(1,0) and solve for a and b. Then find what is A^k(1,0).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
0
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K