Sum of first n Fibonacci numbers with respect to n?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formula for the sum of the first n Fibonacci numbers, exploring various expressions and interpretations related to Fibonacci sequences. Participants engage in clarifying definitions and proposing formulas, while also addressing potential errors in earlier statements.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the nth Fibonacci number using a formula involving square roots and powers, seeking the sum of the first n Fibonacci numbers.
  • Another participant challenges the correctness of the initial formula, suggesting it evaluates to zero and proposes a different formula for the sum: F_0 + F_1 + ... + F_n = F_{n+2} - 1.
  • A third participant questions whether the sum can be derived directly from the Fibonacci definition F_n = F_{n-1} + F_{n-2}.
  • The initial poster acknowledges an error in their formula and reiterates the sum formula provided by the second participant.
  • A later post reformulates the sum using the Fibonacci formula, expressing it as a function of n+2 and subtracting one.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of the initial formula, with some agreeing on the alternative sum formula while others question the derivation methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the initial formula's validity.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of Fibonacci numbers and the application of formulas may not be fully articulated. The discussion includes corrections and clarifications that indicate potential misunderstandings or misapplications of mathematical expressions.

dimension10
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I know that the nth Fibonacci number is defined as:

\frac{{1+\sqrt{5}}^{n}-{1-\sqrt{5}}^{n}}{{2}^{n}\sqrt{5}}

But may I know the formula for the sum of the first n Fibonacci numbers with respect to n? Thanks.
 
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Hi dimension10! :smile:

That formula you give can't possibly be correct, since it evaluates to 0... Did you forget to add some brackets?

Anyway, the most elegant formula for the sum of the first n Fibonacci numbers is

F_0+F_1+...+F_n=F_{n+2}-1

Using the (correct) formula for F_{n+2} gives you the desired formula.

Check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibonacci_number
 
Isn't it just an obvious application of

F_n = F_{n-1} + F_{n-2}

definition?
 
micromass said:
Hi dimension10! :smile:

That formula you give can't possibly be correct, since it evaluates to 0... Did you forget to add some brackets?

Yes.I meant
\frac{{(1+\sqrt{5})}^{n}-{(1-\sqrt{5})}^{n}}{{2}^{n}\sqrt{5}}

micromass said:
Anyway, the most elegant formula for the sum of the first n Fibonacci numbers is

F_0+F_1+...+F_n=F_{n+2}-1

Using the (correct) formula for F_{n+2} gives you the desired formula.

Check http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibonacci_number

Thanks.
 
So we could write it as:

\frac{{(1+\sqrt{5})}^{n+2}-{(1-\sqrt{5})}^{n+2}}{{2}^{n+2}\sqrt{5}}-1
 

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