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Module 6. Problem Solving 2.3 The Fibonacci Sequence

The document discusses the Fibonacci sequence. It begins by introducing Fibonacci and his famous rabbit problem. This problem leads to a sequence of numbers now called the Fibonacci sequence. The sequence begins with 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc. where each number is the sum of the previous two. Formulas are also provided to calculate later Fibonacci numbers. The document then discusses how the Fibonacci numbers and other patterns like triangular numbers appear in Pascal's triangle.

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Angelica Camille B. Abao
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
141 views

Module 6. Problem Solving 2.3 The Fibonacci Sequence

The document discusses the Fibonacci sequence. It begins by introducing Fibonacci and his famous rabbit problem. This problem leads to a sequence of numbers now called the Fibonacci sequence. The sequence begins with 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc. where each number is the sum of the previous two. Formulas are also provided to calculate later Fibonacci numbers. The document then discusses how the Fibonacci numbers and other patterns like triangular numbers appear in Pascal's triangle.

Uploaded by

Angelica Camille B. Abao
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MODULE 6. PROBLEM SOLVING

2.3 The Fibonacci Sequence

Leonardo of Pisa, also known as Fibonacci (c. 1170–1250), is one of


the best-known mathematicians of medieval Europe. In 1202, after
a trip that took him to several Arab and Eastern countries,
Fibonacci wrote
the book Liber Abaci. In this book Fibonacci explained why the Hindu-
Arabic numeration system that he had learned about during his travels was
a more sophisticated and efficient system than the Roman numeration
system. This book also contains a problem created by Fibonacci that
concerns the birth rate of rabbits. Here is a statement of Fibonacci’s rabbit
problem.

The Fibonacci Sequence


At the beginning of a month, you are given a pair of newborn rabbits. After a month
the rabbits have produced no offspring; however, every month thereafter, the pair of rabbits
produces another pair of rabbits. The offspring reproduce in exactly the same manner. If none
of the rabbits dies, how many pairs of rabbits will there be at the start of each succeeding
month?

Ed Math 412 Problem SolvingJessica Bagaforo Canaman, MAEd (Math Ed)


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The solution of this problem is a sequence of numbers that we now call the Fibonacci
sequence. The following figure shows the numbers of pairs of rabbits on the
first day of each of the first six months. The larger rabbits represent mature rabbits that produce
another pair of rabbits each month. The numbers in the blue region—1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8—are the first
six terms of the Fibonacci sequence.

If we use the mathematical notation Fn to represent the nth Fibonacci number, then the
numbers in the Fibonacci sequence are given by the following recursive definition.

Use the definition of Fibonacci numbers to find the seventh and eighth Fibonacci numbers.

Ed Math 412 Problem SolvingJessica Bagaforo Canaman, MAEd (Math Ed)


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Binet’s Formula. The following formula is known as Binet’s formula for the nth Fibonacci
number.

Use Binet’s formula and a calculator to find the 20th, 30th, and 40th Fibonacci numbers.

Other objects found in nature that show the pattern of Fibonacci numbers.

Ed Math 412 Problem SolvingJessica Bagaforo Canaman, MAEd (Math Ed)


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Pascal’s Triangle
The triangular pattern below is known as Pascal’s triangle. Pascal’s triangle has intrigued
mathematicians for hundreds of years. Although it is named after the mathematician Blaise
Pascal (1623–1662), there is evidence that it was first developed in China in the 1300s.

Observe the manner by which the numbers are created. Write down your observations
Hint:
a. Symmetry of the numbers
b. Sum of the numbers in each row
c. How do the Fibonacci numbers appear in the Pascal’s triangle?

Ed Math 412 Problem SolvingJessica Bagaforo Canaman, MAEd (Math Ed)


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Historical note. The ancient Greek mathematicians were interested in the geometric shapes associated
with numbers. For instance, they noticed that triangles can be constructed using 1, 3, 6, 10, or 15 dots, as
shown below. They called the numbers 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, ... the triangular numbers.

How do the triangular numbers appear in the Pascal’s triangle?

Ed Math 412 Problem SolvingJessica Bagaforo Canaman, MAEd (Math Ed)

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