What is the Fibonacci sequence?
Q: What is the Fibonacci sequence?
A: The Fibonacci sequence is a pattern of numbers in mathematics named after Leonardo of Pisa, known as Fibonacci. It starts with 0 and 1, and each number after that is equal to adding the two numbers right before it together.
Q: Who introduced this number pattern to Western European mathematics?
A: Fibonacci wrote a book in 1202 called Liber Abaci ("Book of Calculation"), which introduced the number pattern to Western European mathematics, although mathematicians in India already knew about it.
Q: How can the Fibonacci sequence be written?
A: The Fibonacci sequence can be written as a recurrence relation, where F_n = F_n-1 + F_n-2 for n ≥ 2.
Q: What are the starting points for this recurrence relation?
A: For this to make sense, at least two starting points need to be given. Here, F_0 = 0 and F_1 = 1.
Q: Does the Fibonacci sequence go on forever?
A: Yes, the sequence goes on forever.
Q: Where did mathematicians first learn about this number pattern? A: Mathematicians in India were already familiar with this number pattern before it was introduced to Western Europe by Leonardo of Pisa (Fibonacci).
