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Expert: Robi Bhattacharjee - 11/21/2008


Question
How do Fibonacci numbers work?  Could you walk me through a real number example?  I'm having trouble understanding the formula.

Answer
Hi Scott,

Well, the easiest way to learn fibonacci numbers is through an example.

So 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,... is a fibonacci sequence. This is because of the following.

You start out with 1,1. To find the next term, you simply do 1+1 which = 2. So your next term is 2.

This means your sequence so far is 1,1,2. To find the next term you add the last terms of your sequence so far. So 1+2 = 3. now your sequnce is 1,1,2,3.

For the next term, you do 2 + 3 = 5.
so it is 1,1,2,3,5

Now if you keep adding the last two terms forever, you get the fibonacci sequence. Which is 1,1,2,3,5,8,13,...


I hope this helped,
Robi

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Robi Bhattacharjee

Expertise

I can answer a variety of questions on mathematics. Questions on trigonometry, calculus(preferably single variable), algebra, geometry, and number theory will be answered. I cannot answer questions on abstract branches of mathematics such as group theory. I also cannot answer questions on statistics. In number theory, I can answer questions on congruences, prime numbers, units, functions, and the riemann-zeta function.

Experience

I have studied advanced math my entire life. I started calculus in sixth grade. I have attended numerous math competitions and I am attending math organizations such as the San-Diego math circle. Also, this year I have been invited to the USAMO which is a prestigious math competition (Every year the USAMO invites 500 students from across the USA to participate in this competition. The top 6 go to represent the USA in the International Math Olympiad).

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I am in the San Diego Math Circle

Education/Credentials
I am entering high school and have received a perfect score and the STAR test 5 times in a row. I also have gotten recognitions in the AMC 10, AIME, Math Counts, and ARML. Additionally, I have won the San Diego Math Olimpiad twice in a row.

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