Fibonacci numbers are a sequence of numbers where every number is the sum of the preceding two numbers. It starts from 0 and 1 as the first two numbers. This sequence is one of the famous sequences in mathematics. You can find Fibonacci numbers in plant and animal structures. These numbers are also called nature's universal rule or nature's secret code.
Fibonacci numbers were first discovered by an Italian mathematician called Leonardo Fibonacci in the 13th century. The sequence begins with 0 and 1, and each subsequent number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. So the first few numbers in the sequence are 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on. Let us learn more about Fib numbers.
| 1. | What are Fibonacci Numbers? |
| 2. | Fibonacci Formula |
| 3. | Rules for Fibonacci Numbers |
| 4. | How to Find Fibonacci Numbers? |
| 5. | Fibonacci Numbers List |
| 6. | Properties of Fibonacci Numbers |
| 7. | nth Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden Ratio |
| 8. | Fibonacci Numbers in Nature |
| 9. | FAQs on Fibonacci Numbers |
What are Fibonacci Numbers?
Fibonacci numbers are a sequence of whole numbers arranged as 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34,... , where every number is the sum of the preceding two numbers. Here are some interesting facts about the Fibonacci numbers:
- This sequence is called the Fibonacci sequence and it's an infinite sequence.
- Each number in the Fibonacci series or sequence is represented as Fn.
As shown below, Fib numbers can be represented as a spiral, if we make squares with those lengths. In the given figure, we can see how the squares fit neatly together. For instance, 5 and 8 add up to 13, 8 and 13 add up to 21, and it goes on. To know how this Fibonacci spiral is formed, click here.
Fibonacci Meaning
In mathematics, Fibonacci is a concept that can be represented as numbers, sequences, or series such that each term is the sum of the two terms preceding it and the first two terms are 0 and 1. A Fibonacci number is generally denoted by Fn, where n is a whole number. The Fibonacci sequence is given by, F0 = 0, F1 = 1, F2 = 1, F3 = 2, F4 = 3, F5 = 5, and so on.
Fibonacci Formula
Fibonacci numbers follow a specific pattern. To find the Fibonacci numbers in the sequence, we can apply the Fibonacci formula. The relationship between the successive number and the two preceding numbers can be used in the formula to calculate any particular Fibonacci number in the series, given its position.
Formula to Find Fibonacci Numbers
The formula to calculate the (n + 1)th number in the sequence of Fib numbers can be given as,
Fn = Fn-1 + Fn-2
where,
- n > 1
- Fn-1 → nth Fibonacci number
- Fn-2 → (n - 1)th Fibonacci number
Rules for Fibonacci Numbers
The rules for the Fibonacci numbers are given as:
- The first number in the list of Fibonacci numbers is expressed as F0 = 0 and the second number in the list of Fibonacci numbers is expressed as F1 = 1.
- Fibonacci sequence numbers follow a rule according to which, Fn = Fn-1 + Fn-2, where n > 1.
- The third Fibonacci number is given as F2 = F1 + F0. As we know, F0 = 0 and F1 = 1, the value of F2 = 0 + 1 = 1.
- The sequence of Fibonacci numbers goes like 0, 1, 1, 2, and so on.
The rule for Fibonacci numbers, if explained in simple terms, says that "every number in the sequence is the sum of two numbers preceding it in the sequence".
How to Find Fibonacci Numbers?
Let's calculate the Fibonacci numbers using the rule from the above section. The sequence is given as 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, and so on. Let's see how the first ten terms come about in the sequence. If we tabulate the calculation, we get:
| n | Term | Fn-1 | Fn-2 | Fn = Fn-1 + Fn-2, (for n >1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | First | - | - | F0 = 0 |
| 1 | Second | F0 = 0 | - | F1 = 1 |
| 2 | Third | F1 = 1 | F0 = 0 | F2 = 0 + 1 = 1 |
| 3 | Fourth | F2 = 1 | F1 = 1 | F3 = 1 + 1 = 2 |
| 4 | Fifth | F3 = 2 | F2 = 1 | F4 = 2 + 1 = 3 |
| 5 | Sixth | F4 = 3 | F3 = 2 | F5 = 3 + 2 = 5 |
| 6 | Seventh | F5 = 5 | F4 = 3 | F6 = 5 + 3 = 8 |
| 7 | Eighth | F6 = 8 | F5 = 5 | F7 = 8 + 5 = 13 |
| 8 | Ninth | F7 = 13 | F6 = 8 | F8 = 13 + 8 = 21 |
| 9 | Tenth | F8 = 21 | F7 = 13 | F9 = 21 + 13 = 34 |
From the above table, we can infer that:
- In the sequence formed by the Fibonacci numbers, the first term is always 0, and the second term is always 1.
- The output obtained in the 5th column is the summation of the values in the 3rd column and 4th column which represent the two preceding numbers.
Fibonacci Numbers List
Using the Fibonacci numbers formula and the method to find the successive terms in the sequence formed by Fibonacci numbers, explained in the previous section, we can form the Fibonacci numbers list as shown below.
| Fibonacci Numbers List | |
|---|---|
| F0 = 0 | F10 = 55 |
| F1 = 1 | F11 = 89 |
| F2 = 1 | F12 = 144 |
| F3 = 2 | F13 = 233 |
| F4 = 3 | F14 = 377 |
| F5 = 5 | F15 = 610 |
| F6 = 8 | F16 = 987 |
| F7 = 13 | F17 = 1597 |
| F8 = 21 | F18 = 2584 |
| F9 = 34 | F19 = 4181 |
Properties of Fibonacci Numbers
Fibonacci numbers are used in many computer algorithms such as Fibonacci cubes, Fibonacci heap data structure, and the Fibonacci search technique. Let's see the different properties of the Fibonacci numbers based on the number's position above and below zero.
The first 10 Fibonacci sequence numbers in the sequence can be shown as:
| F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 | F6 | F7 | F8 | F9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 21 | 34 |
- The sequence of Fibonacci numbers can be extended to negative index n also by re-arranging the recurrence relation Fn-2 = Fn - Fn-1.
- This yields the sequence of NegaFibonacci numbers which has the relation F-n =( -1)n+1 × Fn.
Thus, for Fibonacci numbers, the bidirectional sequence looks like this:
| F-5 | F-4 | F-3 | F-2 | F-1 | F0 | F1 | F2 | F3 | F4 | F5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | -3 | 2 | -1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
We can observe from the above table that the Fibonacci numbers below zero are the same as the Fibonacci numbers above zero, with the only difference that they follow the + - + - pattern. It is interesting to note that Fibonacci numbers are used in planning poker games.
nth Fibonacci Number and the Golden Ratio
When any two consecutive Fibonacci numbers are taken, their ratio is very close to 1.618034. Let's take a random example of two consecutive numbers:
- Let A = 13, B = 21 and, let's divide B by A. We get 21 ÷ 13 = 1.615.
- This ratio of successive Fibonacci numbers is known as the Golden Ratio.
We can calculate any Fibonacci number using this Golden Ratio as per this formula: Fn = ((ɸ)n−(1−ɸ)n) ÷ √5. Here, ɸ = 1.618034. Let's calculate F6 = ((1.618034)6 −(1− 1.618034)6) ÷ √5. When this calculation is done using a calculator, we get the value of F6 as 8.00000033, which when rounded off to the nearest whole number becomes 8.
Fibonacci Numbers in Nature
We can find Fibonacci numbers everywhere in nature. Here are some of the most common patterns and sequences of Fibonacci numbers in nature:
- The petals in certain plants such as sunflowers, lilies, roses, and buttercups follow the Fibonacci pattern, and these flowers are called Fibonacci flowers.
- Even the seeds of sunflowers are said to follow a Fibonacci pattern.
- The spirals that are found on the pinecone are equal to Fibonacci numbers.
- The seashells, and starfish that we find on the seashores, follow the pattern of Fibonacci numbers.
One of the practical applications of the concept of Fibonacci numbers is that it was applied in the construction of the Great Pyramid at Giza.
Important Notes on Fibonacci Numbers:
Here is a list of a few points that should be remembered while studying the Fibonacci numbers.
- The concept of Fibonacci numbers is only applicable to whole numbers and decimal numbers from a financial perspective.
- The sequence of Fibonacci numbers also applies to numbers below zero.
- The first Fibonacci number is always 0 and the second Fibonacci number is always 1.
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FAQs on Fibonacci Numbers
What are Fibonacci Numbers?
Fibonacci numbers form a sequence of numbers where every number is the sum of the preceding two numbers. It starts from 0 and 1 as the first two numbers.
Why are the Fibonacci Sequence Numbers So Important?
The Fibonacci numbers have a lot of practical applications in computer technology, music, financial markets, and many other areas. Fibonacci numbers exist in nature in various forms and patterns.
Are the Fibonacci Numbers Infinite?
Yes, the Fibonacci list consists of infinite Fibonacci numbers where every number is calculated by simply adding the two numbers that are before it. Each number in the sequence of Fibonacci numbers is represented as Fn.
Is 0 a Fibonacci Number?
Yes, 0 is a Fibonacci number, and it's the first Fibonacci number. It is denoted by F1.
What are the Applications of Fibonacci Sequence Numbers?
Fibonacci numbers have various applications in the field of mathematical and financial analysis. We use Fibonacci numbers in the computational run-time analysis of Euclid's algorithm to find HCF. Also, many patterns in nature can be studied using the Fibonacci numbers.
Is There a Formula for Finding Fibonacci Numbers?
Yes, there is a formula for finding Fibonacci numbers. Fibonacci numbers follow this formula according to which, Fn = Fn-1 + Fn-2, where Fn is the (n + 1)th term and n > 1. The first Fibonacci number is expressed as F0 = 0 and the second Fibonacci number is expressed as F1 = 1.
How to Calculate the Fibonacci Numbers?
Fibonacci sequence numbers depending upon their position in the series can be calculated using the general formula for Fibonacci numbers given as, Fn = Fn-1 + Fn-2, where Fn is the (n + 1)th term and n > 1.
What is the Difference Between Fibonacci Numbers and Lucas Numbers?
The formation of both Fibonacci and Lucas numbers is the same (where every number is obtained by additing the previous two numbers). The only difference is, the Fibonacci numbers start from 0 and 1 whereas Lucas numbers start from 2 and 1. i.e.,
- Fibonacci numbers are 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, …
- Lucas numbers are 2, 1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 18, …
What is the Formula to Find Fibonacci Numbers?
The formula to find the (n + 1)th term in the sequence formed by Fibonacci numbers can be given as, Fn = Fn-1 + Fn-2, where n > 1.
What are the First 10 Fibonacci Numbers?
The First 10 Fibonacci numbers are: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34. Here, we can see that the first Fibonacci number is always 0 and the second Fibonacci number is always 1.
What is Fibonacci Numbers List?
The Fibonacci numbers list is infinite but some Fibonacci numbers are: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987, 1597, 2584, 4181.
Is 33 a Fibonacci Number?
No, 33 is not a Fibonacci number as it is not present among the first 10 Fibonacci numbers: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34.
