Mathematical Object

Fibonacci Sequence

Number Theory

The Fibonacci sequence is the sequence of integers in which each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, conventionally starting 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and so on. Sequences of this kind had appeared earlier in Indian mathematics, in the study of Sanskrit poetic meters, but the sequence entered Western European mathematics through Leonardo of Pisa, known as Fibonacci, who introduced it in his 1202 book Liber Abaci as the solution to a hypothetical problem about the growth of a rabbit population. The ratio of consecutive Fibonacci numbers converges to the golden ratio as the sequence progresses, and Fibonacci numbers appear throughout number theory, combinatorics and the mathematical description of natural branching and spiral patterns.

Facts
Classification
Object Kind
Sequence or Series 1
Origin Year
1202 1
FAQs

Were the Fibonacci numbers known in India before Fibonacci?

Yes. Indian scholars such as Gopāla and Hemachandra discussed them before Fibonacci wrote.

Yes. According to Wolfram MathWorld, before Fibonacci wrote his work, the Fibonacci numbers had already been discussed by Indian scholars such as Gopāla (before 1135) and Hemachandra (c. 1150), who had long been interested in rhythmic patterns formed from one-beat and two-beat notes or syllables.
Connections

Associated With

Golden Ratio, Mathematical Objects

The ratio of consecutive Fibonacci numbers converges to the golden ratio.

Source Golden Ratio (Wikipedia)

Attributed To

Source Fibonacci Sequence (Wikipedia)

In Branch

Source Fibonacci Sequence (Wikipedia)

Is Kind Of Object

Sequence, Concepts
Series, Concepts

Principal Result Of

Source Edouard Zeckendorf (Wikipedia)
Source Jacques Philippe Marie Binet (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Fibonacci Sequence (Wikipedia)
Wikipedia
  • Lead section
    The Fibonacci sequence first appears in the book Liber Abaci (The Book of Calculation, 1202) by Fibonacci
  • In Branch: Number Theory
  • Attributed To: Leonardo of Pisa, Lead
    They are named after the Italian mathematician Leonardo of Pisa, also known as Fibonacci, who introduced the sequence to Western European mathematics in his 1202 book Liber Abaci.
View the Source
Golden Ratio (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationAssociated With: Golden RatioView the Source
Edouard Zeckendorf (Wikipedia)
Principal Result Of: Edouard Zeckendorf, Lead
Quote, Principal Result Of: Edouard Zeckendorf, Lead
best known for his work on Fibonacci numbers
View the Source
Jacques Philippe Marie Binet (Wikipedia)
Principal Result Of: Jacques Philippe Marie Binet, Lead, Binet formula
Quote, Principal Result Of: Jacques Philippe Marie Binet, Lead, Binet formula
Binet's formula expressing Fibonacci numbers in closed form is named in his honour
View the Source
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