College Algebra 7th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1305115546
ISBN 13: 978-1-30511-554-5

Chapter 8, Sequences and Series - Chapter 8 Review - Exercises - Page 641: 71

Answer

Prove that $p(1)$ is true. Prove that $p(k)$ true implies $p(k+1)$ true.

Work Step by Step

Let's note by $p(n)$ the property we want to prove: $$p(n):\text{ } F_{4n}=3m.$$ The Fibonacci numbers are: $$1,1,2,3,5,8,13,\dots$$ $\textbf{Step 1:}$ Prove $p(1)$ is true. Set $n=1$ and check if the property is verified: $$\begin{align*} F_4&=F_3+F_2=2+1=3. \end{align*}$$ As $3$ is divisible by $3$, $p(1)$ is true. $\textbf{Step 2:}$ Prove that if $p(k)$ is true, then $p(k+1)$ is true. We assumed $p(k)$ is true: $$p(k):\text{ } F_{4k}=3m.\tag1$$ We have to prove: $$p(k+1):\text{ } F_{4(k+1)}=3q.\tag2$$ Rewrite $F_{4(k+1)}$ using the sequence's rule and $F_{4k}=3m$: $$\begin{align*} F_{4(k+1)}&=F_{4k+4}\\ &=F_{4k+3}+F_{4k+2}\\ &=F_{4k+2}+F_{4k+1}+F_{4k+1}+F_{4k}\\ &=F_{4k+2}+2F_{4k+1}+F_{4k}\\ &=F_{4k+1}+F_{4k}+2F_{4k+1}+F_{4k}\\ &=3F_{4k+1}+2F_{4k}\\ &=3F_{4k+1}+2(3m)\\ &=3(F_{4k+1}+2m)\\ &=3q. \end{align*}$$ We got Eq. $(2)$, therefore if $p(k)$ is true, then $p(k+1)$ is also true. Both steps being proved, the given formula is true for any natural number $n$.
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