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What is the Fibonacci sequence?

MathematicsLesson on requestFree to read

Quick answer

The Fibonacci sequence is a series of numbers where each is the sum of the two before it: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13… It appears surprisingly often in nature, and its ratios approach the golden ratio. Each number is the sum of the previous two (2+3=5, 3+5=8…).

Key things to understand

  1. Each number is the sum of the previous two (2+3=5, 3+5=8…).
  2. It starts 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21…
  3. The ratio of consecutive terms approaches the golden ratio (~1.618).
  4. It appears in flower petals, pinecones, and spiral shells.

People also ask

How does the Fibonacci sequence work?
Start with 0 and 1, then each new number is the sum of the two before it.
Where is the Fibonacci sequence found in nature?
In the arrangement of leaves, flower petals, pinecones, and spiral shells.
How is it related to the golden ratio?
As the sequence grows, the ratio of consecutive numbers gets closer and closer to the golden ratio.