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Ireland algebra
Problem
Let be the "iterated Fibonacci sequence": , where , and . Prove that is a multiple of 144 whenever it is a multiple of 14.
Solution
This is actually true for the full Fibonacci sequence, not just the iterated one. Since the Fibonacci numbers depend only on the previous two values. Fibonacci modulo must be preperiodic with period at most . In fact it is periodic for all of the values that we examine.
Calculation shows that mod has a period of and mod has an "antiperiod" of (meaning mod ), and so a period of . Examination of the repeated values reveals that is a multiple of exactly when is a multiple of , and a multiple of exactly when is a multiple of . Thus divides exactly when divides .
Similarly, we see that both modulo and modulo , has a period of and is equivalent to if and only if is a multiple of . The result follows.
Calculation shows that mod has a period of and mod has an "antiperiod" of (meaning mod ), and so a period of . Examination of the repeated values reveals that is a multiple of exactly when is a multiple of , and a multiple of exactly when is a multiple of . Thus divides exactly when divides .
Similarly, we see that both modulo and modulo , has a period of and is equivalent to if and only if is a multiple of . The result follows.
Techniques
Recurrence relationsChinese remainder theoremLeast common multiples (lcm)