Fibonacci number facts for kids

The Fibonacci numbers are a super cool pattern of numbers found in mathematics. They are named after an Italian mathematician called Leonardo of Pisa, who was also known as Fibonacci. In 1202, Fibonacci wrote a book called Liber Abaci (which means "Book of Calculation"). This book helped introduce these special numbers to people in Western Europe, even though mathematicians in India already knew about them.

Here's how the pattern works: The first number is 0, and the second number is 1. After that, you get the next number by adding the two numbers right before it. For example, 0 + 1 = 1, and 3 + 5 = 8. This amazing number pattern goes on forever!

A Fibonacci spiral created by drawing a line through the squares in the Fibonacci tiling; this one uses squares of sizes 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, and 34; see Golden spiral

How the Fibonacci Sequence Works

Let's look at the first few Fibonacci numbers. Remember, you just add the two numbers before to get the next one.

So, to find F₂, you add F₀ and F₁ (0 + 1 = 1). To find F₃, you add F₁ and F₂ (1 + 1 = 2). And so on! This rule is called a recurrence relation in mathematics.

Fibonacci Numbers in Nature

A Sunflower head showing florets in spirals of 34 and 55. These numbers are part of the Fibonacci sequence.

It's amazing how often Fibonacci numbers show up in nature! They are connected to something called the golden ratio. This special ratio appears in many places, from famous buildings to living things.

You can find Fibonacci patterns in many plants. For example, look at the pattern of leaves on a stem. Or check out the parts of a pineapple. The way an artichoke flowers also follows this pattern.

Even the uncurling of a fern or the arrangement of a pine cone can show Fibonacci numbers. These numbers also appear in the family tree of honeybees. It's like nature uses these numbers as a secret code for growth!

Images for kids

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  Yellow chamomile head showing the arrangement in 21 (blue) and 13 (aqua) spirals. Such arrangements involving consecutive Fibonacci numbers appear in a wide variety of plants.

See also

In Spanish: Sucesión de Fibonacci para niños