NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
ERIC Number: EJ955411
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Mar
Pages: 4
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0025-5785
EISSN: N/A
Spin the Wheels
Critchett, John
Mathematics Teaching, n221 p4-7 Mar 2011
The Fibonacci series has been studied since it was first described by Leonardo of Pisa--Fibonacci--in 1202. It begins with the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8... Each succeeding number is the sum of the previous two. In number theory courses, students are introduced to the concept of modulo arithmetic, sometimes called "clock" arithmetic. In modulo arithmetic, once a designated number--the modulus--is reached, one starts counting again. An individual can apply any modulo system to the Fibonacci series. Regardless of the system used, the numbers in the series will eventually repeat, thus creating a cycle. The number of "elements" in the series, before this repetition begins, is called the "cycle length." In this article, the author constructs "number wheels" based on Fibonacci-type sequences in modulo 8. These number wheels will exhibit fascinating properties and patterns, and can be explored by students interested in number theory. (Contains 4 figures and 5 tables.)
Association of Teachers of Mathematics. Unit 7 Prime Industrial Park, Shaftesbury Street, Derby, DE23 8YB, UK. Tel: +44-1332-346599; e-mail: admin@atm.org.uk; Web site: http://www.atm.org.uk/mt/index.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A