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Linear Algebra

#1. Fibonacci Numbers, Quickly

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Prompts for discussion:

Zeckendorf showed that each non-negative integer has a unique representation as a sum of Fibonacci numbers in which no two consecutive Fibonacci numbers occur. This observation leads to a numeral system. A natural question for a numeral system is how can we perform arithmetic operations on numbers in such a system, and how fast can we do it.

In particular:

  • Can you add and subtract nn-digit numbers in the Zeckendorf system in O(n)O(n) time, as fast as in the binary system?

  • Can you multiply nn-digit numbers in the Zeckendorf system in O(nlog⁡n)O(n \log n) time, as fast as in the binary system?

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