In the Fibonacci sequence, the pattern you've identified does indeed extend indefinitely, and it's not just a coincidence. Let's analyze the divisibility pattern more rigorously.

Divisibility by 2

You observed that every third Fibonacci number is divisible by 2. Let's generalize this:

• $F_3 = 2$
• $F_6 = 8$
• $F_9 = 34$
• $F_{12} = 144$
• $F_{15} = 610$

This pattern holds true indefinitely. The reason is that the Fibonacci sequence modulo 2 repeats with a cycle length of 3: $1, 1, 0$. The $n$-th Fibonacci number is divisible by 2 if and only if $n$ is a multiple of 3.

Divisibility by 3

Similarly, for divisibility by 3:

• $F_4 = 3$
• $F_8 = 21$
• $F_{12} = 144$
• $F_{16} = 987$

This pattern also holds indefinitely. The Fibonacci sequence modulo 3 has a cycle length of 8: $1, 1, 2, 0, 2, 2, 1, 0$. The $n$-th Fibonacci number is divisible by 3 if and only if $n$ is a multiple of 4.

Generalization of Divisibility Patterns

These observations are instances of a broader phenomenon where the Fibonacci sequence modulo $m$ (for any integer $m$) exhibits periodic behavior. The period length, called the Pisano period, depends on $m$. Specifically:

• Divisibility by $p$ (a prime number): The Fibonacci sequence modulo $p$ will have a periodic sequence, and the divisibility pattern you observed with 2 and 3 repeats in these periodic cycles.

• Pattern Forever: Since the Fibonacci sequence has periodic behavior modulo any integer $m$, the patterns you've observed for divisibility by 2 and 3 indeed continue forever.

Conclusion

The patterns you've observed are not coincidences but rather are due to the intrinsic periodic nature of the Fibonacci sequence modulo any integer. These patterns will indeed extend indefinitely.

Would you like more details on Pisano periods or another aspect of the Fibonacci sequence?

Relative Questions:

1. What is the Pisano period for other numbers, like 5 or 7?
2. How does the periodic behavior change for composite numbers, like 4 or 6?
3. Can the Fibonacci sequence be generalized to other mathematical sequences with similar properties?
4. How can you calculate the Pisano period for any integer $m$?
5. What is the relationship between the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio?

Tip:

The periodic nature of the Fibonacci sequence modulo $m$ allows for quick computations of large Fibonacci numbers modulo $m$ without needing to compute all preceding Fibonacci numbers.