Since the sequence is only defined from the third number on ("add the previous two numbers"), the first two numbers must be stipulated. That is, the sequence gets from zero to one because we force it to, and then we let it do its thing.
this post was submitted on 14 Jan 2026
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Can you talk more about stipulation. Is that basically the axiological equivalent of "it is because I say it is" and you have to agree if you want to play?
You can stipulate whichever two numbers you like to start, but anything that doesn't get you to two and three won't begin the specific sequence that we name after Fibonacci (it's worth mentioning that Fibonacci himself started with one and two, not zero and one). According to the linked discussion, apparently interesting things happen when you choose numbers other than zero and one, so it's not like you absolutely have to choose those two numbers as a starting point or anything.
Does using non 1 or 0 starts fundamentally alter the proportions/ratios or whatver, like the overall shapes
That's beyond my ability to authoritatively answer. You'd have to check out the linked thread above or ask a mathematician. I'm interested to hear the answer if anyone perusing the comments can speak to it.
I wonder too if you use a negative
Awesome thank you that fits with the second part of my play cryptograph goofing project
0 + 1 is the next number, 1
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144
Edit: Why would anyone downvote this? Jesus. I literally used Wikipedia. You people are nightmares.
You have one downvote... Chill
Thankyou im working on using the Fibonacci sequence as part of crytograph for was supposed to be fun lol i thought like how 3 is 1+2 meant it had to be two previous numbers added which 1+1 =2 cool but what added to 0 for 0+1? (Sorry Im probably overthinking the goose shit out of this)
1 is added to 0 to get 1.
I know the explanation also sounds stupid, but the Fibonacci sequence is defined as
0, 1, 1, 2, 3
So if you want something between 0 and 1, that may not be the Fibonacci sequence.
O shibby alright thank you now I see ive been warping it all funky
I downvoted you because your answer is confusing and doesn't seem to address the heart of OP's question (as evidenced by the fact that they had to effectively restate their question in their response). Yes, 0+1 is the next number, but citing Wikipedia doesn't address how we initially get from 0 to 1 when there aren't two previous numbers available in the sequence. Where does the 1 come from?
Your answer is what prompted me to provide an answer of my own (with explicitly cited source) that attempts to more directly and clearly answer the question.
I'm sorry if you feel that my downvote is unjustified, but I still don't believe that your answer contributed productively to the discussion.
And yet the person who asked the question responded and indeed thought I added to the conversation. Especially because there literally werenβt any answers.
So my answer contributed multiple ways, given you literally answered because I did.
So thanks for the explanation, but yikes! Itβs βno stupid questions,β get off your pedestal.
βNo stupid questions? No friendly answers!β
Thatβs ok, I wonβt be back!
I'm here from /all, so no need to leave on my account.
You wanted to know why I downvoted you, so I told you. What you do with that information is up to you.