Math 2.0

Number theory Proof

Proof that consecutive Fibonacci numbers are coprime

Builds on Coprime integersGreatest common divisorMathematical induction

Proof

We argue by induction on nn.

  1. Base case n=0n = 0. We have F0=0F_0 = 0 and F1=1F_1 = 1. The only positive divisor of 11 is 11, so gcd⁡(F0,F1)=1\gcd(F_0, F_1) = 1.
  2. Induction step. Let n≥0n \ge 0 and assume gcd⁡(Fn,Fn+1)=1\gcd(F_n, F_{n+1}) = 1.
  3. Let ee be a positive integer that divides Fn+1F_{n+1} and Fn+2F_{n+2}.
  4. By the recurrence, Fn=Fn+2−Fn+1F_n = F_{n+2} - F_{n+1}. A common divisor of two integers divides their difference, so e∣Fne \mid F_n.
  5. So ee is a positive common divisor of FnF_n and Fn+1F_{n+1}. By the induction hypothesis, the greatest such divisor is 11. So e≤1e \le 1, and e=1e = 1.
  6. Thus the only positive common divisor of Fn+1F_{n+1} and Fn+2F_{n+2} is 11. So their greatest common divisor is 11.
  7. By induction, FnF_n and Fn+1F_{n+1} are coprime for each n≥0n \ge 0.

Idea

A common divisor of two neighbours in the sequence also divides the term before them, because that term is their difference. Walking down the sequence, it divides F1=1F_1 = 1, so it is 11.

Reading path

To understand this page from the ground up, read these 5 pages in order. The foundations come first.

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Each page uses the pages above it. The colour of the bar on a box shows how strong the evidence is, and the box also gives it as text. The list has the same pages.
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  1. Divisibility definition
  2. Mathematical induction concept
  3. Greatest common divisor definition
  4. Coprime integers definition
  5. Proof that consecutive Fibonacci numbers are coprime proof

Where this leads

3 pages build on this one.

Further reading

  1. Web https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibonacci_sequence, Divisibility properties
About this page
TagTVXBJQR31R
URIm2://TVXBJQR31R
Kindproof
WritingW0 stub
MSC11B39
ProvesConsecutive Fibonacci numbers are coprime
UsesCoprime integers, Greatest common divisor, Mathematical induction
MethodsMathematical induction
Changed4 November 2026

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