# Lucas numbers theory confused [duplicate]

How do I go about obtaining a formula using this Lucas numbers theory?

I tried looking into it on my discrete math textbook but I'm really confused maybe someone can lay out the steps on it?

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The Lucas numbers $L_n$ are defined by $L_1 = 1$, $L_2 = 3$, and $L_n = L_{n-1} + L_{n-2}$.

Obtain a formula for $L_n$.

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en.wikipedia.org/wiki/… – pedja Apr 20 '12 at 6:02
These are two different questions. – soniccool Apr 20 '12 at 6:03
You can use the techniques in this question. – J. M. Apr 20 '12 at 6:04
mystycs: The questions are the same. The conditions $L_{n+2}=L_{n+1}+L_n$ and $L_n=L_{n-1} + L_{n-2}$ (with appropriate range for $n$'s\$) are equivalent. If you still think that there is a difference, could you explain what difference is there? – Martin Sleziak Apr 20 '12 at 6:28
The beauty of mathematics is that if you know that 2 apples plus 2 apples is 4 apples, then even though 2 oranges plus 2 oranges is a different question, you can apply what you have learned to solve it. So it is with the current question and the earlier one. – Gerry Myerson Apr 20 '12 at 6:42