Characteristic roots for second-order recurrences
For aₙ=saₙ₋₁+taₙ₋₂ with t≠0, distinct roots r₁,r₂ of r²−sr−t give aₙ=Ar₁ⁿ+Br₂ⁿ; a repeated root r gives aₙ=(A+Bn)rⁿ.
Key knowledge
For aₙ=saₙ₋₁+taₙ₋₂ with t≠0, distinct roots r₁,r₂ of r²−sr−t give aₙ=Ar₁ⁿ+Br₂ⁿ; a repeated root r gives aₙ=(A+Bn)rⁿ. Determine A,B from a₀,a₁ and verify both recurrence and initial values.
Conditions and scope
- Coefficients are constant; this homogeneous formula does not solve every nonlinear or forced recurrence.
- Complex roots can represent real sequences by conjugate coefficients.
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References
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Evidence and review
Section 2.4 characteristic-root technique, two distinct roots and repeated-root case.
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