Solutions for $k$-generalized Fibonacci numbers using Fuss-Catalan numbers

S. R. Mane

Published 2024-10-10Version 1

We present new expressions for the $k$-generalized Fibonacci numbers, say $F_k(n)$. They satisfy the recurrence $F_k(n) = F_k(n-1) +\dots+F_k(n-k)$. Explicit expressions for the roots of the auxiliary (or characteristic) polynomial are presented, using Fuss-Catalan numbers. Properties of the roots are enumerated. We quantify the accuracy of asymptotic approximations for $F_k(n)$ for $n\gg1$. Our results subsume and extend some results published by previous authors. We also comment on the use of multinomial sums for the $k$-generalized Fibonacci numbers and related sequences. We also employ the generating function to express $F_k(n)$ as a concise (non-nested) sum of binomial coefficients for arbitrary $k$. Finally, we present a basis (or `fundamental solutions') to solve the above recurrence for arbitrary initial conditions.