Generalized Zeckendorf expansions of the 2nd order

Abstract

We generalize Zeckendorf's theorem to second-order linear recurrences of the form $G_{k+2}=g{G}_{k+1}+h{G}_k$ with arbitrary, coprime initial values $(G_1,G_2)$. We analyze the asymptotic behavior of the count $\#R_G(X)$ of positive integers less than or equal to $X$ that have an expansion under the standard rule of expansions $\mathcal{E}$ associated with the recurrence. Additionally, we provide sufficient conditions under which $G$ has the unique expansion property under the rule of expansions. Finally, we completely characterize the $g$-golden ratio recurrence family when $G_1=1$ or $G_2=1$. Our approach directly investigates the algebraic structure of the expansions, simplifying and completing previous partial results.

arXiv comment44 pages