A generalized Fibonacci spiral

Abstract

As a generalization of planar Fibonacci spirals that are based on the recurrence relation $F_n=F_{n-1}+F_{n-2}$, we draw assembled spirals stemming from analytic solutions of the recurrence relation $G_n=a\, G_{n-1}+b\, G_{n-2}+c\, d\,^n$, with positive real initial values $G_0$ and $G_1$ and coefficients $a$, $b$, $c$, and $d$. The principal coordinates given in closed-form correspond to finite sums of alternating even- or alternating odd-indexed terms $G_{n}$. For rectangular spirals made of straight line segments (a.k.a. spirangles), the even-indexed and the odd-indexed directional corner points asymptotically lie on mutually orthogonal oblique lines. We calculate the points of intersection and show them in the case of inwinding spirals to coincide with the point of convergence. In the case of outwinding spirals, an $n$-dependent quadruple of points of intersection may form. For arched spirals, interpolation between principal coordinates is performed by means of arcs of quarter-ellipses. A three-dimensional representation is exhibited, too. The continuation of the discrete sequence $\{G_n\}$ to the complex-valued function $G(t)$ with real argument $t$$\in$$R$, exhibiting spiral graphs and oscillating curves in the Gaussian plane, subsumes the values $G_n$ for $t$$\in$$N_0$ as the zeros. Besides, we provide a matrix representation of $G_n$ in terms of transformed Horadam numbers, retrieve the Shannon product difference identity as applied to $G_n$, and suggest a substitution method for finding a variety of other identities and summations related to $G_n$.