On the Stern sequence and a related sequence

Lansing, Jennifer

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/49483 Copy

Description

Title

On the Stern sequence and a related sequence

Author(s)

Lansing, Jennifer

Issue Date

2014-05-30T16:46:28Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Reznick, Bruce A.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Berndt, Bruce C.

Committee Member(s)

• Reznick, Bruce A.
• Zaharescu, Alexandru
• Stolarsky, Kenneth B.

Department of Study

Mathematics

Discipline

Mathematics

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Stern sequence

Abstract

In this dissertation, we discuss properties of the Stern sequence, denoted by s(n), and define a related sequence. First, we give a brief historical background and known results. We then discuss the second and third largest values for the Stern sequence, as well as the asymptotics when a value m will first appear in a row in the diatomic array. We also investigate the distribution of values for the Stern sequence, as well as the gaps of the ordered values from a row. After this, we investigate the properties of the related sequence called w(n):=s(3n)/2. We give recurrences for the sequence and find generalized recurrences and a reduction formula. We attempt to find a combinatorial interpretation for w(n), as well as a generating function for the sequence. We also find the largest value of w(n) for a row of its triangular array. We consider sums of w(n) and the average order of magnitude, which is the same average order of the Stern sequence. We also examine the greatest common divisor of consecutive terms, as well as the sequence w(n) modulo 2. Finally, we define a polynomial analogue and investigate some of its properties.

Graduation Semester

2014-05

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/49483

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Lansing

Owning Collections