Square Root of Natural Numbers as an infinite Staircase of Continued Fractions

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Authors: bhatnagar, anuj
Cited by: 0

Abstract

When one lists the continued fractions of √ n across the natural numbers, a striking regularity appears: the coefficients rise in discrete steps, forming an arithmetical and visual staircase. This article reveals the algebraic and geometric underpinnings of that pattern. Each segment between consecutive perfect squares yields a constant pair of leading coefficients and a linearly increasing remainder, giving rise to a simple integer structure that unites the periodicity of quadratic irrationals with an illuminating global picture. We include a short proof of the fundamental relation and three complementary visualizations, along with a brief note on the golden ratio as a conceptual ”zeroth stair.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced Mathematical Theories and Applications Mathematics and Applications Advanced Mathematical Theories

Publication details

Journal / source
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Publication date
24 November 2026
Language
EN
Document type
Preprint