GeneralizedLucas(n,a,b)

% GeneralizedLucas.m by David Terr, Raytheon, 10-20-04

% Given integers n, a, and b, compute the nth generalized Lucas number
% V_n, defined by the recurrence V_n = a V_{n-1} + b V_{n-2} and the
% initial conditions V_0 = 0 and V_1 = 1.

function gluc = GeneralizedLucas(n,a,b)

% Make sure arguments are integers.
if ( n ~= floor(n) )
    error('First argument must be a nonnegative integer.');
    return;
end

if ~isreal(n) || n < 0
    error('First argument must be a nonnegative integer.');
    return;
end

if size(n,1) ~= 1 || size(n,2) ~= 1
    error('First argument must be a nonnegative integer.');
    return;
end

if ( a ~= floor(a) )
    error('Second argument must be an integer.');
    return;
end

if ~isreal(a)
    error('Second argument must be an integer.');
    return;
end

if size(a,1) ~= 1 || size(a,2) ~= 1
    error('Second argument must be an integer.');
    return;
end

if ( b ~= floor(b) )
    error('Third argument must be an integer.');
    return;
end

if ~isreal(b)
    error('Third argument must be an integer.');
    return;
end

if size(b,1) ~= 1 || size(b,2) ~= 1
    error('Third argument must be an integer.');
    return;
end

if ( n == 0 )
    gfib = 0;
    return;
end

D = a^2 + 4*b;  % discriminant

if ( D < 0 )
    error('Discriminant must be nonnegative.');
    return;
end

alpha = (a + sqrt(D))/2;
beta = (a - sqrt(D))/2;
gluc = round( alpha^n + beta^n );