On Hofstadter heart sequences (Q1694188)

Summary: The Hofstadter \(Q\)-sequence and the Hofstadter-Conway \$10000 sequence are perhaps the two best known examples of meta-Fibonacci sequences. In this paper, we explore an unexpected connection between them. When the \(Q\)-sequence is subtracted from the Conway sequence, a chaotic pattern of heart-shaped figures emerges. We use techniques of Pinn and Tanny et al. to explore this sequence. Then, we introduce and analyze an apparent relative of the \(Q\)-sequence and illustrate how it also generates heart patterns when subtracted from the Conway sequence.