Combinatorial Proof of a Recurrence Relation

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the combinatorial proof of the recurrence relation h(n) = 5h(n-1) - 6h(n-2) + 1. The user initially attempts to interpret the recurrence in terms of arrangements of the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 on a 1xn string while avoiding specific pairs. The challenge lies in incorporating the constant term "+1" into the combinatorial interpretation. A suggestion is made to find a "particular solution" to the recurrence relation to address this issue.

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Students in combinatorics, mathematicians interested in recurrence relations, and educators looking for examples of combinatorial proofs.

AvgStudent
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So my professor gave us this recurrence relation to prove combinatorially for extra credit, but I was unable to figure it out.

h(n) = 5h(n-1) - 6h(n-2) + 1

This was my solution, but I couldn't figure out how to factor in the +1:
Let hn be the number of ways to arrange 0,1,2,3,4 on a 1xn string where 01,02,31,32,41,42 doesn't appear in the string.
5h(n-1) counts the # of ways to arrange the string where it begins with 0,1,2,3, or 4.
6h(n-2) counts the # of ways to arrange the string when it begins with 01,02,31,32,41 or 42.

No matter what I thought of, I couldn't solve that +1.
 
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Welcome to PF!

Hi AvgStudent! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Can you find a "particular solution" to this recurrence relation the usual way?

If so, just add that to your present solution. :wink:
 

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