Combinatorics/Probability problem.

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves combinatorial identities related to binomial coefficients and their sums, specifically focusing on the expression \( R^{M}_{P} = \sum_{s=0}^{P} {M+1 \choose s} \) and proving a relationship involving these sums. The context is rooted in combinatorics and probability theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various approaches, including counting methods, connections to known problems like Banach's modified matchbox problem, and properties of binomial coefficients. There is an exploration of the combinatorial interpretation of the expressions involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants sharing their attempts and insights. Some express frustration over the complexity of the problem, while others offer observations about potential connections to known combinatorial concepts. No consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention constraints such as the difficulty of directly applying certain combinatorial properties and the lack of resources on specific topics like the 'Bernoulli triangle'. There is also a recognition that straightforward counting may not be effective in this context.

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Homework Statement



Let [tex]R ^{M} _{P}= \sum_{s=0}^{P} {M+1 \choose s}[/tex], for [tex]0 \leqslant P \leqslant M[/tex], [tex]P,M\in \mathbb{N}[/tex].

Proove that:
[tex]\sum_{q=0}^{M}R^{M}_{q}\cdot R^{M}_{M-q}=(2M+1) {2M \choose M}[/tex]

and give it's combinatorical idea.

I'm trying to solve this for 3 days - please help..
 
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What do you have so far? What have you tried?
 
It was an usual exercise in probability theory course. It looks easy
but I'm trying to solve this for a long time without success.

1) I know that trying simply to count it - isn't the right way (even
using some advanced properties of binomial coefficient).2) It could be connected with Banach's modified matchbox problem, but
not neccessery (right side of the formula multiplied by 2^{n-1} is
expected number of matches..)

3) right sight looks like "choosing the leader and it's group" but i
cannot find connection with left side with this 'intuition'

4) typing R^{M}_{P} with Gamma and hypergeometric function is not a
good option - too many calculations

5) It could be connected with properties of 'Bernoulli triangle' but i
couldn't find any materials about that.
(it's The number triangle (Sloane's A008949) composed of the partial
sums of binomial coefficients)

6) I couldn't find anything useful in "Advanced Combinatorics"
(Comtet) or Combinatorics 2nd R. Merris
---
well, i can show you some easy calculations (but i don't think that it makes the problem easier):
[tex]\sum_{q=0}^{M}R^{M}_{q}\cdot R^{M}_{M-q}= \sum_{q=0}^{M}R^{M}_{q}\cdot (2^{M+1} - R_{q}^{M}) = 2^{M+1}\cdot \sum_{q=0}^{M}(M+1-q)\cdot {M+1 \choose q} - \sum_{q=0}^{M} (R^{M}_{q})^{2} = 2^{M+1}\cdot \sum_{q=0}^{M+1}q\cdot {M+1 \choose q} - \sum_{q=0}^{M} (R^{M}_{q})^{2} =[/tex]
[tex]=2^{2M+1}\cdot (M+1) - \sum_{q=0}^{M} (R^{M}_{q})^{2}[/tex]

On the other hand: (Banach's matchbox problem and it's expecting value):
[tex](2M+1)\cdot {2M \choose M} = 2^{2M} + \sum_{q=0}^{M} q\cdot {2M-q \choose M}\cdot 2^{q}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Well, I took a look and couldn't get any farther than you did, sorry! Definitely does not look easy ...
 

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