Proving Identity: $(\stackrel{m + n}{l}) = (\stackrel{m}{l})(\stackrel{n}{0})$

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on proving the identity $(\stackrel{m + n}{l}) = (\stackrel{m}{0})(\stackrel{n}{l}) + (\stackrel{m}{1})(\stackrel{n}{l-1}) + ... + (\stackrel{m}{l})(\stackrel{n}{0})$ for positive integers l, m, and n where l ≤ m and l ≤ n. The initial approach involves using mathematical induction, starting with the base case of l = 1, which successfully demonstrates the identity as m + n. The discussion progresses by assuming the proposition holds for l and explores its validity for l + 1, indicating a structured approach to mathematical proof.

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Homework Statement


Let l, m, and n be positive integers with l [tex]\leq[/tex] m and l [tex]\leq[/tex] n. Prove the identity.
([tex]\stackrel{m + n}{l}[/tex]) = ([tex]\stackrel{m}{0}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{l}[/tex]) + ([tex]\stackrel{m}{1}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{l-1}[/tex])+...+([tex]\stackrel{m}{l}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{0}[/tex])

2. The attempt at a solution
I have no clue, I see proof and my brain goes dead. I thought I could just start writing the definition of the parts out on both sides and maybe something would make sense but it got messy quick and I didn't see any light at the end of that tunnel.
 
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How about a proof by induction? The integers l, m, and n have to be positive, so we'd start from l = 1:

[tex] (\stackrel{m+n}{1}) = (\stackrel{m}{0})(\stackrel{n}{1}) + (\stackrel{m}{1})(\stackrel{n}{0}) = m + n[/tex]

which plainly works. (It doesn't work for l = 0, but it doesn't have to, under the specified conditions.)

Now assume the proposition

([tex]\stackrel{m + n}{l}[/tex]) = ([tex]\stackrel{m}{0}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{l}[/tex]) + ([tex]\stackrel{m}{1}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{l-1}[/tex])+...+([tex]\stackrel{m}{l}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{0}[/tex]) .

What happens when we advance to the case for ([tex]\stackrel{m + n}{l+1}[/tex]) ?
 
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