Using a recursion relation to find the number of elements in a partition

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the recursion relation S(n,r) that defines the number of elements of A_n of rank r. Participants are verifying this formula for specific values of n and r, particularly focusing on the case where n=4 and r=2.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to verify the recursion formula by calculating S(4,2) and comparing it with a manual count of partitions. They express confusion over a discrepancy in the results.
  • Another participant questions the completeness of the original poster's count of partitions, suggesting that additional partitions may need to be considered.
  • One participant raises a separate question regarding the drawing of a Hasse diagram for the partitions, seeking feedback on its accuracy.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants engaging in verification of the recursion relation and exploring the implications of their findings. There is a recognition of potential errors in counting partitions, and guidance is being offered regarding the Hasse diagram.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of verifying a specific recursion relation and drawing a Hasse diagram, with some uncertainty about the completeness of their partition counts.

Raziel2701
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Homework Statement


Let S(n,r) denote the number of elements of A_n of rank r. Then S(n,r) satisfies the recursion S(n,r)=(n-r)S(n-1,r-1) + S(n-1,r) Verify this formula for n=4 and r=0,1,2,3,4, using the values
S(3,0) = 1
S(3,1)=3
S(3,2)=1


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


So I had already done by hand what the different partitions of A_n are. The set I'm taking the partitions from is {1,2,3,4}. Now for all of the calculations using the formula I get the right number of elements, but for S(4,2) I get 7 according to the formula, when I get 3 when I calculate this by hand.

So let me show you:
The partitions of the set {1,2,3,4} of rank 2 are:

{{1,2},{3,4}}, {{1,3},{2,4}}, {{1,4},{2,3}} Correct? So am I doing something wrong? There are three elements of A_n of rank 2.
 
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Hi Raziel2701! :wink:
Raziel2701 said:
The partitions of the set {1,2,3,4} of rank 2 are:

{{1,2},{3,4}}, {{1,3},{2,4}}, {{1,4},{2,3}} Correct? So am I doing something wrong? There are three elements of A_n of rank 2.

Don't you have to include 4 more, of the type {{1},{2,3,4}} ? :smile:
 
I have another question, and thanks for pointing out my error :). I have to draw the Hasse diagram for these partitions. Is it going to look like this? http://imgur.com/z4mjt.png

I think it's messy, which is why I think it's wrong, so if someone could point me in the right direction that'd be great.

Thanks.
 
Raziel2701 said:
I have to draw the Hasse diagram for these partitions. Is it going to look like this? http://imgur.com/z4mjt.png

No, you've drawn each two-element set as containing every one-element set!
 

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