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MAST90030: Advanced Discrete Mathematics

Assignment 4


Question 1.    (50 marks)

For n, t ∈ N, let M be an n × n matrix with entries given by

for i, j ∈ [n].

(a) Describe a set of non-intersecting 3-tuples of binomial paths which are enumerated by det M in the t = 3 case. Sketch all of these 3-tuples.    (20 marks)


(b) You are told that det  for some values a, b ∈ N. Conjecture how a and b depend on n and t.    (10 marks)

(c) Describe a bijection from which you then prove the identity (you don’t have to prove that your map is actually a bijection).    (20 marks)


Question 2.    (50 marks)

For n ∈ N0, define

(a) By evaluating f (n) explicitly for a few small values of n, conjecture a simple function of n which equals f (n).    (10 marks)

(b) Define a signed set Ω for which |||| = f (n).

Hint:  is the number of Fibonacci pavings of an n-board using exactly k dimers, and each factor of 2 can be interpreted as arising from colouring certain pavers in two different ways (such as red and blue).    (10 marks)


(c) Define a sign-reversing involution on your signed set Ω (you don’t have to prove it is sign-reversing).    (15 marks)

(d) Describe the fixed point set of your sign-reversing involution, and determine its cardinality. Indicate how this proves the identity you conjectured in part (a).    (15 marks)