Partition-theoretic interpretations of some truncated sums of integer partitions
The authors provide partition-theoretic interpretations for four alternating sums involving the ordinary partition function \(p(n)\) and the overpartition function, thereby resolving an open problem posed by \textit{M. El Bachraoui} [Ramanujan J. 55, No. 2, 697--711 (2021; Zbl 1479.05023)]. Bachraoui proved positivity of certain alternating sums and asked for combinatorial interpretations; this paper answers that question.\N\NThe work is situated within the active line of research on truncated theta identities initiated by \textit{G. E. Andrews} and \textit{M. Merca} [J. Comb. Theory, Ser. A 119, No. 8, 1639--1643 (2012; Zbl 1246.05014)]. In particular, earlier work provided partition-theoretic interpretations for truncated versions of Euler's pentagonal number theorem and related theta identities. Bachraoui extended this circle of ideas by proving positivity of four alternating sums derived via Bailey'sums in terms of minimal excludants in congruence classes.\N\NThe main result (Theorem~2.1) establishes a general identity for a three-parameter family of alternating sums of the form\N\[\N\sum_{j\ge0} (-1)^j \bigl(p(n-a j^2 - b j) - p(n-a j^2-(b+c)j-b-c+a)\bigr),\N\]\Nunder suitable arithmetic conditions on \(a,b,c\). The authors show that these sums equal the difference of two partition-counting functions defined via congruence conditions on the minimal excludant in arithmetic classes. An analogous statement is obtained for overpartitions. The four identities of Bachraoui follow as special cases. The proofs rely on generating functions and a systematic use of the minimal excludant in congruence classes. The arguments are clear and concise, and the paper is well written and logically organized.\N\NThis work gives a satisfactory and natural combinatorial resolution of Bachraoui's problem and contributes to the theory of truncated theta identities and positivity phenomena in partition theory.
- A further look at the truncated pentagonal number theorem
- A truncated Jacobi triple product theorem
- A truncated theta identity of Gauss and overpartitions into odd parts
- Combinatorial proof of the minimal excludant theorem
- Combinatorial proofs of two truncated theta series theorems
- Dyson's crank and unimodal compositions
- scientific article; zbMATH DE number 3577263 (Why is no real title available?)
- Linear inequalities concerning partitions into distinct parts
- New truncated theorems for three classical theta function identities
- On Two Truncated Quintuple Series Theorems
- Overpartitions
- Partitions and the minimal excludant
- Positive alternating sums of integer partitions
- Proof of a conjecture of Ballantine and Merca on truncated sums of 6-regular partitions
- Proof of a conjecture of Merca involving the Göllnitz-Gordon functions
- Proofs of some conjectures of Merca on truncated series involving the Rogers-Ramanujan functions
- Proofs of two conjectures on truncated series
- Rank partition functions and truncated theta identities
- The truncated pentagonal number theorem
- Truncated Jacobi triple product series
- Truncated series from the quintuple product identity
- Truncated sums for certain restricted partition functions and transformation formulas for basic hypergeometric series
- Truncated sums for the partition function and a problem of Merca
- Truncated theta series and a problem of Guo and Zeng
- Truncated theta series and Rogers-Ramanujan functions
- Truncated theta series related to the Jacobi triple product identity
- Truncated versions of three identities of Euler and Gauss
- Two conjectures of Andrews, Merca and Yee on truncated theta series
- Two truncated identities of Gauss
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