12 Jul
2009
12 Jul
'09
4:16 a.m.
Let P(x) = prod(n=1, oo, (1+x^n)). This is the generating function for partitions into distinct parts. We have P(x^2)^8 + 16*x*P(x^2)^16*P(x)^8 = P(x)^16 So the number of partitions of n into distinct parts of 16 kinds (rhs.) equals the number of partitions of n into even parts of 8 kinds (1st term lhs.) plus *WHAT*? P.S.: the equality really is k^2+k'^2=1 massaged to render a combinatorial relation.