Returns and Hills on Generalized Dyck Paths
Naiomi T. Cameron
Department of Mathematical Sciences
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, OR 97219
USA
Jillian E. McLeod
Department of Mathematics
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
New London, CT 06320
USA
Abstract:
In 2009, Shapiro posed the following question: "What is the asymptotic
proportion of Dyck paths having an even number of hills?" In this paper,
we answer Shapiro's question, as well as a generalization of the question
to ternary paths. We find that the probability that a randomly chosen
ternary path has an even number of hills approaches 125/169 as the
length of the path approaches infinity. Our strategy relies on
properties of the Fine number sequence and extends certain
relationships between the Catalan and Fine number generating
functions.
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(Concerned with sequences
A000108
A000957
A001006
A001764
A006013
A008292
A023053
A033184
A036765
A051255
A065600
A065601
A101371
A109971
A110616.)
Received February 5 2016; revised versions received May 19 2016; June 13 2016.
Published in Journal of Integer Sequences,
June 15 2016.
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