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Steven J. Miller

Publications and source records attributed to Steven J. Miller.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Linear Recurrences from Counting Schreier-Type Multisets

A nonempty set $F$ is Schreier if $\min F\ge |F|$. Bird observed that counting Schreier sets in a certain way produces the Fibonacci sequence. Since then, various connections between variants of Schreier sets and well-known sequences have been discovered. Building on these works, we prove a linear recurrence for the sequence that counts multisets $F$ with $\min F\ge p|F|$. In particular, if we let $$\mathcal{A}^{(s)}_{p, n}\ :=\ \{F\subset \{\underbrace{1, \ldots, 1}_{s}, \ldots, \underbrace{n-1, \ldots, n-1}_{s}, n\}\,:\,n\in F\mbox{ and }\min F\ge p|F|\},$$ then $$|\mathcal{A}^{(s)}_{p, n}| = \sum_{i=0}^s|\mathcal{A}^{(s)}_{p, n-1-ip}|.$$ If we color $s$ copies of the same integer by different colors from $1$ to $s$, i.e., $\mathcal{B}^{(s)}_{p, n}:= $ $$\{F\subset \{1_{1}, \ldots, 1_{s}, \ldots, (n-1)_1, \ldots, (n-1)_{s}, n\}\,:\,n\in F\mbox{ and }\min F\ge p|F|\},$$ then $$|\mathcal{B}^{(s)}_{p, n}| = \sum_{i=0}^s \binom{s}{i}| \mathcal{B}^{(s)}_{p, n-1-ip}|.$$ Lastly, we count Schreier sets that do not admit multiples of a given integer $u\ge 2$ and witness linear recurrences whose coefficients are drawn from the $u$th row of the Pascal triangle and have alternating signs, except possibly the last one.

math.CO↗

A closed formula for linear recurrences with constant coefficients

Given a linear recurrence of the form $c_n=a_1c_{n-1}+\cdots+a_j c_{n-j}$, it is well-known that $c_n=\sum_{r}p_r(n)r^n$, where the sum is taken over the set of characteristic roots and each $p_r(n)$ is some polynomial. We give a closed formula for the coefficients of each polynomial $p_r(n)$ for any linear recurrence of this form.

math.CO↗

Constructions of Sequences of Alternating Sum and Difference Dominated Sets

A More Sums Than Difference (MSTD) set is a finite set of integers $A$ where the cardinality of its sumset, $A+A$, is greater than the cardinality of its difference set, $A-A$. Since addition is commutative while subtraction isn't, it was conjectured that MSTD sets are rare. As Martin and O'Bryant proved a small (but positive) percentage are MSTD, it is natural to ask what additional properties can we impose on a chain of MSTD sets; in particular, can we construct a sequence of sets alternating between being MSTD and More Difference Than Sums (MDTS) where each properly contains the previous? We provide several such constructions; the first are trivial and proceed by filling in all missing elements from the minimum to maximum elements of $A$, while the last is a more involved construction that prohibits adding any such elements.

math.NT↗

Black Hole Zeckendorf Games

Zeckendorf proved that every positive integer can be written as a decomposition of non-adjacent Fibonacci numbers. Baird-Smith, Epstein, Flint, and Miller converted the process of decomposing an integer $n$ into a 2-player game, using the moves of $F_i + F_{i-1} = F_{i+1}$ and $2F_i = F_{i+1} + F_{i-2}$, where $F_i$ is the $ith$ Fibonacci number. They showed non-constructively that for $n \neq 2$, Player 2 has a winning strategy: a constructive solution remains unknown. We expand on this by investigating ``black hole'' variants of this game. The $F_m$ Black Hole Zeckendorf game is played with any $n$ but solely in columns $F_i$ for $i < m$. Gameplay is similar to the original Zeckendorf game, except any piece that would be placed on $F_i$ for $i \geq m$ is locked out in a ``black hole'' and removed from play. With these constraints, we analyze the games with black holes on $F_3$ and $F_4$ and construct a solution for specific configurations, using a non-constructive proof to lead to a constructive one. We also examine a pre-game in which players take turns placing down $n$ pieces in the outermost columns before the decomposition phase, and find constructive solutions for any $n$.

math.NT↗

Benford Behavior in Stick Fragmentation Problems

Benford's law is the statement that in many real-world data sets, the probability of having digit \(d\) in base \(B\), where \(1 \leq d \leq B\), as the first digit is \(\log_{B}\left(\tfrac{d+1}{d}\right)\). We sometimes refer to this as weak Benford behavior, and we say that a data set exhibits strong Benford behavior in base \(B\) if the probability of having significand at most \(s\), where \(s \in [1,B)\), is \(\log_{B}(s)\). We examine Benford behaviors in the stick fragmentation model. Building on the work on the 1-dimensional stick fragmentation model, we employ combinatorial identities on multinomial coefficients to reduce the high-dimensional stick fragmentation model to the 1-dimensional model and provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the lengths of the stick fragments to converge to strong Benford behavior.

math.PR↗

Combinatorial and Additive Number Theory Problem Sessions: '09--'25

These notes are a summary of the problem session discussions at various CANT (Combinatorial and Additive Number Theory Conferences). Currently they include all years from 2009 through 2019 (inclusive); the goal is to supplement this file each year. These additions will include the problem session notes from that year, and occasionally discussions on progress on previous problems. If you are interested in pursuing any of these problems and want additional information as to progress, please email the author. See http://www.theoryofnumbers.com/ for the conference homepage.

math.NT↗

On the moments of one-level densities in families of holomorphic cusp forms in the level aspect

We study the $n^{\rm th}$ centered moments of the $1$-level density for the low-lying zeros of $L$-functions attached to holomorphic cuspidal newforms of large prime level and fixed weight. Assuming the Generalized Riemann Hypotheses, we compute this statistic for any $n\ge 1$ and for all test functions whose Fourier transforms are supported in $\left(-2/n, \, 2/n\right)$. This is believed to be the natural limit of the current technology. Our work significantly extends beyond the trivial range $(-1/n, \, 1/n)$ and surpasses the previous record of $(-1/(n-1),\, 1/(n-1))$ whenever $n>2$. The Katz-Sarnak philosophy predicts that the aforementioned statistic can be modeled by the corresponding statistic for the eigenvalues of random orthogonal matrices. We prove that this is the case for test functions with Fourier support contained in $(-2/n,\, 2/n)$. The main technical innovation is a tractable vantage to evaluate the combinatorial zoo of terms, similar to the work of Conrey-Snaith and Mason-Snaith. As an application, our work provides better bounds on the order of vanishing at the central point for the $L$-functions in our family.

math.NT↗

The Limiting Spectral Distribution of Various Matrix Ensembles Under the Anticommutator Operation

Inspired by the quantization of classical quantities and Rankin Selberg convolution, we study the anticommutator operation $\{\cdot, \cdot\}$, where $\{A,B\} = AB + BA$, applied to real symmetric random matrix ensembles including Gaussian orthogonal ensemble (GOE), the palindromic Toeplitz ensemble (PTE), the $k$-checkerboard ensemble, and the block $k$-circulant ensemble ($k$-BCE). Using combinatorial and topological techniques related to non-crossing and free matching properties of GOE and PTE, we obtain closed-form formulae for the moments of the limiting spectral distributions of $\{$GOE, GOE$\}$, $\{$PTE, PTE$\}$, $\{$GOE, PTE$\}$ and establish the corresponding limiting spectral distributions with generating functions and convolution. On the other hand, $\{$GOE, $k$-checkerboard$\}$ and $\{$$k$-checkerboard, $j$-checkerboard$\}$ exhibit entirely different spectral behavior than the other anticommutator ensembles: while the spectrum of $\{$GOE, $k$-checkerboard$\}$ consists of 1 bulk regime of size $Θ(N)$ and 1 blip regime of size $Θ(N^{3/2})$, the spectrum of $\{$$k$-checkerboard, $j$-checkerboard$\}$ consists of 1 bulk regime of size $Θ(N)$, 2 intermediary blip regimes of size $Θ(N^{3/2})$, and 1 largest blip regime of size $Θ(N^2)$. In both cases, with the appropriate weight function, we are able to isolate the largest regime for other regime(s) and analyze its moments and convergence results via combinatorics. We end with numerical computation of lower even moments of $\{$GOE, $k$-BCE$\}$ and $\{$$k$-BCE, $k$-BCE$\}$ based on genus expansion and discussion on the challenge with analyzing the intermediary blip regimes of $\{$$k$-checkerboard, $j$-checkerboard$\}$.

math.PR↗

Sum of Consecutive Terms of Pell and Related Sequences

We study new identities related to the sums of adjacent terms in the Pell sequence, defined by $P_{n} := 2P_{n-1}+P_{n-2}$ for $ n\geq 2$ and $P_{0}=0, P_{1}=1$, and generalize these identities for many similar sequences. We prove that the sum of $N>1$ consecutive Pell numbers is a fixed integer multiple of another Pell number if and only if $4\mid N$. We consider the generalized Pell $(k,i)$-numbers defined by $p(n) :=\ 2p(n-1)+p(n-k-1) $ for $n\geq k+1$, with $p(0)=p(1)=\cdots =p(i)=0$ and $p(i+1)=\cdots = p(k)=1$ for $0\leq i\leq k-1$, and prove that the sum of $N=2k+2$ consecutive terms is a fixed integer multiple of another term in the sequence. We also prove that for the generalized Pell $(k,k-1)$-numbers such a relation does not exist when $N$ and $k$ are odd. We give analogous results for the Fibonacci and other related second-order recursive sequences.

math.NT↗

Leslie Population Models in Predator-prey and Competitive populations: theory and applications by machine learning

We introduce a new predator-prey model by replacing the growth and predation constant by a square matrix, and the population density as a population vector. The classical Lotka-Volterra model describes a population that either modulates or converges. Stability analysis of such models have been extensively studied by the works of Merdan (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chaos.2007.06.062). The new model adds complexity by introducing an age group structure where the population of each age group evolves as prescribed by the Leslie matrix. The added complexity changes the behavior of the model such that the population either displays roughly an exponential growth or decay. We first provide an exact equation that describes a time evolution and use analytic techniques to obtain an approximate growth factor. We also discuss the variants of the Leslie model, i.e., the complex value predator-prey model and the competitive model. We then prove the Last Species Standing theorem that determines the dominant population in the large time limit. The recursive structure of the model denies the application of simple regression. We discuss a machine learning scheme that allows an admissible fit for the population evolution of Paramecium Aurelia and Paramecium Caudatum. Another potential avenue to simplify the computation is to use the machinery of quantum operators. We demonstrate the potential of this approach by computing the Hamiltonian of a simple Leslie system.

q-bio.PE↗

An invitation to Fibonacci digits

The purpose of this short note is to show the interplay between math outreach and conducting original research, in particular how each can build off the other.

math.HO↗

Optimal Doubling Thresholds in Backgammon-like Stochastic Games

We study variants of a stochastic game inspired by backgammon where players may propose to double the stake, with the game state dictated by a one-dimensional random walk. Our variants allow for different numbers of proposals and different multipliers to the stake. We determine the optimal game state for proposing and accepting, giving analytic solutions in many variants. We also introduce a 3-player generalization of the game and prove basic results about its behavior, in addition to providing a simulation.

math.OC↗

Composite Numbers in an Arithmetic Progression

One challenge (or opportunity!) that many instructors face is how varied the backgrounds, abilities, and interests of students are. In order to simultaneously instill confidence in those with weaker preparations and still challenge those able to go faster, an instructor must be prepared to give problems of different difficulty levels. Using Dirichlet's Theorem as a case study, we create and discuss a family of problems in number theory that highlight the relative strengths and weaknesses of different ways to approach a question and show how to invite students to extend the problems and explore research-level mathematics.

math.HO↗

Geometric Proof of the Irrationality of Square-Roots for Select Integers

This paper presents geometric proofs for the irrationality of square roots of select integers, extending classical approaches. Building on known geometric methods for proving the irrationality of sqrt(2), the authors explore whether similar techniques can be applied to other non-square integers. They begin by reviewing well-known results, such as Euclid's proof for the irrationality of sqrt(2), and discuss subsequent geometric extensions for sqrt(3), sqrt(5), and sqrt(6). The authors then introduce new geometric constructions, particularly using hexagons, to prove the irrationality of sqrt(6). Furthermore, the paper investigates the limitations and challenges of extending these geometric methods to triangular numbers. Through detailed geometric reasoning, the authors successfully generalize the approach to several square-free numbers and identify cases where the method breaks down. The paper concludes by inviting further exploration of geometric irrationality proofs for other integers, proposing potential avenues for future work.

math.HO↗

Lower Order Biases in Moment Expansions of One Parameter Families of Elliptic Curves

For a fixed elliptic curve $E$ without complex multiplication, $a_p := p+1 - \#E(\mathbb{F}_p)$ is $O(\sqrt{p})$ and $a_p/2\sqrt{p}$ converges to a semicircular distribution. Michel proved that for a one-parameter family of elliptic curves $y^2 = x^3 + A(T)x + B(T)$ with $A(T), B(T) \in \mathbb{Z}[T]$ and non-constant $j$-invariant, the second moment of $a_p(t)$ is $p^2 + O(p^{{3}/{2}})$. The size and sign of the lower order terms has applications to the distribution of zeros near the central point of Hasse-Weil $L$-functions and the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture. S. J. Miller conjectured that the highest order term of the lower order terms of the second moment that does not average to zero is on average negative. Previous work on the conjecture has been restricted to a small set of highly nongeneric families. We create a database and a framework to quickly and systematically investigate biases in the second moment of any one-parameter family. When looking at families which have so far been beyond current theory, we find several potential violations of the conjecture for $p \leq 250,000$ and discuss new conjectures motivated by the data.

math.NT↗

On the Within-perfect Numbers

Motivated by the works of Erdös, Pomerance, Wolke and Harman on the sum-of-divisor function $σ(n)$, we study the distribution of a special class of natural numbers closely related to (multiply) perfect numbers which we term `$(\ell;k)$-within-perfect numbers', where $\ell >1$ is a real number and $k: [1, \infty) \rightarrow (0, \infty)$ is an increasing and unbounded function.

math.NT↗

A Pair of Diophantine Equations Involving the Fibonacci Numbers

Let $a, b\in \mathbb{N}$ be relatively prime. Previous work showed that exactly one of the two equations $ax + by = (a-1)(b-1)/2$ and $ax + by + 1 = (a-1)(b-1)/2$ has a nonnegative, integral solution; furthermore, the solution is unique. Let $F_n$ be the $n$th Fibonacci number. When $(a,b) = (F_n, F_{n+1})$, it is known that there is an explicit formula for the unique solution $(x,y)$. We establish formulas to compute the solution when $(a,b) = (F_n^2, F_{n+1}^2)$ and $(F_n^3, F_{n+1}^3)$, giving rise to some intriguing identities involving Fibonacci numbers. Additionally, we construct a different pair of equations that admits a unique positive (instead of nonnegative), integral solution.

math.NT↗

Sums of Powers by L'Hopital's Rule

For a positive integer $d$, let $p_d(n) := 0^d + 1^d + 2^d + \cdots + n^d$; i.e., $p_d(n)$ is the sum of the first $d^{\mathrm{th}}$-powers up to $n$. It's well known that $p_d(n)$ is a polynomial of degree $d+1$ in $n$. While this is usually proved by induction, once $d$ is not small it's a challenge as one needs to know the polynomial for the inductive step. We show how this difficulty can be bypassed by giving a simple proof that $p_d(n)$ is a polynomial of degree $d+1$ in $n$ by using L'Hopital's rule, and show how we can then determine the coefficients by Cramer's rule. This illustrates a general principle and the point of our paper: there's more than one path to a goal, different approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and the more techniques one knows, the more likely one can successfully attack a problem.

math.NT↗