Sequence Characterization of Riordan Arrays

Tian-Xiao He, Illinois Wesleyan University

Abstract

In the realm of the Riordan group, we consider the characterization of Riordan arrays by means of the A- and Z-sequences. It corresponds to a horizontal construction of a Riordan array, whereas the traditional approach is through column generating functions. We show how the A- and Z-sequences of the product of two Riordan arrays are derived from those of the two factors; similar results are obtained for the inverse. We also show how the sequence characterization is applied to construct easily a Riordan array. Finally, we give the characterizations relative to some subgroups of the Riordan group, in particular, of the hitting-time subgroup.