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Article
An Alternate Approach to Alternating Sums: A Method to DIE For
College Mathematics Journal
  • Arthur T. Benjamin, Harvey Mudd College
  • Jennifer J. Quinn, University of Washington Tacoma
Publication Date
5-1-2008
Document Type
Article
Abstract

Positive sums count. Alternating sums match. Alternating sums of binomial coefficients, Fibonacci numbers, and other combinatorial quantities are analyzed using sign-reversing involutions. In particular, we Describe the quantity being considered, match positive and negative terms through an Involution, and count the Exceptions to the matching rule (the method of D.I.E.). Careful use of this technique often results in nice generalizations. Any sum arising from the Principle of Inclusion-Exclusion (P.I.E.), such as the number of derangements, can be understood using D.I.E. too.

Publisher Policy
post-print
Citation Information
Arthur T. Benjamin and Jennifer J. Quinn. "An Alternate Approach to Alternating Sums: A Method to DIE For" College Mathematics Journal Vol. 39 Iss. 3 (2008) p. 191 - 202
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/jennifer_quinn/4/