Résumé : The aim of the talk is to show how a difficult combinatorial problem has been recently solved using an experimental-mathematics approach combined with (rather involved) computer algebra techniques. More precisely, let $f(n,i,j)$ denote the number of lattice walks in the quarter plane which start at the origin, end at the point $(i,j)$, and consist of $n$ unit steps going either west, south-west, east, or north-east. In the early nineties, Ira Gessel conjectured that the sequence of excursions $f(n,0,0)$ is holonomic. We will present the computer-driven discovery and proof of the following generalization, obtained in August 2008 together with Manuel Kauers: the full generating series $F(t,x,y) = \displaystyle{\sum_{i,j,n \geq 0} f(n,i,j) x^i y^j t^n}$ is an algebraic function.

Dernière modification : Monday 18 March 2024

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