Proving Identity: $(\stackrel{m + n}{l}) = (\stackrel{m}{l})(\stackrel{n}{0})$

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In summary, the given problem requires proving the identity (\stackrel{m+n}{l}) = (\stackrel{m}{0})(\stackrel{n}{l}) + (\stackrel{m}{1})(\stackrel{n}{l-1})+...+(\stackrel{m}{l})(\stackrel{n}{0}) using a proof by induction. The initial case for l = 1 is shown to be true, and the proposition is assumed to be true for l. The next case for l = l+1 is then examined to prove the identity.
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Gammage
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Homework Statement


Let l, m, and n be positive integers with l [tex]\leq[/tex] m and l [tex]\leq[/tex] n. Prove the identity.
([tex]\stackrel{m + n}{l}[/tex]) = ([tex]\stackrel{m}{0}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{l}[/tex]) + ([tex]\stackrel{m}{1}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{l-1}[/tex])+...+([tex]\stackrel{m}{l}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{0}[/tex])

2. The attempt at a solution
I have no clue, I see proof and my brain goes dead. I thought I could just start writing the definition of the parts out on both sides and maybe something would make sense but it got messy quick and I didn't see any light at the end of that tunnel.
 
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  • #2
How about a proof by induction? The integers l, m, and n have to be positive, so we'd start from l = 1:

[tex]
(\stackrel{m+n}{1}) = (\stackrel{m}{0})(\stackrel{n}{1}) + (\stackrel{m}{1})(\stackrel{n}{0}) = m + n
[/tex]

which plainly works. (It doesn't work for l = 0, but it doesn't have to, under the specified conditions.)

Now assume the proposition

([tex]\stackrel{m + n}{l}[/tex]) = ([tex]\stackrel{m}{0}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{l}[/tex]) + ([tex]\stackrel{m}{1}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{l-1}[/tex])+...+([tex]\stackrel{m}{l}[/tex])([tex]\stackrel{n}{0}[/tex]) .

What happens when we advance to the case for ([tex]\stackrel{m + n}{l+1}[/tex]) ?
 
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FAQ: Proving Identity: $(\stackrel{m + n}{l}) = (\stackrel{m}{l})(\stackrel{n}{0})$

What does $(\stackrel{m + n}{l})$ represent in "Proving Identity: $(\stackrel{m + n}{l}) = (\stackrel{m}{l})(\stackrel{n}{0})"$?

The expression $(\stackrel{m + n}{l})$ represents the number of ways to choose $l$ objects from a set of $m + n$ objects, where order does not matter.

What is the significance of $(\stackrel{m}{l})(\stackrel{n}{0})$ in the identity?

$(\stackrel{m}{l})(\stackrel{n}{0})$ represents the number of ways to choose $l$ objects from a set of $m$ objects, when order does not matter, and then choosing $0$ objects from a set of $n$ objects, also when order does not matter. This can be seen as choosing $l$ objects from a larger set of $m + n$ objects, but with $n$ objects being excluded.

How can this identity be proven?

This identity can be proven using combinatorial reasoning, by showing that the left side ($(m + n)C_l$) and the right side ($(m)C_l$)($nC_0$) represent the same counting problem.

Can this identity be generalized to other values of $m$ and $n$?

Yes, this identity can be generalized to any values of $m$ and $n$, as long as $m \geq l$ and $n \geq 0$. The expression $(\stackrel{m + n}{l}) = (\stackrel{m}{l})(\stackrel{n}{0})$ holds true for all possible combinations of $m$ and $n$ that satisfy these conditions.

What real-life applications does this identity have?

This identity has various applications in probability and statistics, particularly in counting problems involving choosing objects from a larger set. It can also be applied in computer science, such as in the analysis of algorithms and data structures.

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