Square Partitions and Catalan Numbers

For each integer $k\ge 1$, we define an algorithm which associates to a partition whose maximal value is at most $k$ a certain subset of all partitions. In the case when we begin with a partition $λ$ which is square, i.e $λ=λ_1\ge...\geλ_k>0$, and $λ_1=k,λ_k=1$, then applying the algorithm $\ell$ times gives rise to a set whose cardinality is either the Catalan number $c_{\ell-k+1}$ (the self dual case) or twice the Catalan number. The algorithm defines a tree and we study the propagation of the tree, which is not in the isomorphism class of the usual Catalan tree. The algorithm can also be modified to produce a two--parameter family of sets and the resulting cardinalities of the sets are the ballot numbers. Finally, we give a conjecture on the rank of a particular module for the ring of symmetric functions in $2\ell+m$ variables.

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