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Enumerative Combinatorics · Ordinary generating functions, recurrences, and Catalan numbers

Let a₀=2, a₁=5, and aₙ=5aₙ₋₁-6aₙ₋₂ for n ≥ 2

Problem

Let \(a_0=2\), \(a_1=5\), and \(a_n=5a_{n-1}-6a_{n-2}\) for \(n\ge 2\). Derive its ordinary generating function by summing the recurrence with the initial terms explicitly removed. Find a closed formula using partial fractions and explain the relation between the denominator factors and the characteristic roots.

Hint

Write each summed recurrence term with its actual starting index.

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