One picture, many identities: visual proof templates across number triangles

We present visual proof templates based on arrow-chasing arguments in Pascal's triangle. Starting from familiar binomial identities, such as the hockey-stick theorem or the classical formula for the sum of binomial squares, we show how the same diagrammatic configurations can be adapted to other recursive number triangles, including the Bell, Catalan, and Stirling triangles. These templates highlight structural similarities across different combinatorial settings and support the transfer of summation arguments beyond their original context. The emphasis is on geometric insight rather than on deriving new formulas.

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Publication Details

Journal
The Mathematical Gazette
Published
2026-10-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/00255572.2026.2742482
Primary Topic
Advanced Combinatorial Mathematics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

One picture, many identities: visual proof templates across number triangles

Regula Krapf
The Mathematical Gazette
Advanced Combinatorial Mathematics
article

One picture, many identities: visual proof templates across number triangles

Regula Krapf
article en

Abstract

We present visual proof templates based on arrow-chasing arguments in Pascal's triangle. Starting from familiar binomial identities, such as the hockey-stick theorem or the classical formula for the sum of binomial squares, we show how the same diagrammatic configurations can be adapted to other recursive number triangles, including the Bell, Catalan, and Stirling triangles. These templates highlight structural similarities across different combinatorial settings and support the transfer of summation arguments beyond their original context. The emphasis is on geometric insight rather than on deriving new formulas.

The Mathematical Gazette
University of Bonn (DE)
Openalex Percentile: Top 5%
Advanced Combinatorial Mathematics
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