Andrews' smallest-parts moment inequality

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Let N(m,n)N(m,n) and M(m,n)M(m,n) denote the rank and crank counting functions for partitions, and for even kk define the rank and crank moments

Nk(n)=∑mmkN(m,n),Mk(n)=∑mmkM(m,n).N_k(n)=\sum_m m^kN(m,n),\qquad M_k(n)=\sum_m m^kM(m,n).

Andrews' smallest-parts moment inequality. For kk even, k≥2k\geq2, and n≥1n\geq1,

Mk(n)>Nk(n).M_k(n)>N_k(n).

This inequality would strengthen the known relation spt⁡(n)=12(M2(n)−N2(n))\operatorname{spt}(n)=\tfrac12(M_2(n)-N_2(n)) and give positivity of the smallest-parts function through a broader hierarchy of rank and crank moment inequalities. The supplied text gives no resolution.

References

Primary source

F. G. Garvan, “Congruences for Andrews' Smallest Parts Partition Function and New Congruences for Dyson's Rank”, arXiv:0710.5793 (2008).

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