A proof of Kurkov's conjecture for A000670

John Erlbacher

For every n>0, the Fubini number a(n), which counts ordered set partitions, equals the sum of A284005(k) for k from 0 through 2^(n−1)−1. The proposed proof counts partitions with each prescribed set of block minima.

Sources for this record

What was already known

Mikhail Kurkov posed this identity in 2018; earlier computations gave examples but no general proof in the reviewed account.

AI involvement AI-centered

Claude agents developed the proof in John Erlbacher’s directed Demonstrandum campaign. Erlbacher audited its verification gates.

Claude agents supplied the proof in a human-directed campaign; result-specific autonomy is not documented.

Importance Modest

Gives a general proof of a specific identity between two counting sequences.

Limitations

Exact enumeration covers block-minima classes through n=8, and the identity is compared through n=20. A completed rigorous check of the general proof is not documented.

Technical verification Partial

The release reports exact enumeration through n=8 and recurrence checks through n=20, but no complete check of the general proof.

Independent checking

Exact generation of ordered set partitions by block-minima class and independent recurrence evaluation

Checker
Demonstrandum checker.py as reported by the paper and release
Scope
Refined block-minima count for n≤8, plus numerical identity through n=20
Basis
Reported by the linked checker
Evidence source

Human understanding Few

No named person is documented explaining the central insertion argument; Few is the evidence default.

Correction and publication history

2026-10-18 · publication

The general identity remains supported by finite checks and an unverified proof argument.

Read this published revision