Lean proof characterizes two-fold Langford sequences

For d,l≥1, a two-fold Langford sequence of order l and defect d exists exactly when 3l≥2d−1. Each number p in [d,d+l−1] occupies endpoints of two disjoint pairs at distance p among 4l positions; the proof uses sixteen small cells, concatenation and signed-permutation families.

Sources for this record

What was already known

Alkasasbeh, Dyer and Howell defined multi-fold Langford sequences and asked for existence conditions when m≥2. Their tight-line construction and Nordh’s equivalent multiset result covered particular cases, not the full two-fold characterization.

AI involvement AI-centered

JD Jones chose and directed the question. The disclosure credits Claude and GPT-6 with central proof, search and checking work, and Claude with writing the formalization. It records no independent human proof review or named human explanation of the construction.

The source attributes the theorem and proof process to Claude/GPT-6 consultation and Claude-authored repository under Jones's direction; individual lemma authorship remains unclear.

Importance Notable

The result answers the two-fold existence question for every order and defect.

Limitations

The m≥3 existence question remains open, and the source does not identify who invented each signed-permutation family.

Technical verification Formal (Lean 4/Mathlib with kernel-checked finite certificates)

The repository reports ten complete Lean proofs, including the iff characterization, a transitive axiom audit and exact finite certificate checks; this review did not run the build.

Formal checking

Lean 4/Mathlib with kernel-checked finite certificates

Checker
Lean 4 kernel
Scope
Langford.twoFold_exists_iff for all d,l≥1
Basis
Reported by the linked checker
Evidence source

Checking a formal statement does not establish that it matches the original problem.

Human understanding Few

A proof account exists, but no named human explanation or check of the central signed-permutation construction is documented; this is an evidence-gap default.

Correction and publication history