Partial Skew Motzkin Paths

Abstract

Motzkin paths consist of up-steps, down-steps, level-steps, and never go below the $x$-axis. They return to the $x$-axis at the end. The concept of skew Dyck path \cite{Deutsch-italy} is transferred to skew Motzkin paths, namely, a left step $(-1,-1)$ is additionally allowed, but the path is not allowed to intersect itself. The enumeration of these combinatorial objects was known \cite{Qing}; here, using the kernel method, we extend the results by allowing them to end at a prescribed level $j$. The approach is completely based on generating functions. Asymptotics of the total number of objects as well as the average height are also given.

New material added about paths of bounded height and asymptotics