Unimodular matrices and lattice paths enumeration via Pascal's triangle

Abstract

This article investigates a remarkable combinatorial identity involving a distinguished family of matrices whose entries are defined via binomial coefficients. Specifically, we consider a class of \( n \times n \) matrices parameterized by a positive integer \( m \), where each entry reflects a structured pattern derived from Pascal's triangle, particularly the diagonals corresponding to figurate numbers such as triangular, tetrahedral, and higher-dimensional simplex numbers. We establish, by means of a bijective argument, that the determinant of any such matrix is identically equal to \( 1 \), independent of the specific values of \( m \) and \( n \), provided that \( 2 \leq m \leq n \). This result unveils a profound connection between classical binomial identities and the enumeration of lattice paths in grid graphs.

10 pages, 4 figures