English

Enumerating Prime Patterns in Juggling Variations

Combinatorics 2026-03-19 v1

Abstract

Juggling patterns can be mathematically modeled as closed walks within directed state graphs. In this paper, we present a unified framework of unbounded juggling patterns and its variations (including multiplex, colored, and passing) primarily through the formalism of the juggling state. By extending this state-based approach and utilizing combinatorial tools such as set partitions and filled Ferrers diagrams, we find and prove a new lower bound on the number of bb-ball prime patterns with period nn. Further, we determine exact counts for 2-ball multiplex, 1-ball passing, and 2-ball colored juggling patterns, as well as a lower bound for 2-ball passing. We also provide an extensive analysis of the asymptotic growth rates for these pattern counts. Finally, we formalize the infinite state graph, GG_\infty, and utilize flip-reverse involutions to establish bijections between classes of prime patterns, exploring how fixing a specific state influences the enumeration of prime walks.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2603.17284,
  title  = {Enumerating Prime Patterns in Juggling Variations},
  author = {Steve Butler and Vera Choi and Joel Jeffries and Nina McCambridge and Asia Morgenstern and Samuel Orellana Mateo},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2603.17284},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

38 pages, 6 figures

R2 v1 2026-07-01T11:25:27.018Z