Abstract:
For any fixed integer $k\ge2$, we define a statistic on
partitions called the $k$-rank. The definition involves the
decomposition into successive Durfee squares. Dyson's rank corresponds
to the $2$-rank. Generating function identities are given. The sign of
the $k$-rank is reversed by an involution which we call
$k$-conjugation. We prove the following partition theorem: the number of
self-$2k$-conjugate partitions of $n$ is equal to the number of partitions
of $n$ with no parts divisible by $2k$ and the parts congruent to $k$
(mod $2k$) are distinct. This generalizes the well-known result:
the number of self-conjugate partitions of $n$ is equal to the number
of partitions into distinct odd parts.