A cluster expansion formula (\(A_{n}\) case) (Q1010784)

Cluster algebras were introduced by \textit{S. Fomin} and \textit{A. Zelevinsky} [J. Am. Math. Soc. 15, No. 2, 497--529 (2002; Zbl 1021.16017)] in order to study the dual canonical basis of a quantized enveloping algebra and the phenomenon of total positivity. Cluster algebras of finite type are classified by the Dynkin diagrams. The article under review gives a formula for the expansion of an arbitrary cluster variable in a cluster algebra of type A (or Ptolemy cluster algebra) in terms of a fixed initial seed. The formula is in terms of paths in the triangulation (of a regular polygon) corresponding to the seed.