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Johan Wästlund
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Here is an argument that proves the conjecture. More generally, it shows that if $X_1,\dots,X_n$ is a "generic" sequence of positive real numbers, and we form a sum by permuting the terms randomly and putting random signs on the terms (uniform distribution over all possibilities), then the probability that all partial sums are positive is given by $P_n$ as expressed in the OP. By "generic" I mean that no nonempty signed subsequence sums to zero.

First consider a special case where the statement clearly holds: Assume that $X_1>>X_2>>X_3>>\dots >>X_n$ in the sense that the sign of any partial sum will depend only on the sign of the dominating term. A valid signed permutation (one where all partial sums are positive) of $n$ terms must then be formed by inserting the term $X_n$ into a valid signed permutation of $X_1,\dots,X_{n-1}$. Conversely if we insert $X_n$ into a valid signed permutation of $X_1,\dots,X_{n-1}$, then the only way we can turn this into a non-valid signed permutation is if we insert $X_n$ first and with a negative sign. Therefore the probability that a signed permutation of $n$ terms is valid is $$\frac12\cdot \frac34\cdot\frac56\cdots\frac{2n-1}{2n},$$ as required.

Next, let us move the point $(X_1,\dots,X_n)$ in $\mathbb{R}^n$ and see how the probability of a valid signed permutation might change. We need only consider what happens when we pass through a hyperplane given by a signed subsequence being equal to zero. Instead of introducing double indices let me take a generic example: Suppose we pass through the hyperplane where the sum $X_3+X_5+X_6-X_2-X_9$ changes sign. At the moment where the sign change occurs, the only signed permutations that go from valid to invalid or the other way are those where this particular sum occurs as the five first terms (in some order). Now for every signed permutation that goes from valid to invalid, there will be a corresponding one that goes from invalid to valid, by reversing those five first terms and changing their signs. For instance, if $$(X_5+X_6-X_9+X_3-X_2) + \dots$$ goes from valid to invalid, then $$(X_2-X_3+X_9-X_6-X_5) + \dots$$ will go from invalid to valid.

The conclusion is that the probability of a signed permutation being valid (having all partial sums positive) will never change, and will therefore always be equal to the product given in the OP.

Johan Wästlund
  • 5.5k
  • 3
  • 28
  • 35