Random continued fractions with beta-hypergeometric distribution

Abstract

In a recent paper [Statist. Probab. Lett. 78 (2008) 1711–1721] it has been shown that certain random continued fractions have a density which is a product of a beta density and a hypergeometric function ₂F₁. In the present paper we fully exploit a formula due to Thomae [J. Reine Angew. Math. 87 (1879) 26–73] in order to generalize substantially the class of random continuous fractions with a density of the above form. This involves the design of seven particular graphs. Infinite paths on them lead to random continued fractions with an explicit distribution. A careful study about the set of five real parameters leading to a beta-hypergeometric distribution is required, relying on almost forgotten results mainly due to Felix Klein.