On the Connection Between Stirling Numbers and Bessel Numbers

Abstract

We present new proofs for some summation identities involving Stirling numbers of both first and second kind. The two main identities show a connection between Stirling numbers and Bessel numbers. Our method is based on solving a particular recurrence relation in two different ways and comparing the coefficients in the resulting polynomial expressions. We also briefly discuss a probabilistic setting where this recurrence relation occurs.