A Markov chain (Xn)n⩾0 has as its state space the integers, with
pi,i+1=p,pi,i−1=q=1−p
and pij=0 otherwise. Assume p>q.
Let Tj=inf{n⩾1:Xn=j} if this is finite, and Tj=∞ otherwise. Let V0 be the total number of hits on 0 , and let V0(n) be the total number of hits on 0 within times 0,…,n−1. Let
hiri(n)ri=P(V0>0∣X0=i)=E[V0(n)∣X0=i]=E[V0∣X0=i]
(i) Quoting an appropriate theorem, find, for every i, the value of hi.
(ii) Show that if (xi,i∈Z) is any non-negative solution to the system of equations
x0xi=1+qx1+px−1,=qxi−1+pxi+1, for all i=0
then xi⩾ri(n) for all i and n.
(iii) Show that P(V0(T1)⩾k∣X0=1)=qk and E[V0(T1)∣X0=1]=q/p.
(iv) Explain why ri+1=(q/p)ri for i>0.
(v) Find ri for all i.