Factorization length distribution for affine semigroups I: numerical semigroups with three generators

Abstract

Most factorization invariants in the literature extract extremal factorization behavior, such as the maximum and minimum factorization lengths. Invariants of intermediate size, such as the mean, median, and mode factorization lengths are more subtle. We use techniques from analysis and probability to describe the asymptotic behavior of these invariants. Surprisingly, the asymptotic median factorization length is described by a number that is usually irrational.