Explanation for parity difference for # of simple graphs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the parity difference in the number of simple graphs on unlabeled vertices, specifically focusing on why the count for 4 vertices is odd while counts for other numbers of vertices appear to be even. The scope includes theoretical exploration and combinatorial reasoning within graph theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references the OEIS list for the number of simple graphs on n unlabeled vertices and notes that the count for 4 vertices is 11, which is odd, while others seem to be even.
  • Another participant questions the accuracy of the count for 4 vertices, suggesting that there may be a miscount or an overlooked isomorphism among the cases listed.
  • A participant provides a detailed enumeration of cases for 4 vertices, claiming to find only ten distinct graphs and expressing uncertainty about the completeness of their count.
  • One participant points out that a case with three edges (12, 13, 14) was missed in the enumeration, highlighting a symmetry between n edges and 6-n edges that could explain the oddity.
  • A later reply reiterates the missed case with three edges and raises a question about the difference in the number of graphs for 4 versus 5 vertices, specifically why there isn't an odd count for 5 vertices with 5 edges.
  • Another participant mentions that while they lack a mathematical argument, they note that exactly 2 graphs are their own partners, suggesting a pairing mechanism that could influence the counts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the completeness of the count for 4 vertices, with some suggesting potential miscounts or overlooked isomorphisms. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the reasons behind the parity difference and the specific counts for the graphs.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of counting isomorphic graphs and the potential for missing cases, particularly in the context of symmetry in edge counts. There is no consensus on the exact reasons for the observed parity difference.

Mr Davis 97
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http://oeis.org/A000088

This is a list that gives the number of simple graphs on n unlabeled vertices. Could someone conversant in graph theory explain why the number of simple graphs on 4 unlabeled vertices, which is 11, is the only one that seems to be odd (nontrivially), while the rest seem to be even?
 
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Is it possible that they are miscounting in the case n=4, missing an isomorphism between two of the cases?

I ask because I can only find ten cases:

1 case with 0 edges: {}
1 case with 1 edge: {12}
2 cases with 2 edges: {12, 34}, {12,23}
2 cases with 3 edges: {12, 23, 34}, {12, 23, 31}
2 cases with 4 edges: {12, 23, 34, 41}, {12, 23, 31, 14}
1 case with 5 edges: {12, 23, 34, 41, 13}
1 case with 6 edges: {12, 23, 34, 41, 13, 24}

Am I missing one? There are some that look different from the ones listed here, but are isomorphic to one of them. I thought my method was pretty thorough.

Given the impressive-looking list of references on the OEIS page, the weight of evidence suggests I've either missed one, or thought a relationship was isomorphic that wasn't..
 
You missed one case with three edges: 12,13,14

There is a symmetry between n edges and 6-n edges, so 3 is the only part that can lead to an odd result.
 
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mfb said:
You missed one case with three edges: 12,13,14

There is a symmetry between n edges and 6-n edges, so 3 is the only part that can lead to an odd result.
What makes the # of graphs on 4 vertices different than than the # of graphs on 5 vertices? For example, why isn't there an odd number of graphs with 5 vertices and 5 edges?
 
I don't know a mathematical argument, but you can still use the pairing for them. It turns out that exactly 2 (an even number) are their own partners.

graphs.png
 

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