Graph Isomorphism Homework: Are 2 Graphs Isomorphic?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether two given graphs are isomorphic. Participants explore various methods for proving isomorphism, including the use of adjacency matrices and vertex mapping techniques. The conversation includes attempts to apply these methods and challenges faced in the process.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that both graphs have the same vertices, edges, and set of degrees but struggles to prove isomorphism using adjacency matrices.
  • Another participant suggests creating G1 and G2 matrices and inquires about techniques for demonstrating isomorphism.
  • A participant describes their mapping process, indicating that they found it challenging due to the degree distribution of the vertices.
  • Some participants express doubt about the isomorphism, with one stating they do not believe the graphs are isomorphic.
  • Another participant proposes a systematic mapping approach, starting with lower degree vertices, and expresses a belief that the graphs might be isomorphic.
  • One participant discusses how to formally prove the lack of isomorphism by detailing the mappings and explaining why certain mappings are impossible.
  • There is mention of a transformation matrix T that could demonstrate isomorphism, with participants discussing its properties and structure.
  • Some participants attempt to clarify the conditions under which isomorphism can be established, referencing the organization of vertices in the matrices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the graphs are isomorphic, with some believing they are not isomorphic while others suggest they might be. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on the isomorphism status of the graphs.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention challenges related to proving isomorphism, including the complexity of vertex mapping and the need for clear explanations of mappings. There are also references to specific mathematical techniques and properties of transformation matrices that are not fully resolved.

Sarah00
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Homework Statement


Are the 2 graphs isomorphic?
screenshot_7.png


Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Both have same vertices, edges, set of degrees. But I failed to prove isomorphism by adjacency matrices.
 
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Hi Sarah00:

Did you create the G1 and G2 matrices?
What techniques do you know regarding showing that two matrices demonstrate isomorphism?

Regards,
Buzz
 
Buzz Bloom said:
Hi Sarah00:

Did you create the G1 and G2 matrices?
What techniques do you know regarding showing that two matrices demonstrate isomorphism?

Regards,
Buzz

Thanks for your reply.
What I did is I wrote the degree above each vertex.
Then I form a path going to all vertices.
After that, I try to map it with the other graph.

However, this was challenging.
4 vertices have degree 4
2 vertices degree 3

I tried all possibilities to prove it is isomorphic

I don't think they are isomorphic.. are they??
 
Hi Sarah:

I did not complete a vertex to vertex mapping, but I mapped 5 of the 7 before I had to stop to do chores. My guess is that the two graphs are isomorphic.
If you don't want to work with matrices, then I suggest that you map one at a time each G1 vertex, v1-v7, onto a G2 vertex,, a-g. I recommend starting with the lower count vertices, and then moving to the higher count ones. It is easy to see that v7 has to map onto a. Try to work systematically.

Good luck.

Regards,
Buzz
 
I tried that and this is what I got:
a=7
b=2
f=5
d=4
g=6

so what is left is c and e,
I tried once mapping c to 1 and it was wrong (by matrices)
so I tried it c with 3 and it was wrong as well !
 
If I was right, the graphs are not isomorphic..
but how to prove that in a nice way!
 
What is wrong with proving that there is no isomorphism, as you apparently did?
 
I mean how to write it in a concise and academic way?
 
Sarah00 said:
I mean how to write it in a concise and academic way?
Hi Sarah:

If your purpose is to prove the failure of isomorphism, then you can do that by listing each of the 5 G1 vertices which you successful mapped onto G2 vertices, and for eah mapping write a one sentence explanation of why that mapping is the only mapping possible. Then one sentence each to show that each of the possible remaining 2 mappings are also impossible.

BTW, I am glad you found out that my guess was wrong.

Regards,
Buzz
 
  • #10
You might consider bringing this question to one of the math forums. There may be some denizens there who remember more of their matrix algebra than I do :smile:. (Although it's not entirely disappeared yet!)

If I recall correctly, for there to be isomorphism the there should exist some transformation matrix T such that ##T~G_1~T^{-1} = G_2##. Does that help?
 
  • #11
Sarah00 said:
I tried that and this is what I got:
a=7
b=2
f=5
d=4
g=6

so what is left is c and e,
I tried once mapping c to 1 and it was wrong (by matrices)
so I tried it c with 3 and it was wrong as well !
Are you sure? I think I have an isomorphism with 3→C and 1→E.
 
  • #12
gneill said:
If I recall correctly, for there to be isomorphism the there should exist some transformation matrix T such that
T G1 T−1= G2.

I also vaguely recall this relationship. I also vaguely recall for this particular kind of problem, T is a matrix with 1s and 0s only, and there is only one 1 in each row or column. If G1 is set up with the rows and columns organized based on the order of the vertices V1 through V7, and G2 is set up with the rows and columns organized based on the order of the vertices a through g, say A1 through A7, the Tij = 1 if Vi maps to Aj. Does this seem right to you?

Regards,
Buzz
 
  • #13
Buzz Bloom said:
I also vaguely recall this relationship. I also vaguely recall for this particular kind of problem, T is a matrix with 1s and 0s only, and there is only one 1 in each row or column. If G1 is set up with the rows and columns organized based on the order of the vertices V1 through V7, and G2 is set up with the rows and columns organized based on the order of the vertices a through g, say A1 through A7, the Tij = 1 if Vi maps to Aj. Does this seem right to you?

Regards,
Buzz
Many little gray cells are producing little grunts of recognition. Presumably T can be decomposed as a sum of elementary row and column operations of the swapping (not scaling) variety.
 

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