Graph Theory Proof: Connectivity of G Proven

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a proof related to graph theory, specifically addressing the connectivity of a graph G with two vertices of odd degree after adding an edge to form a new graph H. Participants explore the implications of this addition on the connectivity of G, examining the conditions under which G can be considered connected based on the properties of Euler walks.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that since G has exactly two odd vertices, there exists an Euler walk between them, which is used to argue that if H is connected, then G must also be connected.
  • Others challenge the validity of using the Euler walk argument, noting that it only applies to connected graphs and questioning how the assumption can be used in the proof of G's connectivity.
  • A participant proposes a reasoning that if G is not connected, it must consist of at least two components, which would imply that x and y belong to the same component, thus questioning the effect of adding edge xy on connectivity.
  • Another participant reflects on their previous argument and acknowledges the mistake in assuming the existence of an Euler walk without proving G's connectivity first.
  • One participant concludes that if G is not connected, then H cannot be connected either, suggesting a contraposition approach to the proof.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the initial proof's reliance on the Euler walk argument. There is no consensus on the validity of the proof as presented, with some participants refining their arguments while others remain skeptical of the conclusions drawn.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that the existence of an Euler walk implies connectivity, which is contested. The discussion also highlights the need for clarity on the implications of adding edges in relation to the components of the graph.

annie122
Messages
51
Reaction score
0
[SOLVED]Graph theory proof

The graph G has precisely two vertices x and y of odd degree. A new graph of multigraph H is formed from G by adding an edge xy. If H is connected, prove that G is connected.

Please check my following proof for this problem.

Since G has exactly two odd vertices, there is an Euler walk between x and y.
Denote this walk by xEy, where E is a string of vertices.

A walk between two vertices in H either (1)contains edge xy or (2)does not contain edge xy.

(1)Let a, b be two vertices connected via edge xy, so aAxyBb, A and B being strings of vertices.
But then there is a walk from a to b in G, by way of aAxEyBb.

(2)If a walk between two vertices that does not contain edge xy exists in H, it also exists in G.

Hence, any two vertices connected in H are connected in G. Therefore, if H is connected, G is connected.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Yuuki said:
The graph G has precisely two vertices x and y of odd degree. A new graph of multigraph H is formed from G by adding an edge xy. If H is connected, prove that G is connected.
Please check my following proof for this problem.
Since G has exactly two odd vertices, there is an Euler walk between x and y.
Denote this walk by xEy, where E is a string of vertices.
A walk between two vertices in H either (1)contains edge xy or (2)does not contain edge xy.
(1)Let a, b be two vertices connected via edge xy, so aAxyBb, A and B being strings of vertices.
But then there is a walk from a to b in G, by way of aAxEyBb.
(2)If a walk between two vertices that does not contain edge xy exists in H, it also exists in G.
Hence, any two vertices connected in H are connected in G. Therefore, if H is connected, G is connected.

Frankly I have no idea how that argument works.

Where have you used "G has precisely two vertices x and y of odd degree"?

If $$G$$ is not connected then it is the union of at least two components.
Because each component is a sub-graph and any graph has an even number of odd verticies, then $$x\&~y$$ belong to the same component.

So how would adding another edge $$xy$$ to $$G$$ connect it?
 
Yuuki said:
The graph G has precisely two vertices x and y of odd degree. A new graph of multigraph H is formed from G by adding an edge xy. If H is connected, prove that G is connected.

Please check my following proof for this problem.

Since G has exactly two odd vertices, there is an Euler walk between x and y.
Denote this walk by xEy, where E is a string of vertices.

A walk between two vertices in H either (1)contains edge xy or (2)does not contain edge xy.

(1)Let a, b be two vertices connected via edge xy, so aAxyBb, A and B being strings of vertices.
But then there is a walk from a to b in G, by way of aAxEyBb.

(2)If a walk between two vertices that does not contain edge xy exists in H, it also exists in G.

Hence, any two vertices connected in H are connected in G. Therefore, if H is connected, G is connected.

I used it here.
But I now realize this is a big mistake, because the argument

a graph has two odd vertices \Rightarrow the graph has an Euler walk

is valid only for connected graphs.
I can't use this assumption because that is precisely what I'm trying to prove.

As for the other argument, I tried to separate it into binary cases.
To use the (wrong) Euler circuit argument.So,

G is not connected.
\Rightarrow There are at least two components.
\Rightarrow Since each component is connected, there must be an even number of odd vertices.
\Rightarrow x and y must belong to the same component because there are only two odd vertices in G.
\Rightarrow Connecting x and y will not connect disjoint components.

Hence, if G is not connected, neither is H, which proves the assumption by contraposition?
 
Yuuki said:
G is not connected.
\Rightarrow There are at least two components.
\Rightarrow Since each component is connected, there must be an even number of odd vertices.
\Rightarrow x and y must belong to the same component because there are only two odd vertices in G.
\Rightarrow Connecting x and y will not connect disjoint components.
Hence, if G is not connected, neither is H, which proves the assumption by contraposition?

That is now correct.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 66 ·
3
Replies
66
Views
7K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K