How Many Unique Substructures Exist in an n-Clique?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the number of unique substructures in an n-clique, denoted as $$K_n$$, with specific focus on subgraphs, isomorphism classes, and elementary substructures. Participants explore definitions and interpretations related to these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the number of subgraphs of $$K_n$$ is $$2^n$$, while others suggest $$2^n - 1$$ if the empty graph is excluded.
  • There is uncertainty regarding the interpretation of "substructures" in part (b), with some participants questioning whether it refers to the number of graphs up to isomorphism having at most $$n$$ vertices.
  • One participant provides a definition of elementary substructures, indicating that a substructure must preserve the vocabulary and interpretations of the larger structure.
  • Another participant argues that for a 4-clique, only cliques can be considered as substructures, leading to a count of four distinct isomorphism classes (1-clique, 2-clique, etc.).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and counts of substructures, particularly regarding isomorphism and the inclusion of certain types of graphs. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the definitions provided, particularly regarding what constitutes an elementary substructure and how subgraphs relate to substructures. The discussion does not clarify these definitions fully.

Andrei1
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Let $$K_n$$ be the $$n$$-clique for some $$n\in\mathbb{N}$$. Then any graph having at most $$n$$ vertices is a subgraph of $$K_n$$.
(a) How many substructures does $$K_n$$ have?
(b) How many substructures does $$K_n$$ have up to isomorphism?
(c) How many elementary substructures does $$K_n$$ have?
My answers:
(a) $$2^n$$
(b) $$n$$
(c) $$2^n$$
Are they correct?
 
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Andrei said:
My answers:
(a) $$2^n$$
(b) $$n$$
(c) $$2^n$$
Are they correct?
If by substructures you mean subgraph, then the answer to part (a) looks okay. Some people may write $2^n-1$ because they might not want to include $\emptyset$ in the list.

For the second, is the question asking to find out the number of graphs, up to isomorphism, having at most $n$ vertices. In that case, the answer cannot be just $n$.

For part (c), I don't know the definition of elementary substructures. Can you please define it?
 
$$M$$ is a substructure of $$N$$ ... if
1. $$M$$ is a structure having the same vocabulary as $$N$$,
2. the underlying set $$U_M$$ of $$M$$ is a subset of the underlying set $$U_N$$ of $$N$$, and
3. $$M$$ interprets the vocabulary in the same manner as $$N$$ on $$U_M$$.

Let $$N$$ and $$M$$ be structures in the same vocabulary. Then $$M$$ is an elementary substructure of $$N$$ ... if and only if the identity function $$id\colon M\to N$$ defined by $$id(x)=x$$ is an elementary embedding [preserves all formulas].

About (b). Let's take a 4-clique. Any subgraph of it is not a substructure if it is not a clique. So I have, up to isomorphism, 4 substrucutures: one 1-clique, one 2-clique, ...
 
Andrei said:
About (b). Let's take a 4-clique. Any subgraph of it is not a substructure if it is not a clique. So I have, up to isomorphism, 4 substrucutures: one 1-clique, one 2-clique, ...
Then by substructures you do not means subgraphs. It's fine then.
 

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