Is Partitioning a Graph into Two Sets a Cut Set?

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    2016
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the concept of cut sets in graph theory, specifically addressing whether the disconnecting set \( F = (X, Y) \) is a cut set when the vertex set of a connected graph \( G = (V, E) \) is partitioned into two nonempty sets \( X \) and \( Y \). It is established that \( F \) qualifies as a cut set if the resulting subgraph \( G' = (V, E - F) \) contains exactly two components. This conclusion is derived from principles outlined in Balakrishnan's "Schaum's Outlines Graph Theory."

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graph theory concepts, particularly connected graphs
  • Familiarity with vertex and edge sets in graph representations
  • Knowledge of cut sets and their properties in graph theory
  • Ability to analyze subgraphs and their components
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of cut sets in graph theory
  • Learn about connected and disconnected graphs
  • Explore the implications of partitioning vertex sets in graph structures
  • Review Balakrishnan's "Schaum's Outlines Graph Theory" for deeper insights
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those specializing in graph theory, as well as educators looking to enhance their understanding of cut sets and graph connectivity.

Ackbach
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Show that if the vertex set of a connected graph $G=(V,E)$ is partitioned into two nonempty sets $X$ and $Y$, the disconnecting set $F=(X,Y)$ consisting of all edges of $G$ joining vertices in $X$ and vertices in $Y$ is a cut set if the subgraph $G'=(V,E-F)$ has exactly two components.

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No one answered this week's POTW, which is taken from the Schaum's Outlines Graph Theory book, by Balakrishnan. Here is the book's answer:

Suppose $F=(X,Y)$ is not a cut set. Then there is a proper subset $F'$ of $F$ that is a cut set. Let $e=\{x,y\}$ in an edge in $F-F'$ joining vertex $x$ in $X$ and vertex $y$ in $Y$. If $v$ is any vertex in $X$, there is a path joining $v$ and $x$ consisting of vertices from $X$ only. Likewise, if $w$ is any vertex in $Y$, there is a path joining $w$ and $y$ consisting of vertices from $Y$ only. Thus the deletion of all the edges belonging to $F'$ from the graph will not make it disconnected. This is a contradiction since $F'$ is a disconnecting set.
 

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