Math Problem Statement
Show that if G is a bipartite graph of odd order, then G is not Hamil- tonian.
Solution
To show that a bipartite graph of odd order is not Hamiltonian, we need to understand some key properties of bipartite graphs and Hamiltonian cycles. Let's break down the proof step by step.
Definitions and Properties
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Bipartite Graph: A graph is bipartite if its vertex set can be partitioned into two disjoint sets and such that every edge in connects a vertex in to a vertex in . That is, there are no edges within or within .
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Hamiltonian Cycle: A graph is Hamiltonian if it contains a cycle that visits each vertex exactly once. Such a cycle is called a Hamiltonian cycle.
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Odd Order: A graph has odd order if it has an odd number of vertices, i.e., where is an odd number.
Proof
To prove that a bipartite graph of odd order is not Hamiltonian, assume for the sake of contradiction that is Hamiltonian.
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Partitioning the Vertex Set:
Since is bipartite, we can partition the vertex set into two disjoint sets and , such that every edge connects a vertex in to a vertex in .
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Number of Vertices:
Let and . Since has an odd number of vertices (), we have: This implies that the sum of and is odd.
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Parity of and :
Since is odd, it follows that one of or must be even, and the other must be odd. Without loss of generality, assume is odd and is even.
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Hamiltonian Cycle Requirements:
In a Hamiltonian cycle, vertices are visited in a cyclic order, and each vertex must alternate between and . Hence, if a Hamiltonian cycle exists, the cycle would require an equal number of vertices from and .
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Contradiction:
However, since one of or is odd and the other is even, it is impossible to have a Hamiltonian cycle that alternates between and with an equal number of vertices from each set. This is because an equal number of vertices from two sets implies both sets should have the same parity, which contradicts the fact that one is odd and the other is even.
Thus, we arrive at a contradiction. Therefore, our initial assumption that is Hamiltonian must be false.
Conclusion
Since the assumption leads to a contradiction, we conclude that a bipartite graph of odd order cannot have a Hamiltonian cycle. Hence, such a graph is not Hamiltonian.
Would you like more details or have any questions?
Here are 5 questions you might want to ask next:
- What are some examples of bipartite graphs that are Hamiltonian?
- Can a bipartite graph with an even number of vertices be Hamiltonian?
- How does the proof change for non-bipartite graphs of odd order?
- What are some applications of bipartite graphs in real-world problems?
- How can we use graph theory to solve problems in computer science?
Tip: When dealing with properties of bipartite graphs, always consider the implications of partitioning the vertex set and how this affects the graph's structure and cycles.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Graph Theory
Bipartite Graphs
Hamiltonian Cycles
Formulas
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Theorems
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Suitable Grade Level
Advanced Undergraduate