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 GG 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

  1. Bipartite Graph: A graph GG is bipartite if its vertex set VV can be partitioned into two disjoint sets V1V_1 and V2V_2 such that every edge in GG connects a vertex in V1V_1 to a vertex in V2V_2. That is, there are no edges within V1V_1 or within V2V_2.

  2. Hamiltonian Cycle: A graph GG is Hamiltonian if it contains a cycle that visits each vertex exactly once. Such a cycle is called a Hamiltonian cycle.

  3. Odd Order: A graph GG has odd order if it has an odd number of vertices, i.e., V=n|V| = n where nn is an odd number.

Proof

To prove that a bipartite graph GG of odd order is not Hamiltonian, assume for the sake of contradiction that GG is Hamiltonian.

  1. Partitioning the Vertex Set:

    Since GG is bipartite, we can partition the vertex set VV into two disjoint sets V1V_1 and V2V_2, such that every edge connects a vertex in V1V_1 to a vertex in V2V_2.

  2. Number of Vertices:

    Let V1=a|V_1| = a and V2=b|V_2| = b. Since GG has an odd number of vertices (nn), we have: a+b=nandn is odd.a + b = n \quad \text{and} \quad n \text{ is odd}. This implies that the sum of aa and bb is odd.

  3. Parity of aa and bb:

    Since a+ba + b is odd, it follows that one of aa or bb must be even, and the other must be odd. Without loss of generality, assume aa is odd and bb is even.

  4. Hamiltonian Cycle Requirements:

    In a Hamiltonian cycle, vertices are visited in a cyclic order, and each vertex must alternate between V1V_1 and V2V_2. Hence, if a Hamiltonian cycle exists, the cycle would require an equal number of vertices from V1V_1 and V2V_2.

  5. Contradiction:

    However, since one of aa or bb is odd and the other is even, it is impossible to have a Hamiltonian cycle that alternates between V1V_1 and V2V_2 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 GG is Hamiltonian must be false.

Conclusion

Since the assumption leads to a contradiction, we conclude that a bipartite graph GG 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:

  1. What are some examples of bipartite graphs that are Hamiltonian?
  2. Can a bipartite graph with an even number of vertices be Hamiltonian?
  3. How does the proof change for non-bipartite graphs of odd order?
  4. What are some applications of bipartite graphs in real-world problems?
  5. 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