Math Problem Statement
Show that if G is a non-regular graph of order n and size rn/2 for some integer r with 1 ≤ r ≤ n − 2, then ∆(G) − δ(G) ≥ 2.
Solution
To show that if is a non-regular graph of order and size for some integer with , then the difference between the maximum degree and the minimum degree is at least 2, we can proceed as follows:
Definitions:
- Order : The number of vertices in the graph .
- Size : The number of edges in the graph . Here, .
- Maximum degree : The highest degree of any vertex in .
- Minimum degree : The lowest degree of any vertex in .
- Non-regular graph: A graph where not all vertices have the same degree.
Proof:
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Graph parameters:
- has vertices.
- has edges.
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Degree sum formula:
- The sum of the degrees of all vertices in is (since each edge contributes to the degree of two vertices).
- Thus, .
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Average degree:
- The average degree of a vertex in is .
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Non-regularity condition:
- is non-regular, which means there exists at least one vertex with a degree higher than and at least one vertex with a degree lower than .
- Let be the maximum degree of and be the minimum degree of .
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Degree constraints:
- Since is non-regular, we have and .
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Establishing the bound:
- Consider the extreme cases:
- If and :
- This is the smallest difference between the maximum and minimum degrees in a non-regular graph that satisfies the given constraints.
- If were greater than or were less than , the difference would be even larger.
- Consider the extreme cases:
-
Conclusion:
- Therefore, the minimum possible value for in a non-regular graph of order and size is 2.
- Hence, .
Would you like more details or have any questions?
Here are five numbered questions you might want to ask next:
- Can you provide an example of a non-regular graph that satisfies these conditions?
- How do these properties change if were a regular graph?
- What are the implications of this result in graph theory?
- Can you explain more about the degree sum formula?
- How do we generalize this result to other types of graphs?
Tip: When proving inequalities involving graph parameters, it's often helpful to consider the definitions and properties of the graph, and to think about the extreme cases that could establish the bounds.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Graph Theory
Degree of a Vertex
Non-Regular Graphs
Formulas
Degree sum formula: \( \sum_{v \in V(G)} \deg(v) = 2m \)
Theorems
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Suitable Grade Level
Undergraduate Level
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