Math Problem Statement

Prove that the graph G_1 formed by deleting an edge from K_4, and the graph G_2 constructed by adding an edge to K_{2,2} by joining two non-adjacent vertices are isomorphic.

Solution

The problem asks you to prove that two graphs, G1G_1 and G2G_2, are isomorphic. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Graph G1G_1 is formed by deleting an edge from K4K_4, the complete graph on 4 vertices.
  • Graph G2G_2 is constructed by adding an edge to K2,2K_{2,2}, the complete bipartite graph with two sets of two vertices each, by joining two non-adjacent vertices.

Steps to prove that G1G_1 and G2G_2 are isomorphic:

1. Graph G1G_1:

  • K4K_4 is the complete graph with 4 vertices, meaning every vertex is connected to every other vertex. It has (42)=6\binom{4}{2} = 6 edges.
  • Deleting one edge from K4K_4 gives a graph with 5 edges and 4 vertices. The degree sequence will be (3,3,2,2)(3, 3, 2, 2), meaning two vertices will have degree 3, and two will have degree 2.

2. Graph G2G_2:

  • K2,2K_{2,2} is a bipartite graph where vertices are split into two sets of size 2. Each vertex in one set is connected to both vertices in the other set, resulting in 4 edges total.
  • Adding an edge between two non-adjacent vertices (i.e., vertices from the same set) gives a graph with 5 edges.
  • The degree sequence of K2,2K_{2,2} before adding an edge is (2,2,2,2)(2, 2, 2, 2). After adding the edge, the degrees of the two vertices connected by the new edge increase to 3, yielding a degree sequence of (3,3,2,2)(3, 3, 2, 2).

3. Isomorphism:

  • Both graphs now have the same number of vertices (4) and edges (5).
  • The degree sequence of both graphs is (3,3,2,2)(3, 3, 2, 2), meaning two vertices in each graph have degree 3, and two vertices have degree 2.
  • Since both graphs have the same structure in terms of vertices, edges, and degree sequences, they are isomorphic.

Thus, G1G_1 and G2G_2 are isomorphic.

Would you like more details or have any further questions on this? Here are a few related questions for practice:

  1. What is the significance of the degree sequence in graph isomorphism?
  2. Can two graphs have the same degree sequence but not be isomorphic?
  3. How would you construct an example where two graphs are not isomorphic despite similar structures?
  4. What are other common methods to prove graph isomorphism apart from degree sequences?
  5. How does the structure of bipartite graphs affect isomorphism proofs?

Tip: When comparing graphs for isomorphism, always check vertex counts, edge counts, and degree sequences as a first step!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Graph Theory
Graph Isomorphism
Degree Sequence

Formulas

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Theorems

Graph Isomorphism Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate (Math/CS courses on Graph Theory)