Graph Theory: a tree and it's complement proof

In summary, the complement of a tree with n vertices has [(n-1)(n-2)]/2 edges for all integers n greater than or equal to 2. This can be proven using induction and Lemma 18.2 which states that any tree with more than one vertex has at least one vertex of degree 1. The basis case is verified by showing that a tree with two vertices has one edge, thus its complement has 0 edges. Assuming p(k) to be true, it is shown that p(k+1) is also true by considering the addition of a vertex of degree 1 to a tree with k edges.
  • #1
Magra2118
1
0

Homework Statement


The complement of T' of a tree T with n vertices has [(n-1)(n-2)]/2 edges, for all integers n greater than or equal to 2.


Homework Equations


Must prove using induction and using Lemma 18.2 which states "any tree that has more than one vertex has at least one vertex of degree 1."


The Attempt at a Solution


Verify the basis case: p(2) [(2-1)(2-2)]/2 = 0, which is true because a tree with two vertices would have to have one edge, there its complement would have 0 edges

assume p(k) to be true: [(k-1)(k-2)]/2
show p(k+1) to be true: [(k+1-1)(k+1-2)]/2 = [(k)(k-1)]/2

Let G be a particular but arbitrarily chosen tree that has k vertices and k-1 edges. Let G' be the complement of tree G. By definition complement, G' have k vertices.

Don't know where to start/go after this!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
A tree with k+1 edges would have a vertex of degree 1, because of the lemma. If you remove that you get a tree of k edges for which you assumed p(k) was true.

How many new edges will adding this vertex add to the complement?
 

Related to Graph Theory: a tree and it's complement proof

1. What is graph theory?

Graph theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of graphs, which are mathematical structures used to model relationships between objects. It is a fundamental tool in computer science, operations research, and other fields.

2. What is a tree in graph theory?

In graph theory, a tree is a type of graph that consists of a set of vertices (nodes) connected by edges (lines) with no cycles. It is a fundamental concept in graph theory and has many real-world applications, such as in computer networks and data structures.

3. What is a complement of a tree in graph theory?

The complement of a tree is another graph that has the same set of vertices as the original tree, but with all the edges that were not present in the original graph. In other words, the complement of a tree is a graph that contains all the possible edges that are not present in the original tree.

4. What is the proof of a tree and its complement?

The proof of a tree and its complement is a mathematical demonstration that shows that the complement of a tree is also a tree. This proof is based on the definition of a tree and the properties of its complement, such as the fact that it has no cycles and is connected.

5. What are some applications of tree and its complement in real-world problems?

Trees and their complements have many applications in various fields, including computer science, biology, and social sciences. They are used in network design, data compression, phylogenetic analysis, and social network analysis. In computer science, they are used in data structures, such as binary trees and heaps, to efficiently store and retrieve data.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
955
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
957
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
850
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
Back
Top