Graham–Pollak theorem

E748752

The Graham–Pollak theorem is a result in graph theory that states the edges of a complete graph on n vertices cannot be partitioned into fewer than n−1 complete bipartite subgraphs.

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Predicate Object
instanceOf result in graph theory
theorem
appliesTo complete bipartite subgraphs
complete graphs
edge partitions
assumes complete graph on n vertices
simple undirected graphs
conclusion Any partition of the edge set of K_n into complete bipartite graphs uses at least n−1 parts.
equalityCase There exists a partition of the edges of K_n into exactly n−1 complete bipartite subgraphs.
field graph theory
hasProofMethod incidence matrix techniques
linear algebra
matrix rank arguments
implies The bipartite dimension of the complete graph K_n equals n−1.
invariant bipartite dimension of K_n equals n−1 regardless of the partition chosen.
lowerBound n−1 complete bipartite subgraphs are necessary to partition the edges of K_n.
namedAfter Henry O. Pollak NERFINISHED
Ronald Graham NERFINISHED
originalAuthors Henry O. Pollak NERFINISHED
Ronald L. Graham NERFINISHED
publishedIn Bell System Technical Journal NERFINISHED
relatedTo bipartite edge cover
rank of adjacency matrices
relatesConcept K_n
bipartite dimension of a graph
complete bipartite graph
edge partition
statement The edges of a complete graph on n vertices cannot be partitioned into fewer than n−1 complete bipartite subgraphs.
tightness The bound n−1 is best possible.
topic edge decompositions into bipartite graphs
extremal graph theory
graph decompositions
usedFor computing bipartite dimension of complete graphs
lower bounds in communication complexity (via related ideas)
yearProved 1971

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Ronald L. Graham notableIdea Graham–Pollak theorem