5.2 - Degree Sequence of a Graph
Enroll to start learning
You’ve not yet enrolled in this course. Please enroll for free to listen to audio lessons, classroom podcasts and take practice test.
Interactive Audio Lesson
Listen to a student-teacher conversation explaining the topic in a relatable way.
Introduction to Degree Sequence
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Today, we're going to discuss the concept of a degree sequence in a graph. Can anyone tell me what a degree of a vertex means?
Isn't it the number of edges connected to that vertex?
Exactly! The degree of a vertex is the count of edges incident to it. Now, what do we call a list of these degrees, arranged in a certain order?
Is it called a degree sequence?
Correct! We arrange these degrees in **non-increasing order**. So, if we have a graph with five vertices, each with degrees 4, 3, 2, 2, and 1, the degree sequence would be [4, 3, 2, 2, 1].
What if some degrees are negative?
Good question! A degree cannot be negative, so we only consider non-negative degrees for a valid degree sequence.
In summary, the degree sequence gives us a vital understanding of a graph's structure.
Conditions for Graphic Sequences
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Now, let's talk about what makes a sequence graphic. Can anyone list some conditions we need?
It should be non-negative, right?
Yes! And what else?
The sum of all degrees has to be even!
Exactly! This is because each edge contributes to the degree of two vertices. If the sum isn't even, you can't form a simple graph.
Can we explain that with an example?
Sure! If we have the sequence [1, 1, 1] for three vertices, the sum is 3, which isn't even. Thus, it can't be the degree sequence of a simple graph.
Understanding Havel-Hakimi Theorem
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Next, we will explore the Havel-Hakimi theorem, which helps us determine if a sequence is graphic. What do you think this theorem states?
Is it a method to reduce the sequence and check its graphic nature?
Correct! The theorem involves taking a sequence, removing the highest degree, and reducing the next few degrees. What do you do next?
We check if the reduced sequence is graphic, right?
Exactly! If the new sequence is graphic, then the original one is too. Let's prove that!
Examples of Graphic and Non-Graphic Sequences
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Let's examine some sequences to see if they are graphic. How about the sequence [5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0]?
I think it’s non-graphic because we'd need a node of degree 0, but the highest degree is 5.
Correct! Now, what about the sequence [6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1]?
The sum is 21, so it can’t be graphic either.
That's right! What have we learned about the criteria for graphic sequences?
That both conditions need to be satisfied!
Final Thoughts and Concept Recap
🔒 Unlock Audio Lesson
Sign up and enroll to listen to this audio lesson
Let's recap today’s concepts! We learned about the degree sequences and what makes them graphic. Who can summarize what we've learned?
We learned that a degree sequence is a list of vertex degrees. And to be graphic, it has to be non-negative and the sum must be even.
We also discussed the Havel-Hakimi theorem for checking graphic sequences.
Great job! Always remember: **N.E.** for 'Never Negative, Even Sum'! Keep practicing these concepts for clarity.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
This section explains the concept of a degree sequence in graphs, emphasizing the importance of whether a graph can be constructed from a given degree sequence. It highlights criteria such as the non-negativity of degrees, the evenness of the sum of degrees, and utilizes the Havel-Hakimi theorem to characterize graphic sequences, illustrating these points with examples and case discussions.
Detailed
Degree Sequence of a Graph
In graph theory, the
degree sequence of a graph is defined as a sequence of degrees of its vertices ordered in non-increasing fashion. If a sequence of non-negative integers can represent the degrees of a simple graph, it is termed a graphic sequence. This section investigates whether a specified degree sequence is graphic, using the Havel-Hakimi theorem as a pivotal tool for determining graphic status. Criteria for graphic sequences include:
- All degree values must be non-negative.
- The sum of all degrees must be even, reflecting the fact that each edge contributes to the degrees of two vertices.
The Havel-Hakimi theorem provides a method for testing a given sequence's graphic nature by reducing it to simpler forms. If the reduced sequence remains graphic, the original sequence is also graphic, and vice versa. The section concludes with a direct proof of the theorem's implications.
Youtube Videos
Audio Book
Dive deep into the subject with an immersive audiobook experience.
Definition of Degree Sequence
Chapter 1 of 4
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
The degree sequence of a graph is basically the sequence of degrees of the vertices in non increasing order. So, you list down the highest degree vertex or the degree of the highest vertex first followed by the next highest degree, followed by the next highest degree and so on.
Detailed Explanation
The degree sequence is a way to represent the degrees of all the vertices in a graph. Each vertex has a degree, which is simply the number of edges connected to it. To form a degree sequence, we start by identifying the degree of each vertex and then organize these degrees from the highest to the lowest. This gives us a clear representation of how each vertex connects within the graph. For example, if we have a graph with vertices having degrees 3, 2, and 1, the degree sequence would be [3, 2, 1].
Examples & Analogies
Think of a class of students in which each student has a different number of friends. If Student A has the most friends, followed by Student B, and then Student C, we can list their number of friends in order to show how socially connected they are. This ordered list resembles the degree sequence, illustrating the social network within the class.
Conditions for Graphic Sequence
Chapter 2 of 4
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
A sequence of n values is called a graphic sequence, if you can construct a simple graph whose degree sequence is the given sequence. If you cannot draw any simple graph whose degree sequence is a given sequence, then the given sequence will not be called a graphic sequence.
Detailed Explanation
A graphic sequence must satisfy certain conditions to ensure that it can correspond to a simple graph. A simple graph is one that does not have loops or multiple edges between the same pair of vertices. For a sequence to be graphic, one must be able to find a way to create a graph that matches the degree sequence exactly. If it's not possible to represent the sequence with any simple graph, then it is deemed non-graphic. This helps in validating whether the specified sequence is realizable or not.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine trying to plan a party with a specific number of people, where some people can bring certain guests. If you plan for six guests but everyone can only bring one friend, and you try to assign more friends than can fit within the party structure, it becomes clear that you cannot create a valid plan for the party. Similar reasoning applies to graphic sequences; if the plan (sequence) cannot fit the rules (graph), it’s not viable.
Example and Non-Example of Graphic Sequences
Chapter 3 of 4
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
For example, the sequence 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 cannot represent a valid graph because if one vertex has degree 5, all remaining vertices must connect to it, reducing the degrees of others incorrectly. Conversely, a sequence where all vertices have degree 2 can represent a valid simple graph.
Detailed Explanation
Let's explore the sequence 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0. If one vertex has a degree of 5, that means it is connected to five other vertices. However, if one of those vertices is supposed to have a degree of 0 (not connected), this creates a contradiction since having one vertex connected to five others cannot coexist with another vertex not being connected at all. Hence, this sequence cannot be graphic. In contrast, a sequence like 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 ensures that if each vertex connects to two others, it can form a valid triangle or cycles, thereby being a graphic sequence.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a circular arrangement of people passing a ball. If everyone is supposed to pass to two other people (degree 2), it works perfectly. But if we say that one person should pass to five while another doesn’t receive at all (degree 0), the arrangement falls apart. Thus, successful coordination (graph) must have rules that allow all parties involved (vertices) to participate without contradictions.
Havel-Hakimi Theorem
Chapter 4 of 4
🔒 Unlock Audio Chapter
Sign up and enroll to access the full audio experience
Chapter Content
The Havel-Hakimi theorem provides a method to determine whether a given sequence can construct a simple graph. The theorem describes a process of reduction where we remove the highest degree and adjust the subsequent degrees accordingly.
Detailed Explanation
The Havel-Hakimi theorem is an algorithmic approach used to check if a sequence of integers can represent the degree sequence of a simple graph. The method involves taking the highest degree from the sequence, removing it, and then reducing the degrees of the next highest number of vertices by 1, corresponding to the count of the removed degree. This process continues iteratively. If, at any stage, you can no longer maintain non-negative degrees, or if you ultimately arrive at a sequence of zeros, then the original sequence is graphic.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a group of friends organizing a tournament. If the most competitive friend leaves and they have to adjust the competition structure (like reducing points for the next competitors), they must ensure that competition remains fair (all keeping non-negative scores). Just like in reducing the degrees in the theorem, the objective is to adjust until they find an arrangement suitable for everyone. If they get to a point of no one being able to compete anymore (negative scores), then original plans were not feasible.
Key Concepts
-
Degree Sequence: The ordered list of vertex degrees in a graph.
-
Graphic Sequence: A sequence that can represent degrees of vertices in some simple graph.
-
Havel-Hakimi Theorem: A criterion to verify graphic nature of a degree sequence.
Examples & Applications
For a sequence [3, 2, 2], the construction of a graph with these degrees is possible, hence it is graphic.
A sequence like [4, 4, 2, 2, 1] is non-graphic because the sum of the degrees is odd.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
If degrees aren't odd, they'll be even, / Graphic sequences can't be deceivin'.
Stories
Imagine a party where everyone has to hold hands, the number of hands can't be odd, or someone will be left out, just like the degrees in a graph must pair evenly.
Memory Tools
Non-negative degrees must be equal, as in pairs, / Graphic sequences must show that no one stands alone.
Acronyms
Remember 'NE' for 'Never Negative' in understanding degree sequences.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Degree of a Vertex
The number of edges connected to a vertex in a graph.
- Degree Sequence
A list of vertex degrees of a graph arranged in non-increasing order.
- Graphic Sequence
A sequence of numbers that can represent the degrees of vertices in some simple graph.
- HavelHakimi Theorem
A theorem that provides a method for determining whether a degree sequence is graphic.
Reference links
Supplementary resources to enhance your learning experience.