Question: Find a graph, as simple as possible, that cannot be vertex colored with three colors. Why is this of interest in connection with Prob. 24?

Find a graph, as simple as possible, that cannot be vertex colored with three colors. Why is this of interest in connection with Prob. 24?

Data from Prob. 24

The famous four-color theorem states that one can color the vertices of any planar graph (so that adjacent vertices get different colors) with at most four colors. It had been conjectured for a long time and was eventually proved in 1976 by Appel and Haken. Can you color the complete graph K5 with four colors? Does the result contradict the four-color theorem?

Step by Step Solution

3.45 Rating (152 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

One example of a graph that cannot be vertex colored with three colors is the complete graph K4 also ... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related Advanced Engineering Mathematics Questions!