Alon-Tarsi Number and List Coloring Properties of Regular Graphs

Core Concepts

The Alon-Tarsi number of a graph provides an upper bound on its choice and online choice numbers, which are important parameters in graph coloring and list coloring problems. This paper investigates the Alon-Tarsi number of various classes of regular graphs, including complete multipartite graphs, line graphs of complete graphs, and other 1-factorizable regular graphs.

Abstract

The paper focuses on the Alon-Tarsi number, a parameter related to the exponents of monomials in a graph's polynomial, which provides an upper bound on the choice and online choice numbers of the graph. The author presents several theorems and results on the Alon-Tarsi number of different classes of regular graphs:

Complete multipartite graphs G = Kn,n: The Alon-Tarsi monomial is of the form c(x1x2...x2n)^(n/2), where c is a non-zero constant, and the Alon-Tarsi number is n/2 + 1.

Bipartite graphs G = Km,n with m < n, n even, and (m+n) | mn: The Alon-Tarsi number is (mn)/(m+n) + 1.

Regular bipartite graphs G with 2n vertices, n even, and even degree Δ: The Alon-Tarsi number is Δ/2.

Complete k-partite graphs Kn,n,...(k-times),...,n for even n: The Alon-Tarsi number is (k-1)n/2.

Line graphs of complete graphs G = Kn for n = 4k, k ∈ N: The Alon-Tarsi number is n-1, and the edge choosability of Kn is n-1.

Line graphs of 1-factorizable regular graphs G with order 4k: The Alon-Tarsi number is n-1, and the List Coloring Conjecture holds for these graphs.

The author also shows that the Alon-Tarsi number of the total graph T(G) of a 1-factorizable regular graph G with order 4k is at most Δ(G) + 2, where Δ(G) is the maximum degree of G.

Stats

The average degree a of a graph G with order n and size E is given by a = 2E/n.
The Alon-Tarsi number of a graph G is at least a/2.

Quotes

"The Alon-Tarsi number of any graph is an upper bound (sometimes strict) on the choice number and hence the chromatic number."
"The Alon-Tarsi number also upper bounds the online list chromatic number or online choice number."

Key Insights Distilled From

Alon-Tarsi Number of Some Regular Graphs

by S. Prajnanas... at arxiv.org 04-16-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2304.04531.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the Alon-Tarsi number be used to derive bounds on the chromatic number and choice number of other classes of graphs beyond the ones studied in this paper

The Alon-Tarsi number, as discussed in the paper, provides an upper bound on the choice number and online choice numbers of graphs. This concept can be extended to derive bounds on the chromatic number and choice number of various classes of graphs beyond those specifically studied in the paper. By analyzing the structural properties of different types of graphs and their corresponding Alon-Tarsi numbers, we can establish relationships between the Alon-Tarsi number and other graph coloring parameters.
For instance, for regular graphs, the Alon-Tarsi number is related to the maximum outdegree of an orientation of the graph. By exploring different orientations and their corresponding Alon-Tarsi numbers, we can infer bounds on the chromatic number and choice number of regular graphs. Additionally, by considering the Alon-Tarsi numbers of specific graph families or graph operations, such as line graphs or total graphs, we can generalize the application of the Alon-Tarsi number to derive bounds on chromatic numbers and choice numbers for a wider range of graphs.
In summary, the Alon-Tarsi number serves as a valuable tool for understanding the coloring properties of graphs, and by extending its application to various graph classes, we can derive bounds on chromatic numbers and choice numbers beyond the graphs discussed in the paper.

What are the limitations of the Alon-Tarsi number approach, and are there alternative methods to obtain tighter bounds on graph coloring parameters

While the Alon-Tarsi number provides useful upper bounds on graph coloring parameters, it also has limitations that may restrict its applicability in certain scenarios. One limitation is that the Alon-Tarsi number is a theoretical construct based on the exponents of monomials in graph polynomials, which may not always directly translate to practical coloring scenarios. In some cases, the Alon-Tarsi number may provide loose bounds that do not accurately reflect the actual chromatic number or choice number of a graph.
To obtain tighter bounds on graph coloring parameters, alternative methods can be explored. One approach is to combine the insights from the Alon-Tarsi number with other graph coloring techniques, such as probabilistic methods, linear programming, or spectral graph theory. By integrating multiple approaches, it is possible to refine the bounds on chromatic numbers and choice numbers, taking into account different aspects of graph structure and coloring properties.
Furthermore, experimental validation and computational analysis can complement theoretical bounds derived from the Alon-Tarsi number, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of graph coloring parameters and potentially leading to tighter bounds in practical graph coloring scenarios.

Can the insights from this paper on the Alon-Tarsi number be extended to develop new techniques for solving the List Coloring Conjecture or the Total Coloring Conjecture for a broader range of graphs

The insights from the paper on the Alon-Tarsi number can indeed be extended to develop new techniques for solving the List Coloring Conjecture or the Total Coloring Conjecture for a broader range of graphs. By leveraging the Alon-Tarsi number as a tool to analyze the structural properties of graphs and their coloring characteristics, researchers can explore novel approaches to address these conjectures.
For the List Coloring Conjecture, which posits that the list edge chromatic number equals the chromatic number for any line graph, the Alon-Tarsi number can provide valuable insights into the relationships between edge colorings and vertex colorings. By investigating the Alon-Tarsi numbers of line graphs and their parent graphs, researchers can potentially uncover patterns and properties that contribute to solving the List Coloring Conjecture.
Similarly, for the Total Coloring Conjecture, which concerns the total coloring of graphs, the Alon-Tarsi number can be utilized to analyze the total graph of a given graph and derive bounds on its total chromatic number. By extending the Alon-Tarsi approach to total graphs and exploring the connections between total coloring and graph structure, new techniques and strategies can be developed to advance our understanding of total graph coloring and potentially make progress towards resolving the Total Coloring Conjecture.