Core Concepts
Hamiltonian path and cycle complexity in graphs of small independence number.
Abstract
The article discusses the complexity of Hamiltonian paths and cycles in graphs with small independence numbers. It explores the polynomial-time solvability of these problems and provides structural insights into obstacles for the existence of Hamiltonian paths. The analysis covers various scenarios based on the connectivity and independence of the graph components.
- Introduction to Hamiltonian graphs and paths.
- Complexity of Hamiltonian cycle existence.
- Structural results for Hamiltonian paths in graphs of independence number 2, 3, and 4.
- Classification of graphs based on Hamiltonian path solvability.
- Detailed analysis of Hamiltonian paths in 3K1-free and 4K1-free graphs.
- Conditions for the existence of Hamiltonian paths in different graph components.
- Theorems and proofs for Hamiltonian path solvability.
Stats
Jedliˇckov´a and Kratochv´ıl show that for every integer k, Hamiltonian path and cycle are polynomial-time solvable in graphs of independence number bounded by k.
Karp proved in 1972 that deciding the existence of Hamiltonian paths and cycles in an input graph are NP-complete problems.
Quotes
"A Hamiltonian path in a graph is a path that contains all vertices of the graph."
"Deciding the existence of a Hamiltonian cycle remains NP-complete on planar graphs."