The logical strength of K\"onig's edge coloring theorem
Abstract
K\"onig's edge coloring theorem says that a bipartite graph with maximal degree has an edge coloring with no more than colors. We explore the computability theory and Reverse Mathematics aspects of this theorem. Computable bipartite graphs with degree bounded by have computable edge colorings with colors, but the theorem that there is an edge coloring with colors is equivalent to WKLo over RCAo. This gives an additional proof of a theorem of Hirst: WKLo is equivalent over RCAo to the principle that every countable bipartite -regular graph is the union of complete matchings. We describe open questions related to Vizing's edge coloring theorem and a countable form of Birkhoff's theorem.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2008.12694,
title = {The logical strength of K\"onig's edge coloring theorem},
author = {Carl Mummert},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2008.12694},
year = {2020}
}
Comments
Added several references. Expanded introduction and questions