English

The logical strength of K\"onig's edge coloring theorem

Logic 2020-09-03 v2

Abstract

K\"onig's edge coloring theorem says that a bipartite graph with maximal degree nn has an edge coloring with no more than nn colors. We explore the computability theory and Reverse Mathematics aspects of this theorem. Computable bipartite graphs with degree bounded by nn have computable edge colorings with n+1n+1 colors, but the theorem that there is an edge coloring with nn 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 nn-regular graph is the union of nn complete matchings. We describe open questions related to Vizing's edge coloring theorem and a countable form of Birkhoff's theorem.

Keywords

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