Maximal independent setIn graph theory, a maximal independent set (MIS) or maximal stable set is an independent set that is not a subset of any other independent set. In other words, there is no vertex outside the independent set that may join it because it is maximal with respect to the independent set property. For example, in the graph P_3, a path with three vertices a, b, and c, and two edges and , the sets {b} and {a, c} are both maximally independent. The set {a} is independent, but is not maximal independent, because it is a subset of the larger independent set {a, c}.
Vertex separatorIn graph theory, a vertex subset S \subset V is a vertex separator (or vertex cut, separating set) for nonadjacent vertices a and b if the removal of S from the graph separates a and b into distinct connected components. Consider a grid graph with r rows and c columns; the total number n of vertices is r × c. For instance, in the illustration, r = 5, c = 8, and n = 40. If r is odd, there is a single central row, and otherwise there are two rows equally close to the center; similarly, if c is odd, there is a single central column, and otherwise there are two columns equally close to the center.
Chromatic polynomialThe chromatic polynomial is a graph polynomial studied in algebraic graph theory, a branch of mathematics. It counts the number of graph colorings as a function of the number of colors and was originally defined by George David Birkhoff to study the four color problem. It was generalised to the Tutte polynomial by Hassler Whitney and W. T. Tutte, linking it to the Potts model of statistical physics. George David Birkhoff introduced the chromatic polynomial in 1912, defining it only for planar graphs, in an attempt to prove the four color theorem.
Universal vertexIn graph theory, a universal vertex is a vertex of an undirected graph that is adjacent to all other vertices of the graph. It may also be called a dominating vertex, as it forms a one-element dominating set in the graph. (It is not to be confused with a universally quantified vertex in the logic of graphs.) A graph that contains a universal vertex may be called a cone. In this context, the universal vertex may also be called the apex of the cone.
Acyclic coloringIn graph theory, an acyclic coloring is a (proper) vertex coloring in which every 2-chromatic subgraph is acyclic. The acyclic chromatic number A(G) of a graph G is the fewest colors needed in any acyclic coloring of G. Acyclic coloring is often associated with graphs embedded on non-plane surfaces. A(G) ≤ 2 if and only if G is acyclic. Bounds on A(G) in terms of Δ(G), the maximum degree of G, include the following: A(G) ≤ 4 if Δ(G) = 3. A(G) ≤ 5 if Δ(G) = 4. A(G) ≤ 7 if Δ(G) = 5. A(G) ≤ 12 if Δ(G) = 6.
