Help with understanding this proof that all graphs contain an even number of odd vertices Theorem:

Adriana Ayers

Adriana Ayers

Answered question

2022-06-14

Help with understanding this proof that all graphs contain an even number of odd vertices
Theorem: Every graph contains an even number of odd vertices.
Proof: Let G be a graph of size m. Since the sum of the degrees of the vertices of G is even, namely 2m, and the sum of the degrees of the even vertices of G is even, it follows that the sum of the degrees of the odd vertices of G is even. Therefore, G has an even number of odd vertices.
Question: Why does knowing the sum of the degrees of even vertices and odd vertices of G follow that G has an even number of odd vertices?

Answer & Explanation

upornompe

upornompe

Beginner2022-06-15Added 20 answers

Explanation:
The sum of the degrees of even vertices, E, is even because it is a sum of even numbers. If the sum of the degrees of odd vertices, O, were odd, then E + O would be odd. But E + O = 2 m, which is even. So O must be even also. But O is a sum of odd numbers, and the sum of an odd number of odd numbers is always odd.

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