As usual, Rk(r)(m) denotes the smallest integer n such that every k-colouring of [n](r) yields a monochromatic m-subset M∈[n](m). Prove that R2(2)(m)>2m/2 for m⩾3.
Let P([n]) have the colex order, and for a,b∈P([n]) let δ(a,b)=maxa△b; thus a<b means δ(a,b)∈b. Show that if a<b<c then δ(a,b)=δ(b,c), and that δ(a,c)=max{δ(a,b),δ(b,c)}.
Given a red-blue colouring of [n](2), the 4 -colouring
χ:P([n])(3)→{ red, blue }×{0,1}
is defined as follows:
χ({a,b,c})=⎩⎪⎪⎪⎪⎨⎪⎪⎪⎪⎧( red, 0)( red ,1)( blue, 0) (blue, 1) if {δ(a,b),δ(b,c)} is red and δ(a,b)<δ(b,c) if {δ(a,b),δ(b,c)} is red and δ(a,b)>δ(b,c) if {δ(a,b),δ(b,c)} is blue and δ(a,b)<δ(b,c) if {δ(a,b),δ(b,c)} is blue and δ(a,b)>δ(b,c)
where a<b<c. Show that if M={a0,a1,…,am}∈P([n])(m+1) is monochromatic then {δ1,…,δm}∈[n](m) is monochromatic, where δi=δ(ai−1,ai) and a0<a1<⋯<am.
Deduce that R4(3)(m+1)>22m/2 for m⩾3.