(i) Define the chromatic polynomial p(G;t) of the graph G, and establish the standard identity
p(G;t)=p(G−e;t)−p(G/e;t),
where e is an edge of G. Deduce that, if G has n vertices and m edges, then
p(G;t)=antn−an−1tn−1+an−2tn−2+…+(−1)na0,
where an=1,an−1=m and aj≥0 for 0≤j≤n.
(ii) Let G and p(G;t) be as in Part (i). Show that if G has k components G1,…,Gk then p(G;t)=∏i=1kp(Gi;t). Deduce that ak>0 and aj=0 for 0≤j<k.
Show that if G is a tree then p(G;t)=t(t−1)n−1. Must the converse hold? Justify your answer.
Show that if p(G;t)=p(Tr(n);t), where Tr(n) is a Turán graph, then G=Tr(n).