Let G be a graph of order n and average degree d. Let A be the adjacency matrix of G and let xn+c1xn−1+c2xn−2+⋯+cn be its characteristic polynomial. Show that c1=0 and c2=−nd/2. Show also that −c3 is twice the number of triangles in G.
The eigenvalues of A are λ1⩾λ2⩾⋯⩾λn. Prove that λ1⩾d.
Evaluate λ1+⋯+λn. Show that λ12+⋯+λn2=nd and infer that λ1⩽d(n−1). Does there exist, for each n, a graph G with d>0 for which λ2=⋯=λn ?