Growth: A Journal of Mathematics and Mathematics Education

ISSN: xxxx-xxxx

Growth: A Journal of Mathematics and Mathematics Education aims to provide a publication platform for high quality undergraduate research in mathematics and in mathematical pedagogy. The technical scope of the journal is combinatorial mathematics, broadly interpreted—the editorial board will consider all submissions in their areas of interest. All submitted articles must have an undergraduate research component and must be certified by a senior researcher. All submissions will be peer reviewed according to standard practices in academic mathematics. Precise editorial policies are set by the editorial board.

Donald L. Vestal Jr1, Anthony Glackin2
1Department of Mathematics and Statistics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota 57007
2Department of Mathematics and Statistics, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota 57007
Abstract:

Richard Rado’s work in Ramsey Theory established conditions under which monochromatic solutions to a linear system must occur. In this paper, we find exact values for a linear system involving the equation \(x_1 + x_2 + c = x_0\) and two colors: Let \(c\) and \(k\) be integers with \(-1 \leq c \leq k\). Then the 2-color Rado number for the system \[\begin{array}{lcl} x_1 + x_2 + c &=& x_0, \\ y_1 + y_2 + k &=& y_0, \end{array}\] is infinite if \(c\) and \(k\) have opposite parity, and has a value of \(4k+5\) if \(c\) and \(k\) have the same parity. We also extend this to the continuous result where we color the real numbers.

N. Bradley Fox1, Christopher P. Mooney2
1Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN 37044
2University of Wisconsin – Stout, Menomonie, WI 54751
Abstract:

In this article, we begin to investigate prime labelings of the zero-divisor graph of a commutative ring. A graph \(G\) with \(n\) vertices admits a prime labeling if the vertices can be labeled using distinct positive integers less than or equal to \(n\) such that any two adjacent vertices have labels which are relatively prime. We are able to construct several infinite families of commutative rings which will have prime labelings for their zero-divisor graphs. We also find infinite families of commutative rings which do not have prime labelings for their zero-divisor graphs. We then continue the process of determining which commutative rings will have prime labelings for their zero-divisor graphs by resolving the question for all rings with 14 or fewer vertices in their zero-divisor graph. We conclude with several unresolved questions that could be interesting to pursue further.

Shyam Saurabh1
1Department of Mathematics, Tata College, Chaibasa, India
Abstract:

Some methods of constructions of square tactical decomposable regular group divisible designs are described. These designs are useful in threshold schemes. An L_2 design is also identified as square tactical decomposable. This completes spectrum of the solutions of entire L_2 designs listed in Clatworthy [2] using matrix approaches.

Yanfang Li1, ZhaoHui Wu2
1College of Digital Technology and Engineering, Ningbo University of Finance and Economics, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315175, China
2College of Architecture and Traffic Engineering, Ningbo University of Technology, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
Abstract:

Lightweight design is widely used for optimizing machinery. This paper proposes an algebraic–topology–based structural optimization method that formulates a mathematical model for mechanical equipment. The model is solved via sequential linear programming and recast as a function-optimization problem addressed by a Memetic algorithm combining a Newtonian local search, adaptive multipoint crossover, and stochastic variability. Using a bridge crane main girder as a case study, we minimize cross-sectional area with selected sectional parameters as design variables and constraints from the Crane Design Manual. With population size 100 and 300 maximum iterations, the optimized girder achieves a 13% weight reduction. Static and dynamic analyses confirm that strength and stiffness satisfy safe working conditions.

Harvey Diamond1, Mark Kon2, Louise Raphael3
1Department of Mathematics,West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506
2Department of Mathematics, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215
3Department of Mathematics, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059
Abstract:

Given a directed graph, the Minimum Feedback Arc Set (FAS) problem asks for a minimum (size) set of arcs in a directed graph, which, when removed, results in an acyclic graph. In a seminal paper, Berger and Shor [1], in 1990, developed initial upper bounds for the FAS problem in general directed graphs. Here we find asymptotic lower bounds for the FAS problem in a class of random, oriented, directed graphs derived from the Erdős-Rényi model \(G(n,M)\), with n vertices and M (undirected) edges, the latter randomly chosen. Each edge is then randomly given a direction to form our directed graph. We show that \[Pr\left(\textbf{Y}^* \le M \left( \frac{1}{2} -\sqrt{\frac{\log n}{\Delta_{av}}}\right)\right),\] approaches zero exponentially in \(n\), with \(\textbf{Y}^*\) the (random) size of the minimum feedback arc set and \(\Delta_{av}=2M/n\) the average vertex degree. Lower bounds for random tournaments, a special case, were obtained by Spencer [13] and de la Vega [3] and these are discussed. In comparing the bound above to averaged experimental FAS data on related random graphs developed by K. Hanauer [8] we find that the approximation \(\textbf{Y}^*_{av} \approx M\left( \frac{1}{2} -\frac{1}{2}\sqrt{\frac{\log n}{\Delta_{av}}}\right)\) lies remarkably close graphically to the algorithmically computed average size \(\textbf{Y}^*_{av}\) of minimum feedback arc sets.

Czesław Bagiński1, Piotr Grzeszczuk1, Kamil Zabielski1
1Faculty of Computer Science, Białystok University of Technology Wiejska 45A, 15-351 Białystok, Poland
Abstract:

An alternative proof of A.B. Evans’ result on the existence of strong complete mappings on finite abelian groups is presented. Applications of strong complete mappings in computing the chromatic numbers of~certain Cayley graphs are discussed.

Thasneem T. R.1, Manju K. Menon2
1Kesari Govt. Arts and Science College, North Paravur, Ernakulam, Kerala, India, 683513
2Department of Mathematics, St.Pauls College, Kalamassery, Kerala, India, 683503
Abstract:

Let \(G = (V, E)\) be a simple graph. A subset \(D \subseteq V\) is called a dominating set of \(G\) if every vertex in \(V\) is either in \(D\) or has a neighbour in \(D\). A subset \(D \subseteq V\) is called an equitable dominating set of \(G\) if for every vertex \(v \in V \setminus D\), there exists a vertex \(u \in D\) such that \(uv \in E(G)\) and \(\lvert d_G(u) – d_G(v) \rvert \leq 1\). The minimum cardinality of an equitable dominating set of \(G\), denoted by \(\gamma^{e}(G)\), is called the equitable domination number of \(G\). In this paper, we study the equitable domination number of certain graph operators such as the double graph, the Mycielskian, and the subdivision of a graph.

Bahar Kuloğlu1, Engin Özkan2
1Sivas Science and Technology University, Sivas, Türkiye
2Marmara University, İstanbul, Türkiye
Abstract:

This paper studies the Pell-Narayana sequence modulo \(m\). It starts by defining the Pell-Narayana numbers and examining their combinatorial relationships with well-known sequences and functions, including Eulerian, Catalan, and Delannoy numbers. Building on this, the concept of a Pell-Narayana orbit is introduced for a 2-generator group with generating pair \((x, y) \in G\), which allows the analysis of the periods of these orbits. The results include explicit calculations of the Pell-Narayana periods for polyhedral and binary polyhedral groups, depending on the choice of generating pair \((x, y)\), along with a discussion of their properties. Furthermore, the paper determines the periodic lengths of Pell-Narayana orbits for the groups \(Q_8, Q_8 \times \mathbb{Z}_{2m},\) and \(Q_8 \times_\varphi \mathbb{Z}_{2m}\) for all \(m \geq 3\).

D. Froncek1
1University of Minnesota Duluth
Abstract:

A graph \(G=(V,E)\) is \(H\)-supermagic if there exists a bijection \(f\) from the set \(V\cup E\) to the set of integers \(\{1,2,3,\dots,|V|+|E|\}\), called \(H\)-supermagic labeling such that the sum of labels of all elements of every induced subgraph of \(G\) isomorphic to \(H\) is equal to the same integer and all vertex labels are in \(\{1,2,3,\dots,|V|\}\). We present a \((K_4-e)\)-supermagic labeling of the triangular ladder \(TL_{2n}\) for any \(n\geq2\).

Daniel Slilaty1
1Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Wright State University, Dayton, OH 45435
Abstract:

Slilaty and Zaslavsky (2024) characterized all single-element extensions of graphic matroids in terms of a graphical structure called a cobiased graph. In this paper we characterize all orientations of a single-element extension of a graphic matroid in terms of graphically defined orientations of its associated cobiased graph. We also explain how these orientations can be canonically understood as dual to orientations of biased graphs if and only if the underlying graph is planar.

Special Issues

The Combinatorial Press Editorial Office routinely extends invitations to scholars for the guest editing of Special Issues, focusing on topics of interest to the scientific community. We actively encourage proposals from our readers and authors, directly submitted to us, encompassing subjects within their respective fields of expertise. The Editorial Team, in conjunction with the Editor-in-Chief, will supervise the appointment of Guest Editors and scrutinize Special Issue proposals to ensure content relevance and appropriateness for the journal. To propose a Special Issue, kindly complete all required information for submission;