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.

Zhour Oumazouz1
1Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Mohammedia, Hassan II University, Mohammedia, Morocco
Abstract:

We study the Equivalent Local Sequence Problem (ELSP) for simple undirected graphs using Bouchet’s isotropic-system formalism and normal matrices over \(\mathbb F_2\). Although Bouchet’s theory characterizes graph local equivalence in polynomial time, converting normal-matrix certificates into explicit graph transformations remains challenging. We introduce the Normal-Matrix Factorization Problem (NMFP), which asks whether a normal-matrix witness of local equivalence has a graph-compatible factorization into elementary transformations. Whenever such a factorization exists, an explicit local-complementation sequence can be recovered in polynomial time. Thus, the constructive part of ELSP reduces to NMFP, identifying normal-matrix factorization as its main unresolved algebraic difficulty. We apply this framework to undirected Paley graphs. In contrast to the directed case, whose local-complementation dynamics are abelian and admit linear inversion, the undirected case is noncommutative and has a more intricate stabilizer structure. Using normal matrices, we analyze Paley-graph orbits and stabilizers, derive algebraic constraints on stabilizing transformations, and completely verify the first undirected Paley graph \(P_5\). These results establish NMFP as central to constructive local equivalence and reveal connections among isotropic systems, graph transformations, and algebraic stabilizers.

Kevin Pereyra1
1Departamento de Matematica, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
Abstract:

We relate two decompositions that isolate König–Egerváry structure: the SD–KE decomposition, defined by the classical Edmonds–Sterboul–Deming obstructions, and Larson’s critical independence decomposition, whose complement is \(2\)-bicritical. Let \(I\) be a maximum critical independent set, set \(L(G)=I\cup N_G(I)\), \(L^c(G)=V(G)\setminus L(G)\), and \(B=N_G(I)\). We first prove a normal form for maximum matchings: each maximum matching is obtained from a maximum matching of \(G[L^c(G)]\), a matching crossing from a subset \(X\subseteq B\) into exposed vertices on the \(L^c(G)\) side, and a maximum matching of \(G[L(G)-X]\). The possible sets \(X\) are the crossing profiles. For a crossing profile \(X\) and a maximum matching \(P\) of \(G[L(G)-X]\), view \(P\) as a matching of \(G[L(G)]\). Let \(\Lambda_I(G)\) be the union of the vertices on \(P\)-augmenting paths in \(G[L(G)]\), over all crossing profiles and all residual maximum matchings. We prove \(SD(G)=L^c(G)\cup\Lambda_I(G),\) and \(KE(G)=L(G)\setminus\Lambda_I(G).\) Thus the SD vertices on the Larson König–Egerváry side are precisely those reached by augmenting corridors forced by admissible crossings.

Tsz Lung Chan1, Wai Chee Shiu1, Gee-Choon Lau2
1Department of Mathematics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, Hong Kong, P.R. China
277D, Jalan Suboh, 85000 Johor, Malaysia
Abstract:

An edge labeling of a graph \(G = (V, E)\) is said to be local antimagic if it is a bijection \(f:E \to\{1,\ldots ,|E|\}\) such that for any pair of adjacent vertices \(x\) and \(y\), \(f^+(x)\not= f^+(y)\), where the induced vertex label \(f^+(x)= \sum f(e)\), with \(e\) ranging over all the edges incident to \(x\). The local antimagic chromatic number of \(G\), denoted by \(\chi_{la}(G)\), is the minimum number of distinct induced vertex labels over all local antimagic labelings of \(G\). In this paper, we study local antimagic labeling of three disjoint cycles with at least two odd cycles, one of which is \(C_3\). We prove that (1) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_3+C_3)=5\) and \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_3+C_{k})=4\) for \(k\geq 4\); (2) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_4+C_{2k+1})=4\); (3) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_6+C_{4k+1})=3\); (4) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_{10}+C_{8k-3})=3\); (5) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_5+C_{14})=4\) and \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_5+C_{4k+2})=3\) for \(k\neq3\); (6) \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_{4k+1}+C_{4k+5})=3\) and \(\chi_{la}(C_3+C_{4k+1}+C_{4k+6})=3\).

Wai Chee Shiu1, Gee-Choon Lau2
1Department of Mathematics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shatin, Hong Kong, P.R. China
277D, Jalan Suboh, 85000 Johor, Malaysia
Abstract:

This paper identifies and corrects invalid arguments in [Edge \(k\)-Product Cordial Labeling of Graphs, Eur. J. Pure Appl. Math., 18(2), Article No. 5887 (2025)]. In particular, several published statements are shown to be false through explicit counterexamples. Revised versions of these results are established under appropriate conditions, often involving structural properties such as girth. Correct bounds or conditions are obtained for specific graph classes, including shadow graphs, splitting graphs of stars, and path unions of cycles. These corrections clarify the limitations of the earlier claims and provide a more accurate foundation for further study of edge \(k\)-product cordial labeling.

Rizal Purnawan1, Angga Trisna Yudhistira2, Christoporus A. A. Ohmar3
1Independent Researcher, Surabaya, Indonesia
2Universitas Gajah Mada, Indonesia
3Independent Researcher, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Abstract:

This work introduces Combinatorial Grid Sequencing (CGS), an axiomatic combinatorial theory inspired by certain patterns of concrete-casting works in multi-storey building construction. By incorporating elementary number theory and max-plus algebra, we derive several theorems that characterize the inherent properties of CGS systems. Notably, the development of an explicit inverse map within this framework led to the independent discovery of three number-theoretic identities involving the floor function. The theory provides a rigorous framework for developing algorithms to model real-world problems categorized as CGS problems. We demonstrate that this approach offers a time-efficient, systematic computational model capable of significantly accelerating certain complex optimization tasks for engineers.

Ivica Martinjak1
1Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Applied Computing, University of Dubrovnik, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Abstract:

It is known that an automorphism group \(G\) acting on a symmetric, uniform, and balanced incidence structure \({\cal D}\) has the same number of orbits on the set of points and the set of lines of \({\cal D}\). Moreover, a group \(G\) induces a tactical decomposition of \({\cal D}\). These facts are often used to perform efficient constructions of various combinatorial designs and other incidence structures. In this paper, we use a variation of this approach to construct Hadamard 3-balanced incidence structures by employing an automorphism of order 3. We are also able to reach structures with a small automorphism group.

Dilbak Haje1, Delbrin Ahmed1, Hassan Izanloo2, Manjil Saikia3
1University of Duhok, University campus, Zakho street, Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq
2School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
3Mathematical and Physical Sciences division, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad – 380009, Gujarat, India
Abstract:

A signed Roman dominating function (SRDF) on \(G=(V,E)\), a finite, connected, simple graph is a mapping \(f : V \to \{-1, 1, 2\},\) such that

(a) For every vertex \(x \in V\), \(\sum\limits_{y \in N[x]} f(y) \ge 1,\) where \(N[x]\) denotes the closed neighborhood of \(x\), consisting of \(x\) together with all vertices adjacent to \(x\).

(b) Every vertex \(x \in V\) with \(f(x) = -1\) is adjacent to at least one vertex \(y \in V\) such that \(f(y) = 2\).

The weight of an SRDF is defined as \(\sum\limits_{v \in V(G)} f(v)\). The signed Roman domination number (SRDN) of \(G\), denoted by \(\gamma_{SR}(G)\), is the minimum possible weight among all signed Roman dominating functions on \(G\). In this work, we determine the signed Roman domination number of the ladder graph \(LG_n\) and its complement \(LG_n^c\).

Oleg Ogandzhanyants1, Sergey Sadov2, Margo Kondratieva3
1Russian State Pedagogical University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
2Private school, Moscow, Russia
3Memorial University, St. John’s NL A1C~5S7, Canada
Abstract:

The triplication method for constructing strong starters in \(\mathbb{Z}_{3m}\) from starters in \(\mathbb{Z}_{m}\) (say, a starter of order 21 from a starter of order 7) was proposed by the authors in 2025. The method reduced the construction of this particular combinatorial design (a strong starter in a cyclic group) to solving a Sudoku-type problem – an independent task with its own tools and techniques available. The Sudoku-type problem was formulated in terms of the so-called triplication table constructed from a starter of order \(m\). The method was applicable to odd orders \(m\ge 7\) not divisible by 3. In the present paper, our previous approach is developed in two directions: (1) the definition of the triplication table is generalized, which expands possibilities for its construction to include three base starters, “pseudostarters”, or even more general setup; (2) the formulation of the Sudoku-type problem is broadened to embrace various scenarios of “modular encoding” and reconstruction of strong starters from its solution. A theoretical gain of these developments is an improved understanding of the general structure of the triplication approach. A practical outcome is that all odd values \(m \ge 5\) (including those divisible by 3) are now admissible and the set of possible triplication tables is so broad that any latent strong starter of odd order \(3m\) can emerge by triplication.

Julian Allagan1, Vitaly Voloshin2, Weizheng Gao1, Vladimir Deriglazov1
1Department of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering Technology, Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, USA
2Department of Mathematics, Troy University, Troy, AL 36082, USA
Abstract:

For the prism graphs \(G_n=C_n\square P_2\), the chromatic polynomial has an explicit four-branch transfer-matrix expansion with polynomial eigenvalues and amplitudes. The Beraha-Kahane-Weiss (BKW) theorem then confines asymptotic root accumulation to equimodular ties and amplitude zeros. Here the only amplitude zeros are \(z=1\) and \(z=\frac{3\pm\sqrt5}{2}\), and a dominance check shows that none yields an isolated BKW limit point. A complete algebraic classification of the prism tie curves appears in [1]. The dominant quadratic-linear ties are recast here in a centered Cassini-type normal form, giving a product-of-distances interpretation together with explicit quartic implicit and centered polar equations. A global Rouché comparison also yields a uniform finite-\(n\) bound: every chromatic root of \(G_n\) satisfies \(|z|<6\) for all \(n\ge3\).

Yomi Anifowoshe1, Thomas Etchegaray2
1Baum Tenpers Institute, Arlington, Virginia, USA
2Premiere Research Academy, Maryland, USA
Abstract:

For a fixed integer \(k\geq0\), let \(p_k(n)\) denote the number of integer partitions \(\lambda=(\lambda_1,\ldots,\lambda_r)\) of \(n\) satisfying the minimal-difference condition \(\lambda_i-\lambda_{i+1}\geq k,\quad 1\leq i<r,\) with the convention that the smallest part is at least one. We study the logarithmic asymptotic growth of \(p_k(n)\) through the length-refined generating function \(P_k(q)=\sum_{r\geq0}\frac{q^{\,r+k\binom r2}}{(q;q)_r}.\) The factor \(q^r\) is essential and comes from the condition that each part is positive. For \(k\geq1\), we prove that \(\log p_k(n)\sim B_k\sqrt n,\) where \(B_k=2\sqrt{A_k}\) and \(A_k=\frac{\pi^2}{6}-Li_2(e^{-x_k})-\frac{k}{2}x_k^2,\) with \(x_k>0\) the unique solution of \(1-e^{-x_k}=e^{-kx_k}\). The case \(k=0\) is stated separately and gives the classical Hardy–Ramanujan constant \(B_0=\pi\sqrt{2/3}\). The proof combines a uniform Euler–Maclaurin estimate for the truncated Euler product, a discrete Laplace principle for the length sum, and Ingham’s Tauberian theorem.

Special Issues

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