Victor Gurarie (University of Colorado, Physics Department) Conformal Field Theory Part 1
Apr. 17, 2019 4pm (MATH 350)
Grad Student Seminar
Hunter Davenport (CU Boulder)
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The Robertson-Seymour Theorem (aka the Graph Minor Theorem) states that given any infinite family of finite graphs, at least one graph in the family appears as a “minor” in one of the other graphs, or that finite graphs are “well-quasi-ordered” by the minor relation. The proof spans about 500 pages of research beginning in 1983 and concluding in 2004. One of the more accessible steps involves showing that trees are well-quasi-ordered by the graph minor relation and then classifying all finite graphs by their tree-width, a measurement of how tree-like they are. In this talk, we will define tree-decompositions and identify the canonical obstruction to a graph having small tree-width. This will lead into a discussion of the characterization of graphs by forbidden minors. We will conclude with some surprising consequences and, time permitting, an outline of the role of the bramble in the remainder of the proof.
Tree-Decompositions and the Graph Minor Theorem
Apr. 17, 2019 5pm (Math 350)
MathClub
Panel: Faculty and Graduate Students (CU Boulder)
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The CU Faculty and Graduate Students will offer advice on how to best prepare for graduate school in mathematics.