On the Number of Matchings in Regular Graphs

Abstract

For the set of graphs with a given degree sequence, consisting of any number of $2^{\prime }s$ and $1^{\prime }s$, and its subset of bipartite graphs, we characterize the optimal graphs who maximize and minimize the number of $m$-matchings. We find the expected value of the number of $m$-matchings of $r$-regular bipartite graphs on $2n$ vertices with respect to the two standard measures. We state and discuss the conjectured upper and lower bounds for $m$-matchings in $r$-regular bipartite graphs on $2n$ vertices, and their asymptotic versions for infinite $r$-regular bipartite graphs. We prove these conjectures for 2-regular bipartite graphs and for $m$-matchings with $m\le 4$.

26 pages, 4 figures