Characterization of Line-Consistent Signed Graphs

Abstract

The line graph of a graph with signed edges carries vertex signs. A vertex-signed graph is consistent if every circle (cycle, circuit) has positive vertex-sign product. Acharya, Acharya, and Sinha recently characterized line-consistent signed graphs, i.e., edge-signed graphs whose line graphs, with the naturally induced vertex signature, are consistent. Their proof applies Hoede's relatively difficult characterization of consistent vertex-signed graphs. We give a simple proof that does not depend on Hoede's theorem as well as a structural description of line-consistent signed graphs.

arXiv comment5 pages. V2 defines sign of a walk and corrects statement of Theorem 4 ("is balanced and" was missing); also minor copyediting