Minimal Cellular Resolutions of Path Ideals

Abstract

In this paper, we prove that the path ideals of both paths and cycles have minimal cellular resolutions. Specifically, these minimal free resolutions coincide with the Barile-Macchia resolutions for paths, and their generalized counterparts for cycles. Furthermore, we identify edge ideals of cycles as a class of ideals that lack a minimal Barile-Macchia resolution, yet have a minimal generalized Barile-Macchia resolution.

22 pages, references and the introduction are updated with 2 new references. March 2025 revision includes expanded proofs