학술논문

The sequence of prime gaps is graphic
Document Type
Working Paper
Source
Math. Ann. (2023)
Subject
Mathematics - Combinatorics
Mathematics - Number Theory
Primary 05C07, 11N05, Secondary 05C70, 11M26
Language
Abstract
Let us call a simple graph on $n\geq 2$ vertices a prime gap graph if its vertex degrees are $1$ and the first $n-1$ prime gaps. We show that such a graph exists for every large $n$, and in fact for every $n\geq 2$ if we assume the Riemann hypothesis. Moreover, an infinite sequence of prime gap graphs can be generated by the so-called degree preserving growth process. This is the first time a naturally occurring infinite sequence of positive integers is identified as graphic. That is, we show the existence of an interesting, and so far unique, infinite combinatorial object.
Comment: 14 pages, LaTeX2e; v2: revised version incorporating suggestions by the referee (e.g. the formal remarks below Theorems 2.2 and 2.4 are new)