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Decomposing a bipartite graph of maximal degree d to d matchings
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Problem
I have tried for the last few days to prove that any bipartite graph of maximal degree d may be broken into (at most) d matchings.
My main approach is to prove this inductively over the maximal degree d. This would require me to show that there must exist a matching which contains an edge for every one of the maximal degree nodes. (Such that the removal of this matching will leave me with a bipartite graph of maximal degree d, for which my inductive claim holds)
What I do know is to find a maximum matching (Via either some max-flow algorithm, or using the augmenting paths method, and arriving to the Gallai-Edmonds decomposition of the graph), but can't augment it to a maximum matching in which all maximal degree nodes are necessarily matched.
I was not able to prove it nor find a counter example for this subclaim, and would appreciate help. Thanks
My main approach is to prove this inductively over the maximal degree d. This would require me to show that there must exist a matching which contains an edge for every one of the maximal degree nodes. (Such that the removal of this matching will leave me with a bipartite graph of maximal degree d, for which my inductive claim holds)
What I do know is to find a maximum matching (Via either some max-flow algorithm, or using the augmenting paths method, and arriving to the Gallai-Edmonds decomposition of the graph), but can't augment it to a maximum matching in which all maximal degree nodes are necessarily matched.
I was not able to prove it nor find a counter example for this subclaim, and would appreciate help. Thanks
Solution
Possible approach: If a bipartite graph is $d$-regular then it can be decomposed into $d$ perfect matchings by Hall's theorem. Any bipartite graph of maximal degree $d$ can be completed to a $d$-regular bipartite graph (possibly by adding vertices).
Context
StackExchange Computer Science Q#25972, answer score: 3
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