Edge-Transitive Graph Checker

edge orbit symmetry

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About Edge-Transitive Graph Checker

An edge-transitive graph checker testing if for every pair of edges e₁,e₂ there exists an automorphism σ mapping e₁ to e₂. All edges are 'structurally identical'. Edge-transitive does NOT imply vertex-transitive and vice versa. Client-side.

Edge-Transitive Graph Checker Features

  • ET test
  • Edge orbits
  • VT compare
  • Semi-symmetric
  • Common graphs
Edge-transitive: automorphism group acts transitively on edges. Every edge 'looks the same'. K_n: both VT and ET. Semi-symmetric: ET but NOT VT (rare!). Smallest: Folkman graph (20 vertices). Edge-transitive ≠ vertex-transitive in general.

How to Use

Select graph:

  • Test: ET?
  • Orbits: Edge orbit 1
  • Compare: ET vs VT

Semi-Symmetric

A graph is semi-symmetric if edge-transitive, regular, but NOT vertex-transitive. Very rare! Smallest: Folkman graph (1967, 20 vertices). Must be bipartite. Each partition looks different but edges between them are symmetric.

Symmetry Classification

VT+ET = symmetric (arc-transitivity sometimes needed). ET only: semi-symmetric on regular, otherwise 'edge-transitive but not VT'. VT only: vertex-transitive but not edge-transitive. Both independent properties.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1Select graph.
  2. 2Compute edge orbits.
  3. 3Check single orbit.
  4. 4Compare VT.
  5. 5Classify symmetry.

Edge-Transitive Graph Checker — Frequently Asked Questions

Does ET imply VT?+

No! Semi-symmetric graphs are ET but not VT. However, for connected graphs: ET + vertex-regularity + odd number of vertices → VT. The relationship is subtle.

Does VT imply ET?+

No! There exist vertex-transitive graphs that are not edge-transitive. Example: the disjoint union of complete graphs. Connected examples exist too (multiple edge orbits).

What's the Folkman graph?+

Smallest semi-symmetric graph: 20 vertices, 40 edges, 4-regular. Edge-transitive but two orbits of vertices. Found by Folkman (1967). Very specific construction using bipartite double cover.

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