The Chromatic Number of the Plane is at Least 5

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In summary, an amateur has made a discovery in the field of mathematics, but it has been refined by professionals. The paper can be found on arXiv. The discussion revolves around a theorem that involves coloring neighboring countries and how this new discovery differs from the well-known 4-color theorem.
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Ackbach
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I love this stuff! An amateur gets this one, though his result is refined by the pros. His paper on arXiv is here.
 
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Ackbach said:
I love this stuff! An amateur gets this one, though his result is refined by the pros. His paper on arXiv is here.
Okay, why isn't the number four? Is this diagram of his not flat in the plane? I messed around with the 4 color theorem as a kid and I heard it was proved at some point. How is this one different?

-Dan
 
  • #3
topsquark said:
Okay, why isn't the number four? Is this diagram of his not flat in the plane? I messed around with the 4 color theorem as a kid and I heard it was proved at some point. How is this one different?

-Dan

The 4-color theorem is for coherent neighboring countries.
This is a more general theorem for graphs for which apparently 4 colors is not enough. We need at least 5 colors.
 

FAQ: The Chromatic Number of the Plane is at Least 5

What is the chromatic number of the plane?

The chromatic number of the plane is the minimum number of colors needed to color every point in the plane such that no two points of the same color are adjacent.

Why is the chromatic number of the plane at least 5?

The chromatic number of the plane is at least 5 because it has been proven that a plane cannot be colored with 4 or fewer colors without violating the rule of no adjacent points having the same color.

What is the significance of the chromatic number of the plane being at least 5?

The significance of the chromatic number of the plane being at least 5 is that it has important implications in graph theory and discrete mathematics, and has connections to various fields such as computer science, physics, and biology.

How is the chromatic number of the plane determined?

The chromatic number of the plane is determined through various methods such as the use of mathematical proofs and algorithms. It is a complex problem that has been studied by many mathematicians and continues to be an active area of research.

Is the chromatic number of the plane always at least 5?

Yes, the chromatic number of the plane is always at least 5. This is a fundamental property of the plane and has been proven by various mathematicians through rigorous mathematical proofs.

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