MathLabs

Problem 4

Suppose G is a connected graph with k edges. Prove that it is possible to label the edges 1,2,…,k1,2,\ldots,k in such a way that at each vertex which belongs to two or more edges, the greatest common divisor of the integers labeling those edges is 1.
Step 1 of 4: Use the coprimality of consecutive labels
gcd⁡(t,t+1)=1\gcd(t,t+1)=1
Detailed analysis

The key observation is that any two consecutive positive integers have gcd 1. Thus a vertex incident with two edges carrying consecutive labels automatically satisfies the required condition, regardless of its other incident labels.