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The theorem says: every planar graph has a vertex of degree at most 5.

In another question, the proof by contradiction for that is

Suppose that there exists a planar graph with all vertices having degree at least $6$. Then by the handshake lemma, $E = 3V$. If $G$ is planar, then $E \leq 3V - 6$, a contradiction.

In general, I'm familiar with the handshake lemma:

$2E = \sum deg(v)$

What I don't understand is, why can I substitute $\sum deg(v)$ with $6V$, so that the equation becomes $2E = 6V$ and simplifies to $E = 3V$. Why can I just replace the sum with $6V$ ?

BMBM
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1 Answers1

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There are $V$ summands and we assume that each of them is at least $6$. Hence $2E\ge 6V$ (not $2E=6V$). This still contradicts $E\le 3V-6$.

Hagen von Eitzen
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  • Another way to see it, is to notice that (per handshaking) $\frac{2E}V$ is the average degree. From $E\le 3V-6$ we conclude that $\frac{2E}V\le 6-\frac{12}V<6$ and hence certainly at least once $\deg(v)<6$. – Hagen von Eitzen Sep 04 '17 at 09:48
  • That makes sense, thanks! $2E$ is at least $6V$ basically, yeah. – BMBM Sep 04 '17 at 09:54