Graph Powers and Graph Homomorphisms

Abstract

In this paper we investigate some basic properties of fractional powers. In this regard, we show that for any rational number $1\leq {2r+1\over 2s+1}< og(G)$, $G^{{2r+1\over 2s+1}}\longrightarrow H$ if and only if $G\longrightarrow H^{-{2s+1\over 2r+1}}.$ Also, for two rational numbers ${2r+1\over 2s+1} < {2p+1\over 2q+1}$ and a non-bipartite graph $G$, we show that $G^{2r+1\over 2s+1} < G^{2p+1\over 2q+1}$. In the sequel, we introduce an equivalent definition for circular chromatic number of graphs in terms of fractional powers. We also present a sufficient condition for equality of chromatic number and circular chromatic number.