Remarks about the Arithmetic of Graphs

Abstract

The arithmetic of N, Z, Q, R can be extended to a graph arithmetic where N is the semiring of finite simple graphs and where Z and Q are integral domains, culminating in a Banach algebra R. A single network completes to the Wiener algebra. We illustrate the compatibility with topology and spectral theory. Multiplicative linear functionals like Euler characteristic, the Poincare polynomial or the zeta functions can be extended naturally. These functionals can also help with number theoretical questions. The story of primes is a bit different as the integers are not a unique factorization domain, because there are many additive primes. Most graphs are multiplicative primes.