A Combinatorial Proof of Cayley's Formula via Degree Sequences

Abstract

Cayley's formula is a fundamental result in combinatorics that counts the number of labeled trees on n vertices. While existing proofs use approaches such as Prufer sequences and the Matrix-Tree Theorem, we give a combinatorial proof that highlights the role of degree sequences and structural properties of labeled trees. Our goal is to provide an accessible perspective and suggest connections to related enumeration problems.