What is the graph embedding problem in graph theory?

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What is the graph embedding problem in graph theory?

The graph embedding problem in graph theory refers to the task of representing or embedding a given graph into a specific space or surface, such as a plane or a higher-dimensional space, while preserving certain properties of the graph. The goal is to find a mapping or placement of the vertices and edges of the graph onto the chosen space in a way that maintains the connectivity and adjacency relationships of the original graph.

In other words, the graph embedding problem aims to find a geometric representation of a graph that captures its structural properties. This representation can be useful for various applications, such as network visualization, graph drawing, and algorithm design.

There are different types of graph embeddings, depending on the specific requirements and constraints. For example, planar graph embedding focuses on embedding a graph onto a plane without any edge crossings, while graph embedding in higher-dimensional spaces aims to represent a graph in a space with more than two dimensions.

Solving the graph embedding problem is often challenging, as certain graphs may not have a valid embedding in a given space due to their inherent properties or constraints. Researchers in graph theory have developed various algorithms and techniques to tackle this problem, aiming to find efficient and aesthetically pleasing embeddings for different types of graphs.