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Linear Hadwiger Conjecture


The linear Hadwiger conjecture asserts that there is an absolute constant C such that every finite graph G satisfies

 chi(G)<=Ch(G),

where chi(G) is the chromatic number and h(G) is the Hadwiger number. Equivalently, every graph with no complete graph K_t as a graph minor can be colored with at most Ct colors. Unlike the Hadwiger conjecture, this permits a fixed constant factor rather than requiring C=1.

Norin and Steiner (2026) reported a proof. Norin and Steiner (2026) state that ChatGPT Astra 6 developed the proof following their research directions and feedback and that they take responsibility for the mathematical correctness. The full Hadwiger conjecture asserts chi(G)<=h(G).

Wood (2026) reported the explicit bound chi(G)<=1118430h(G) in the revised version of his paper. Wood (2026) states that Claude Opus 5.5 optimized the proof and drafted the manuscript and that GPT-6 performed checks. The author reports understanding the high-level argument but not checking every detail by hand. Wood (2026) reports a Lean formalization of the revised bound using only the standard axioms.


See also

Chromatic Number, Graph Minor, Hadwiger Conjecture, Hadwiger Number

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References

Norin, S. and Steiner, R. "A Proof of the Linear Hadwiger Conjecture." 4 Oct 2026. https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.05291.Wood, D. R. "Tweaking the Constant in the Linear Hadwiger Theorem." 16 Oct 2026. https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.10831v2.

Cite this as:

Weisstein, Eric W. "Linear Hadwiger Conjecture." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/LinearHadwigerConjecture.html

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