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Graph TheorySuperchallengeDirected Graphs and Network Flows

Directed Graphs and Network Flows · Superchallenge problem

A theorem of Stanley states that ∣P(G,−1)∣|P(G,-1)| (the chromatic polynomial evaluated at k=−1k=-1) equals the number of ways to orient every edge of GG so that the result has NO directed cycle. Using the cycle formula P(Cn,k)=(k−1)n+(−1)n(k−1)P(C_n,k)=(k-1)^n+(-1)^n(k-1), how many such "no directed cycle" orientations does C8C_8 have?