Topics in Matroid Theory provides a brief introduction to matroid theory with an emphasis on algorithmic consequences.Matroid theory is at the heart of combinatorial optimization and has attracted various pioneers such as Edmonds, Tutte, Cunningham and Lawler among others. Matroid theory encompasses matrices, graphs and other combinatorial entities under a common, solid algebraic framework, thereby providing the analytical tools to solve related difficult algorithmic problems. The monograph contains a rigorous axiomatic definition of matroids along with other necessary concepts such as duality, minors, connectivity and representability as demonstrated in matrices, graphs and transversals. The author also presents a deep decomposition result in matroid theory that provides a structural characterization of graphic matroids, and show how this can be extended to signed-graphic matroids, as well as the immediate algorithmic consequences.

I. The topics of this book The concept of a matroid has been known for more than five decades. Whitney (1935) introduced it as a common generalization of graphs and matrices. In the last two decades, it has become clear how important the concept is, for the following reasons: (1) Combinatorics (or discrete mathematics) was considered by many to be a collection of interesting, sometimes deep, but mostly unrelated ideas. However, like other branches of mathematics, combinatorics also encompasses some gen eral tools that can be learned and then applied, to various problems. Matroid theory is one of these tools. (2) Within combinatorics, the relative importance of algorithms has in creased with the spread of computers. Classical analysis did not even consider problems where "only" a finite number of cases were to be studied. Now such problems are not only considered, but their complexity is often analyzed in con siderable detail. Some questions of this type (for example, the determination of when the so called "greedy" algorithm is optimal) cannot even be answered without matroidal tools.

This friendly introduction helps undergraduate students understand and appreciate matroid theory and its connections to geometry.

The theory of matroids connects disparate branches of combinatorial theory and algebra such as graph and lattice theory, combinatorial optimization, and linear algebra. This text describes standard examples and investigation results, and it uses elementary proofs to develop basic matroid properties before advancing to a more sophisticated treatment. 1976 edition.

The theory of matroids is unique in the extent to which it connects such disparate branches of combinatorial theory and algebra as graph theory, lattice theory, design theory, combinatorial optimization, linear algebra, group theory, ring theory and field theory. Furthermore, matroid theory is alone among mathematical theories because of the number and variety of its equivalent axiom systems. Indeed, matroids are amazingly versatile and the approaches to the subject are varied and numerous. This book is a primer in the basic axioms and constructions of matroids. The contributions by various leaders in the field include chapters on axiom systems, lattices, basis exchange properties, orthogonality, graphs and networks, constructions, maps, semi-modular functions and an appendix on cryptomorphisms. The authors have concentrated on giving a lucid exposition of the individual topics; explanations of theorems are preferred to complete proofs and original work is thoroughly referenced. In addition, exercises are included for each topic.

This major revision of James Oxley's classic Matroid Theory provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject, covering the basics to more advanced topics. With over 700 exercises and proofs of all relevant major theorems, this book is the ideal reference and class text for academics and graduate students in mathematics and computer science.