Three different zeta functions are attached to a finite connected, possibly irregular graph X. They originate with a zeta function of Ihara which is an analogue of Riemann's as well as Selberg's zeta function. The three zeta functions are associated to one vertex variable, two variables for each edge, and 2r(2r&1) path variables, respectively. Here r is the number of generators of the fundamental group of X. We show how to specialize the variables of the last two zeta functions to obtain the first and we give elementary proofs of generalizations of Ihara's formula which says that the zeta function for a regular graph is the reciprocal of a polynomial. Many examples of covering graphs are also considered.
We discuss zeta functions of finite irregular undirected connected graphs (which may be weighted) and apply them to obtain, for example an analog of the prime number theorem for cycles in graphs. We consider 3 types of zeta functions of graphs: vertex, edge, and path. Analogs of the Riemann hypothesis are also introduced.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.