On the Erdős–Ulam problem for monochromatic union-closed families (Erdős Problem 1183): paper, code and Lean formalisation

Paper, code and Lean 4 formalisation for Erdős Problem 1183 (Erdős–Ulam). Let F(n) be the largest m such that every 2-colouring of the subsets of {1,…,n} contains a monochromatic union-closed family of m sets, and f(n) the analogous quantity for families closed under union and intersection. Both conjectures recorded for the problem are proved. First: for every t ≥ 1 there is ct > 0 with F(n) ≥ ct nt+1, so F(n) ≥ nω(n) for some ω(n) → ∞. The proof glues monochromatic cubes of a chain of disjoint blocks into one union-closed family, using a supersaturated two-letter Hales–Jewett theorem over random orderings and random block sizes. Second: F(n) ≤ Σj nd + 2 (random colouring and the Sauer–Shelah lemma), so F(n) ≤ n(1+o(1)) log₂ n and F(n) < (1+o(1))n. Both conjectures, stated as on erdosproblems.com, are machine-checked in Lean 4 with Mathlib, with no sorry and only Lean's standard axioms (propext, Classical.choice, Quot.sound). The paper also shows ⌈(n+1)/2⌉ ≤ f(n) < 12 n (log₂(n+2))², treats colourings by cardinality through Hilbert cubes and van der Waerden's theorem, and computes f(n) for n ≤ 10 and F(n) for n ≤ 7 with a SAT-based search, whose code and witnesses are included. Claude (Anthropic) assisted with the coding.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-09-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23050956
Primary Topic
Limits and Structures in Graph Theory
Type
preprint
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preprint

On the Erdős–Ulam problem for monochromatic union-closed families (Erdős Problem 1183): paper, code and Lean formalisation

Deep Bhattacharjee, Priyabrata Mandal, Ushashi Bhattacharya
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Limits and Structures in Graph Theory
preprint

On the Erdős–Ulam problem for monochromatic union-closed families (Erdős Problem 1183): paper, code and Lean formalisation

Deep Bhattacharjee, Priyabrata Mandal, Ushashi Bhattacharya
preprint en

Abstract

Paper, code and Lean 4 formalisation for Erdős Problem 1183 (Erdős–Ulam). Let F(n) be the largest m such that every 2-colouring of the subsets of {1,…,n} contains a monochromatic union-closed family of m sets, and f(n) the analogous quantity for families closed under union and intersection. Both conjectures recorded for the problem are proved. First: for every t ≥ 1 there is ct > 0 with F(n) ≥ ct nt+1, so F(n) ≥ nω(n) for some ω(n) → ∞. The proof glues monochromatic cubes of a chain of disjoint blocks into one union-closed family, using a supersaturated two-letter Hales–Jewett theorem over random orderings and random block sizes. Second: F(n) ≤ Σj nd + 2 (random colouring and the Sauer–Shelah lemma), so F(n) ≤ n(1+o(1)) log₂ n and F(n) < (1+o(1))n. Both conjectures, stated as on erdosproblems.com, are machine-checked in Lean 4 with Mathlib, with no sorry and only Lean's standard axioms (propext, Classical.choice, Quot.sound). The paper also shows ⌈(n+1)/2⌉ ≤ f(n) < 12 n (log₂(n+2))², treats colourings by cardinality through Hilbert cubes and van der Waerden's theorem, and computes f(n) for n ≤ 10 and F(n) for n ≤ 7 with a SAT-based search, whose code and witnesses are included. Claude (Anthropic) assisted with the coding.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
National Taiwan University (TW), Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (IN)
Limits and Structures in Graph Theory
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On the Erdős–Ulam problem for monochromatic union-closed families (Erdős Problem 1183): paper, code and Lean formalisation — Deep Bhattacharjee, Priyabrata Mandal, et al. · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS