Average pairwise Hamming distance of a subset in a hypercube

In this note, we prove that for a subset $\mathcal{F}$ of $\{0,1\}^n$ of density $\frac{1}{8}$, its average pairwise Hamming distance is at least $\frac{n-3}{2}$, with equality attained only by $(n-3)$-dimensional subcubes. This answers a question of Lei Yu, and solves an important open case of a more general question posed by Ahlswede and Katona in 1977.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
arXiv (Cornell University)
Published
2026-10-29
DOI
https://doi.org/10.48550/arxiv.2610.40486
Primary Topic
Limits and Structures in Graph Theory
Type
preprint
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
preprint

Average pairwise Hamming distance of a subset in a hypercube

Hao Huang, Yijia Fang
arXiv (Cornell University)
Limits and Structures in Graph Theory
preprint

Average pairwise Hamming distance of a subset in a hypercube

Hao Huang, Yijia Fang
preprint en

Abstract

In this note, we prove that for a subset $\mathcal{F}$ of $\{0,1\}^n$ of density $\frac{1}{8}$, its average pairwise Hamming distance is at least $\frac{n-3}{2}$, with equality attained only by $(n-3)$-dimensional subcubes. This answers a question of Lei Yu, and solves an important open case of a more general question posed by Ahlswede and Katona in 1977.

arXiv (Cornell University)
Limits and Structures in Graph Theory
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Laika access coming soon
Average pairwise Hamming distance of a subset in a hypercube — Hao Huang, Yijia Fang · arXiv (Cornell University) (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS