Problem 77 — Visual explainer (undergrad) ========================================= Problem statement --------------- If $R(k)$ is the Ramsey number for $K_k$, the minimal $n$ such that every $2$-colouring of the edges of $K_n$ contains a monochromatic copy of $K_k$, then find the value of\[\lim_{k\to \infty}R(k)^{1/k}.\] Picture ------- [Given objects + constraints] ---> [Count / structure] ---> [Show bound / existence] Conjecture / Task: what to look at ------------------------ - Restate the problem as: given the constraint, what asymptotic bound or structure must follow? - Use the comments as benchmarks (best known bounds / constructions). Benchmarks / known results (from comments) ---------------------------------------- - Erd\H{o}s offered \$100 for just a proof of the existence of this constant, without determining its value. - He also offered \$1000 for a proof that the limit does not exist, but says 'this is really a joke as [it] certainly exists'. - (In he raises this prize to \$10000). - Erd\H{o}s proved\[\sqrt{2}\leq \liminf_{k\to \infty}R(k)^{1/k}\leq \limsup_{k\to \infty}R(k)^{1/k}\leq 4.\]The upper bound has been improved to $4-\tfrac{1}{128}$ by Campos, Griffiths, Morris, and Sahasrabudhe.