Power graphs and exchange property for resolving sets

Abstract

Classical applications of resolving sets and metric dimension can be observed in robot navigation, networking and pharmacy. In the present article, a formula for computing the metric dimension of a simple graph wihtout singleton twins is given. A sufficient condition for the graph to have the exchange property for resolving sets is found. Consequently, every minimal resolving set in the graph forms a basis for a matriod in the context of independence defined by Boutin [Determining sets, resolving set and the exchange property, Graphs Combin., 2009, 25, 789-806]. Also, a new way to define a matroid on finite ground is deduced. It is proved that the matroid is strongly base orderable and hence satisfies the conjecture of White [An unique exchange property for bases, Linear Algebra Appl., 1980, 31, 81-91]. As an application, it is shown that the power graphs of some finite groups can define a matroid. Moreover, we also compute the metric dimension of the power graphs of dihedral groups.