Lower bounds on the general first Zagreb index of graphs with low cyclomatic number (Q6145808)

For a real number \(a\ne 0\), the general first Zagreb index is defined as \[M_1^a(G)=\sum\limits_{v\in V(G)} d_v^a.\] The results of \(M_1^a(G)\) for \(a>0\) have extensiverly been studied. In this paper, the authors prove several results for \(M_1^a(G)\) such that \(a<0\). Several sharp bounds on \(M_1^a(G)\) with \(a<0\) for trees, unicyclic graphs, and bicyclic graphs with given order and maximum degrees are proven. Extremal graphs attaining the bounds are also characterized. Other graphical indices whose degree functions are either convex or concave are also considered in this respect. The main tools authors employ to show their results are extremal set theory and tools from mathematical analysis.