Graph families with constant distance determinant (Q1630898)

Summary: This paper introduces a new class of graphs, the clique paths (or the CP graphs), and shows that their distance determinant and distance inertia are independent of their structures. The CP graphs include the family of linear 2-trees. When a graph is attached to a CP graph, it is shown that the distance determinant and the distance inertia are also independent of the structure of the CP graph. Applications to the addressing problem proposed by \textit{R. L. Graham} and \textit{H. O. Pollak} [Bell Syst. Tech. J. 50, 2495--2519 (1971; Zbl 0228.94020)] are given.