We prove algorithmic characterizations of weakly chordal graphs, which lead to efficient parallel algorithms for recognizing P5-free and [Formula: see text]-free weakly chordal graphs. For an input graph on n vertices and m edges, our algorithms run in O( log 2n) time and require O(m2/ log n) processors on the EREW PRAM model of computation. The proposed recognition algorithms efficiently detect P5 s and [Formula: see text] in weakly chordal graphs in O( log n) time with O(m2/ log n) processors on the EREW PRAM. Additionally, we show how the algorithms can be augmented to provide a certificate for the existence of a P5 (or a [Formula: see text]) in case the input graph is not P5-free (respectively, [Formula: see text]-free) weakly chordal.
An introduction to chordal graphs and clique trees