Quadratic embedding constants of fan graphs and graph joins

Abstract: We derive a general formula for the quadratic embedding constant of a graph join $\bar{K}m+G$, where $\bar{K}_m$ is the empty graph on $m\ge1$ vertices and $G$ is an arbitrary graph. Applying our formula to a fan graph $K_1+P_n$, where $K_1=\bar{K}_1$ is the singleton graph and $P_n$ is the path on $n\ge1$ vertices, we show that $\mathrm{QEC}(K_1+P_n)=-\tilde{\alpha}_n-2$, where $\tilde{\alpha}_n$ is the minimal zero of a new polynomial $\Phi_n(x)$ related to Chebyshev polynomials of the second kind. Moreover, for an even $n$ we have $\tilde{\alpha}_n=\min\mathrm{ev}(A_n)$, where the right-hand side is the An minimal eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix $A_n$ of $P_n$. For an odd $n$ we show that $\min\mathrm{ev}(A{n+1})\le\tilde{\alpha}_n<\min\mathrm{ev}(A_n)$.