On the Generalized Rational Exponents Conjecture

Abstract: For fixed graphs $H$ and $F$, let $\ex(n,H,F)$ denote the maximum number of copies of $H$ in an $n$-vertex $F$-free graph. In this note, we prove the generalized rational exponents conjecture, posed by Gerbner and Palmer, showing that for every rational number $α\ge1$, there exist fixed graphs $H_α$ and $F_α$ such that [ \ex(n,H_α,F_α)=Θ(n^α). ] Furthermore, the counting graph $H_α$ can always be chosen connected with diameter at most $3$. Our argument hinges on a localization--compression--shift framework, which transforms the Bukh--Conlon finite family construction for edges into a generalized Turán problem setting with a single forbidden graph.