Graphs

Definition:
a graph is an abstract representation of a
set of objects where some pairs of the
objects are connected by links. The
interconnected objects are represented by
mathematical abstractions called vertices,
and the links that connect some pairs of
vertices are called edges.

B
C
F
A

A vertex is a point where edges

meet
B
C
F
A

An edge can start and end at the same

vertex

A vertex is a point where edges

meet
B
C
F
A

An edge can start and end at the same

vertex

A vertex is a point where edges

meet
B
C
F
A

Vertices are also known as

nodes
Edges are also known as

A weight is a number associated with

an edge
B
C
F
A

A weight is a number associated with

an edge
B
8
C

3
F

5
A
4

6
E

This could represent a distance, time

or cost

A path runs from one vertex to another

along edges
B
8
C

3
F

5
A
4

6
E

but no vertex is passed through more

than once

A path runs from one vertex to another

along edges
B
8
C

3
F

5
A
4

6
E

but no vertex is passed through more

than once

A closed path returns to

the start
B
8
C

3
F

5
A
4

6
E

A closed path returns to

the start
B
8
C

3
F

5
A
4

6
E

This is also known as a circuit or

cycle

In a connected graph it is possible to find

a path between any two vertices:
B
8
C

3
F

5
A
4

6
E

This graph is not connected:

B
8
C
F

5
A

5
4
6
E

A tree is a connected graph of some

vertices which contains no cycles
B
8
C

3
F

5
A
4

6
E

A tree is a connected graph of some

vertices which contains no cycles
B
C

2
5

A
3
6
E

A spanning tree is a connected graph of

all vertices which contains no cycles
B
C

3
5

A
3
6
E

The minimum spanning tree is the

spanning tree with the least weight
B
C

3
5

A
3
6
E

Length of this tree

is 19

The minimum spanning tree is the

spanning tree with the least weight
B
8
C

3
F

5
A
4

6
E

Can you find the least

weight?

The minimum spanning tree is the

spanning tree with the least weight
B
8
C

3
F

5
A
4

6
E

The least weight

is 15

The minimum spanning tree is the

spanning tree with the least weight
B
C

3
F

5
A

The least weight

is 15