What are the definitions of graph theory and its components?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the definitions and components of graph theory, specifically addressing terms such as SIMPLE GRAPH, MULTIGRAPH, PSEUDOGRAPH, and SUBGRAPH. A SIMPLE GRAPH is defined as an ordered pair (V,E), where V represents vertices and E represents edges. The discussion clarifies that a graph is considered connected if there is a trail or path between every pair of vertices, and a component is defined as a maximal connected subgraph. Additionally, it is established that a graph can be both a multigraph and a pseudograph simultaneously if it contains multiple edges and loops.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic graph theory concepts
  • Familiarity with terms such as vertices and edges
  • Knowledge of subgraphs and their types
  • Basic comprehension of connected graphs and components
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of SIMPLE GRAPH and its applications in algorithms
  • Explore the differences between MULTIGRAPHS and PSEUDOGRAPHS
  • Learn about connected components and their significance in graph theory
  • Investigate advanced topics such as graph traversal algorithms (e.g., Depth-First Search, Breadth-First Search)
USEFUL FOR

Students of discrete mathematics, computer scientists, and anyone interested in understanding the foundational concepts of graph theory and its applications in various fields.

wubie
Hello,

My discrete math course has begun a section on graph theory. And I am hung up on some of the definitions. If someone is familiar with graph theory, I would appreciate it if some of these definitions could be reworded in another way. I will post the definitions we have taken so far and highlight the definitions with which I am having trouble.


SIMPLE GRAPH - is formally defined as an ordered pair (V,E) where V is a nonempty set of elements called vertices and E is a set of two-element subsets e = {u,v} of V called edges.


If some pairs of vertices have more than one edge joinging them, the result is called a MULTIGRAPH.
If there are loops ( which are edges beginning and ending at the same vertex) the result is called a PSEUDOGRAPH.

SUBGRAPH - of a graph is a set of vertices and edges, provided that all vertices incident with edges in the subgraph are included. In other words, a subgraph is a subset of the vertices and edges that itself forms a graph.

Types of Subgraphs


WALK - is a subraph that consists of a sequence of vertices and edges v0,e1,v1,e2,v2...en,vn such that for 1 =< i =< n, the edge ei joins vertices vi-1 and i.


TRAIL - a walk in which no edges are repeated.


PATH - a trail in which no vertices are repeated except perhaps for the first and last vertex.


CIRCUIT - is a trail whose first and last vertices are the same.


CYCLE - is a path whose first and last vertices are the same.


Components of a Graph - Two vertices of a graph that are joined by a path are said to belong to the same component of the graph. If the whole graph is one component, then it is said to be connected.


I definition of a walk is making more sense to me now that I have written it out here. But I still am having trouble with components of a graph and when a graph is connected.

I also would like to know, if a graph is considered a multigraph, but it also has a loop, is it a multigraph or a pseudograph?


Any help is appreciated. Thankyou.
 
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Originally posted by wubie
I definition of a walk is making more sense to me now that I have written it out here. But I still am having trouble with components of a graph and when a graph is connected.

A graph is connected if there is a trail/path betwteen every pair of vertices. "Connected" means what you think it ought to mean.

A component is a maximal connected subgraph. If a graph is connected, then it only has one component -- the entire graph. Otherwise, each 'disconnected' piece is a component.

Originally posted by wubie
I also would like to know, if a graph is considered a multigraph, but it also has a loop, is it a multigraph or a pseudograph?

How about both? They don't have to be exclusive.
 
Last edited:
Thankyou Ambitwistor and NateTG.

I think I understand now. I have to think about it a bit more but I believe I got it.
 

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