Are There Missing Minimal Paths or Cuts?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying minimal paths and cuts in a given graph, as well as deriving an expression for the structure function based on these paths and cuts. The context includes mathematical reasoning related to graph theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests assistance in identifying minimal paths and cuts in a graph, providing their initial findings for both.
  • Another participant asserts that there should be ten paths in total, questioning the meaning of the labels used in the graph.
  • A third participant clarifies that the labels represent components of the system and challenges the assertion of ten paths.
  • A later reply explains the reasoning behind the claim of ten paths, detailing the connections between vertices in a strongly connected graph.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the total number of paths, with one participant claiming ten paths based on a specific counting method, while another questions this conclusion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the completeness of the identified paths and cuts.

Contextual Notes

There may be limitations related to the definitions of paths and cuts, as well as assumptions about the graph's structure that are not fully articulated. The reasoning for the count of paths is based on a specific interpretation of the graph's connectivity.

brad sue
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Hi,
please I need help with finding the minimal paths and cuts of the attached figure.

Here for the cuts I found: {1,6}, {7,3}, {6,4,2}, {2,5,7}
for the paths I get: {6,7},{1,2,3},{1,2,5,7},{1,4,7}
Do i miss some paths or cut please?

Also i cannot find the an expression for the structure function, using minimal paths and cuts.

Thank you
 

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I am pretty sure there should be ten paths. What do the labels mean? Are they just labels for the edges or distances?
 
hi,
the labels are components of the system with their logical connections. how do you know , i need to have 10 paths?
 
The graph is strongly connected, there is a path between each two vertices. There are five vertices, so there are 4 paths from an arbitrary vertex to another (not including paths to itself), then from another arbitrary vertex there are 3 paths to other vertices not including the first counted path, etc. 4+3+2+1= 10.
 

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