Understanding Two Graph Theory Problems

In summary, the conversation discusses two problems related to graphs and trees. The first problem states that if there is only one simple path between any two vertices in a graph, then the graph is a tree. The second problem asks for which values of m and n the complete bipartite graph Km,n is also Kn+m. The conversation also mentions different definitions of a tree, including a connected acyclic graph and a graph where every two vertices are connected by a single simple path. Finally, it is noted that the answer to the second problem may depend on whether the values of m and n can be zero in the complete bipartite graph.
  • #1
Puzzles
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Hi!

I'm struggling with these two problems:

1. If for whichever two vertices a and b in the graph G there is only one simple path from a to b, then the graph is a tree.

Eh... isn't this part of the definition for a tree? I really don't even know where to start with proving this statements.

2. Find which complete bipartite graphs are complete.

What does it mean which COMPLETE bipartite graphs are complete? Can a complete bipartite graph not be complete?

Any help is very much appreciated!
 
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  • #3
There are several equivalent definitions of a tree. Some of them are:
  1. A connected acyclic graph.
  2. A graph where every two vertices are connected by a single simple path.
  3. A connected graph where every edge is a bridge (i.e., its removal makes the graph disconnected).
  4. A connected graph with $n$ vertices and $n-1$ edges.
  5. An acyclic graph with $n$ vertices and $n-1$ edges.

Concerning the second problem, a complete graph $K_n$ on $n$ vertices is a graph that has an edge between every pair of vertices. So I think the question means, for which $m$ and $n$ the complete bipartite graph $K_{m,n}$ is also $K_{m+n}$. The answer probably depends on whether $m$ and $n$ in $K_{m,n}$ can be zero.
 

1. What is graph theory and why is it important in science?

Graph theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of graphs, which are mathematical structures used to represent relationships between objects. It is important in science because it can be applied to various fields such as computer science, biology, economics, and social sciences to model and analyze real-world problems.

2. What are the two main types of graph theory problems?

The two main types of graph theory problems are graph coloring and graph connectivity. Graph coloring involves assigning colors to the vertices of a graph so that no adjacent vertices have the same color. Graph connectivity deals with determining if a graph is connected or if there exists a path between any two vertices in the graph.

3. How do you solve a graph coloring problem?

To solve a graph coloring problem, you can use various algorithms such as Greedy Coloring, Backtracking, or Genetic Algorithms. These algorithms aim to find the minimum number of colors needed to color a graph without any adjacent vertices having the same color.

4. What is an example of a real-world problem that can be modeled using graph theory?

A classic example is the "Traveling Salesman Problem," where a salesman needs to find the shortest route possible to visit a given set of cities and return to the starting point. This problem can be modeled using a graph, where the cities are represented as vertices and the distances between them as edges.

5. How is graph theory used in network analysis?

Graph theory is used in network analysis to study the structure and properties of complex networks, such as social networks, transportation networks, and computer networks. It helps to identify important nodes, measure the connectivity of a network, and understand how information flows through a network.

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