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  • Early Years Foundation Stage

Simply Graphs

Age 16 to 18
Challenge Level Yellow star
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A graph is a set of vertices (or nodes), together with a set of edges (or arcs).

Look at the graphs below. You can print them off as a set of cards here.
 

Can you find graphs that you think 'belong' together in some sense?
Can you describe the features they have in common?
Could you draw more graphs that 'belong' in the same set?

Click below to see some definitions used to describe graphs.

  • A loop is an edge with the same vertex at both ends.
  • A simple graph has no loops, and there is no more than one edge connecting any pair of vertices. A multigraph has multiple edges connecting some pairs of vertices.
  • A walk is a sequence of edges in which the end of one edge (except the last) is the beginning of the next.
  • A trail is a walk in which no edge is repeated.
  • A path is a trail in which no vertex is repeated.
  • A cycle is a closed path (the end of the last edge is the start of the first).
  • A Hamiltonian cycle visits every vertex.
  • A connected graph has a path between every pair of vertices.
  • A tree is a simple connected graph with no cycles.
  • A complete graph is a simple graph where every pair of vertices is connected by an edge.

Can you find examples on the cards that match each definition? Can you draw some more examples of your own?

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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