Math Problem Statement

The following graph is planar. (Trust me.) If it is drawn with no intersecting edges, into how many regions ("faces") does it cut up the plane?

Solution

To solve this problem, we can use Euler's Formula for planar graphs, which states:

VE+F=2V - E + F = 2

where:

  • VV is the number of vertices,
  • EE is the number of edges,
  • FF is the number of faces (regions), which includes the outer region.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Count the Vertices (V): The graph has 8 vertices, numbered from 1 to 8, so V=8V = 8.

  2. Count the Edges (E): This is a complete graph with 8 vertices, often denoted as K8K_8. For a complete graph with nn vertices, the number of edges EE is given by: E=n(n1)2E = \frac{n(n-1)}{2} Substituting n=8n = 8: E=8×72=28E = \frac{8 \times 7}{2} = 28

  3. Apply Euler's Formula: F=2V+E=28+28F = 2 - V + E = 2 - 8 + 28 F=22F = 22

Answer

The graph divides the plane into 22 faces.

Would you like further details or explanations?

Related Questions

  1. How would you apply Euler's formula for a non-planar graph?
  2. What happens to Euler's formula when there are overlapping or intersecting edges?
  3. How many edges are there in a complete graph with 10 vertices?
  4. What is the significance of Euler's formula in topology?
  5. How do we determine if a graph is planar?

Tip

Remember, Euler's formula VE+F=2V - E + F = 2 only holds for connected planar graphs without intersecting edges.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Graph Theory
Planar Graphs

Formulas

Euler's Formula V - E + F = 2

Theorems

Euler's Formula for Planar Graphs

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12