Math Problem Statement
Which of the networks in Problems 6-11 are Euler circuits? If a network can be traversed, show how.
Solution
An Euler circuit is a path in a graph that visits every edge exactly once and returns to the starting vertex. For a graph to have an Euler circuit, two key conditions must be met:
- All vertices must have even degrees (the number of edges connected to each vertex).
- The graph must be connected, meaning every vertex must be reachable from any other vertex.
Let's analyze each problem in the image based on these conditions:
6. Hexagon Graph (A, B, C, D, E, F):
- Degree of each vertex: All vertices (A, B, C, D, E, F) are connected to two other vertices, giving them a degree of 2.
- Since all vertices have an even degree, and the graph is connected, this is an Euler circuit.
7. Hexagonal Graph with Diagonal (A, B, C, D, E, F):
- Degree of vertices: A, C, D, F have a degree of 2, but B and E have a degree of 3.
- Since B and E have an odd degree, this is not an Euler circuit.
8. Graph with Triangle and Diagonals (A, B, C, D, E, F, G):
- Degrees of vertices: A (3), B (4), C (3), D (3), E (3), F (3), G (6).
- Since multiple vertices (A, C, D, E, F) have an odd degree, this is not an Euler circuit.
9. Oval Shape (A, B, C, D, E):
- Degree of vertices: A (2), B (2), C (2), D (2), E (2).
- All vertices have an even degree, and the graph is connected, so this is an Euler circuit.
10. Star-like Shape (A, B, C, D, E):
- Degree of vertices: A (4), B (3), C (3), D (3), E (3).
- Vertices B, C, D, E have odd degrees, so this is not an Euler circuit.
11. Grid-like Graph (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I):
- Degrees of vertices: A (3), B (3), C (3), D (3), E (4), F (3), G (4), H (3), I (3).
- Multiple vertices (A, B, C, D, F, H, I) have odd degrees, so this is not an Euler circuit.
Conclusion:
- Euler circuits exist in problems 6 and 9.
- For problem 6, you can start at any vertex and follow the edges, for example: A → B → C → D → E → F → A.
- For problem 9, a possible traversal could be: A → B → C → D → E → A.
Do you need more detailed explanations or diagrams of the traversals?
Here are 5 related questions to deepen understanding:
- What are the specific conditions that make a graph have an Euler path instead of a circuit?
- Can a graph have an Euler path but not an Euler circuit? Why or why not?
- How do Euler's circuits differ from Hamiltonian circuits?
- What happens if only two vertices of a graph have odd degrees?
- How would removing one edge in problem 6 affect its status as an Euler circuit?
Tip: To find an Euler circuit, always start by checking the degree of each vertex—this often simplifies the analysis significantly!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Graph Theory
Euler Circuits
Degrees of Vertices
Connected Graphs
Formulas
Euler Circuit conditions: All vertices must have even degrees; The graph must be connected
Theorems
Euler's Theorem: A graph has an Euler circuit if and only if every vertex has an even degree and the graph is connected.
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12