Math Problem Statement

  1. Suppose you propose graph G with 5 vertices: A, B, C, E. The degreeof the vertices are: deg(A)=3, deg(B)=3, deg(C)=3,deg(D)=3, deg(E)=2. Which of thefollowing is true? :(a) G has a Hamiltonian circuit.(b) It is possible that G has a Hamiltonian circuit, but not certain.(c) G has no Hamiltonian path.(d) G is not a graph

Solution

To determine the correct answer to the problem, let's analyze the graph GG with the given degrees of its vertices:

Key Definitions:

  1. Hamiltonian Circuit: A cycle in a graph that visits each vertex exactly once and returns to the starting vertex.
  2. Hamiltonian Path: A path that visits each vertex exactly once but does not necessarily form a cycle.
  3. Graph Validation: A valid graph satisfies the Handshaking Lemma, which states that the sum of degrees of all vertices must be even, as it equals twice the number of edges.

Analysis:

1. Degree Check:

The degrees of the vertices are: deg(A)=3,deg(B)=3,deg(C)=3,deg(D)=3,deg(E)=2.\text{deg}(A) = 3, \text{deg}(B) = 3, \text{deg}(C) = 3, \text{deg}(D) = 3, \text{deg}(E) = 2. Summing these: 3+3+3+3+2=14,3 + 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 14, which is even, satisfying the Handshaking Lemma. Therefore, GG is a valid graph.

2. Hamiltonian Circuit Possibility:

For a graph with 5 vertices, a necessary condition (though not sufficient) for having a Hamiltonian circuit is that all vertices must have a degree of at least n/2=3\lceil n/2 \rceil = 3 for n=5n = 5. Here:

  • Vertex EE has degree 2, which does not satisfy this condition.
  • Therefore, GG cannot be guaranteed to have a Hamiltonian circuit.

3. Hamiltonian Path Possibility:

A graph may still have a Hamiltonian path even if it does not have a Hamiltonian circuit. There are no explicit conditions violated that make a Hamiltonian path impossible.

Answer Evaluation:

  • (a) GG has a Hamiltonian circuit: Incorrect, as vertex EE's degree violates the minimum condition.
  • (b) GG might have a Hamiltonian circuit, but it’s not certain: Correct, as the graph could theoretically have a Hamiltonian circuit depending on its specific structure.
  • (c) GG has no Hamiltonian path: Incorrect, as there is no condition explicitly disallowing a Hamiltonian path.
  • (d) GG is not a graph: Incorrect, as it satisfies the Handshaking Lemma.

Correct Answer:

(b) It is possible that GG has a Hamiltonian circuit, but not certain.


Would you like further clarification or details on Hamiltonian paths/circuits?

Related Questions:

  1. How can one determine if a graph has a Hamiltonian circuit using algorithms?
  2. What are sufficient conditions for a graph to have a Hamiltonian circuit?
  3. How does the Handshaking Lemma ensure graph validity?
  4. Can GG be modified to guarantee a Hamiltonian circuit?
  5. What is the difference between Eulerian and Hamiltonian paths?

Tip:

When analyzing Hamiltonian circuits, always check both necessary and sufficient conditions to avoid ambiguity.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Graph Theory
Hamiltonian Path
Hamiltonian Circuit
Degree of a Vertex
Handshaking Lemma

Formulas

Handshaking Lemma: Sum of degrees of vertices = 2 * number of edges
Condition for Hamiltonian Circuit: Degree of each vertex >= ⌈n/2⌉ for a graph with n vertices

Theorems

Handshaking Lemma
Necessary Condition for Hamiltonian Circuit

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12