Math Problem Statement
Answers
Solution
Let’s solve the questions step-by-step based on the given weighted graph and instructions:
4. Using Prim's algorithm (starting at vertex ):
Prim's algorithm starts at a specific vertex (here, ) and grows the minimum spanning tree (MST) by adding the smallest-weight edge connecting the tree to a vertex not yet in the tree.
Steps:
-
Start at vertex . The edges connected to are:
- (weight = 5)
- (weight = 6)
- (weight = 7)
- (weight = 8)
-
Select the smallest edge: (weight = 5). Add to the MST.
-
Add the smallest edge connecting or to a new vertex:
- (weight = 4)
- (weight = 6)
- (weight = 4)
- (weight = 6)
- (weight = 7)
- (weight = 8)
Select (weight = 4). Add to the MST.
-
Repeat for the remaining vertices, adding the smallest edge without forming a cycle:
- Add (weight = 4).
- Add (weight = 6).
- Add (weight = 8).
MST Edges:
5. Using Kruskal's algorithm:
Kruskal's algorithm sorts all edges by weight and selects edges in ascending order, avoiding cycles, until the MST is formed.
Steps:
-
Sort edges:
- (4)
- (4)
- (3)
- (3)
- (5)
- (6)
- (6)
- (7)
- (8)
-
Select edges in ascending order:
- (4)
- (4)
- (3)
- (3)
- (5)
- (6)
MST Edges:
6. Total weight of MST:
The sum of weights for the edges in the MST:
7. Using Prim's algorithm (starting at ):
Follow the same process as in Question 4 but start at .
Steps:
-
Start at . The edges connected to are:
- (weight = 3)
- (weight = 8)
Select (weight = 3). Add to the MST.
-
Add the smallest edge:
- (weight = 3)
- (weight = 6)
Select (weight = 3).
-
Continue until all vertices are included.
MST Edges:
Similar edges will result, since the MST structure is the same regardless of the starting vertex.
Do you want detailed explanations of any step? Here are five questions you might explore further:
- How do Prim's and Kruskal's algorithms differ in approach and use cases?
- What happens if a different starting vertex is chosen for Prim's algorithm?
- Could there be multiple MSTs for the same graph? Why or why not?
- How would the algorithm handle negative edge weights in the graph?
- What is the computational complexity of Prim’s and Kruskal’s algorithms?
Tip: Always visualize the graph when applying MST algorithms to understand the tree's growth!
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Graph Theory
Minimum Spanning Tree
Prim's Algorithm
Kruskal's Algorithm
Formulas
Sorting edges by weight (Kruskal's)
Selecting the smallest weight edge to expand the MST (Prim's)
Theorems
Greedy Algorithm for MST
Correctness of Prim's Algorithm
Correctness of Kruskal's Algorithm
Suitable Grade Level
Undergraduate or Advanced High School
Related Recommendation
Minimum Cost Spanning Tree: Prim's and Kruskal's Algorithms Explained
Minimal Spanning Tree Solution for Graph with Weighted Edges
Minimum Cost Spanning Tree (MST) Explained with Kruskal’s and Prim’s Algorithms
Prim's and Kruskal's Algorithms Explained with Step-by-Step Application
Calculating Minimal Spanning Trees and Constraints in Network Graphs