Math Problem Statement

Apply the nearest neighbor algorithm to the graph above starting at vertex A. Give your answer as a list of vertices, starting and ending at vertex A.

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to apply the Nearest Neighbor Algorithm starting at vertex AA. The algorithm involves selecting the edge with the smallest weight connecting to the next unvisited vertex. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Starting at AA

  • From AA, the possible edges are:

    • ABA \to B (weight 55)
    • ACA \to C (weight 99)
    • ADA \to D (weight 1313)
    • AEA \to E (weight 77)
    • AFA \to F (weight 22)
  • The smallest weight is 22, so go to FF.

  • Path so far: AFA \to F.


Step 2: At FF

  • From FF, the possible edges (excluding AA, which is already visited) are:

    • FBF \to B (weight 66)
    • FCF \to C (weight 1111)
    • FDF \to D (weight 33)
    • FEF \to E (weight 11)
  • The smallest weight is 11, so go to EE.

  • Path so far: AFEA \to F \to E.


Step 3: At EE

  • From EE, the possible edges (excluding FF and AA) are:

    • EBE \to B (weight 77)
    • ECE \to C (weight 88)
    • EDE \to D (weight 1414)
  • The smallest weight is 77, so go to BB.

  • Path so far: AFEBA \to F \to E \to B.


Step 4: At BB

  • From BB, the possible edges (excluding EE, FF, and AA) are:

    • BCB \to C (weight 1212)
    • BDB \to D (weight 66)
  • The smallest weight is 66, so go to DD.

  • Path so far: AFEBDA \to F \to E \to B \to D.


Step 5: At DD

  • From DD, the only remaining unvisited vertex is CC (weight 1010).
  • Go to CC.
  • Path so far: AFEBDCA \to F \to E \to B \to D \to C.

Step 6: Return to AA

  • From CC, return to AA (weight 99).
  • Final path: AFEBDCAA \to F \to E \to B \to D \to C \to A.

Final Answer:

The path is: AFEBDCA\boxed{AFEBDCA}

Let me know if you'd like further clarification or help with related concepts!

Related Questions:

  1. What is the total weight of the path AFEBDCAAFEBDCA?
  2. How does the Nearest Neighbor Algorithm compare to other algorithms like the Brute Force method?
  3. Can the Nearest Neighbor Algorithm guarantee the optimal solution for all graphs?
  4. What happens if you start at a different vertex, such as BB or DD?
  5. How would you solve this problem using a Hamiltonian circuit approach?

Tip:

When using the Nearest Neighbor Algorithm, always keep track of visited vertices to avoid loops and ensure every vertex is included.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Graph Theory
Algorithms
Optimization

Formulas

Nearest Neighbor Algorithm for shortest path

Theorems

Graph traversal and edge selection based on minimum weight

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12