Introduction
Networks in this day and age have been with us for many years. We have social networks and the Internet, which contain all kinds of connections. It all starts with graph theory which started back in the 1950s, but most of the work is only a few decades old.
Look at all the connections below. Even though the graph looks complicated, you can describe graphs with two terms. We will explore those terms in this lesson.
Following successful completion of this lesson, students will be able to...
- Model mathematical situations involving networks using vertex and edge graphs.
- Identify vertices and edges in a graph.
- Identify adjacent vertices.
- Identify a loop and parallel edges.
- Find a path between vertices in a graph.
Essential Questions
- How does graph theory relate to mathematics?
Enduring Understandings
- Network model building is used to represent design solutions for graphs, spanning trees, and practical applications.
The above objectives correspond with the Alabama Course of Study: Applications of Finite Mathematics standards: 16.