CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 1

CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS

2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

UNIT I INTRODUCTION

1. Define Graph.
A graph G = (V, E) consists of a set of objects V={v1, v2, v3, } called vertices (also called
points or nodes) and other set E = {e1, e2, e3, .......} whose elements are called edges (also called lines
or arcs).
The set V(G) is called the vertex set of G and E(G) is the edge set of G.
For example :
A graph G is defined by the sets V(G) = {u, v, w, x, y, z} and E(G) = {uv, uw, wx, xy, xz}.
v
Graph G: u

x y
w

z
A graph with p-vertices and q-edges is called a (p, q) graph. The (1, 0) graph is called trivial
graph.

2. Define Simple graph.

An edge having the same vertex as its end vertices is called a self-loop.
More than one edge associated a given pair of vertices called parallel edges.
A graph that has neither self-loops nor parallel edges is called simple graph.
Graph G: Graph H:
u v u v

w x y w x y
Simple Graph Pseudo Graph
3. Write few problems solved by the applications of graph theory.
Konigsberg bridge problem
Utilities problem
Electrical network problems
Seating problems

4. Define incidence, adjacent and degree.

When a vertex vi is an end vertex of some edge ej, vi and ej are said to be incident with each
other. Two non parallel edges are said to be adjacent if they are incident on a common vertex. The
number of edges incident on a vertex vi, with self-loops counted twice, is called the degree (also called
valency), d(vi), of the vertex vi. A graph in which all vertices are of equal degree is called regular
graph.
Graph G: v1 v2 e1
e3
e5 e4 e2
e6 e7
v3 6 v4 v5
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2

The edges e2, e6 and e7 are incident with vertex v4.

The edges e2 and e7 are adjacent.
The edges e2 and e4 are not adjacent.
The vertices v4 and v5 are adjacent.
The vertices v1 and v5 are not adjacent.
d(v1) = d(v3) = d(v4) = 3. d(v2) = 4. d(v5) = 1.

5. What are finite and infinite graphs?

A graph with a finite number off vertices as well as a finite number of edges is called a finite
graph; otherwise, it is an infinite graph.

Finite Graphs
Infinite Graphs
6. Define Isolated and pendent vertex.
A vertex having no incident edge is called an isolated vertex. In other words, isolated vertices
are vertices with zero degree. A vertex of degree one is called a pendant vertex or an end vertex.

Graph G: v1 v2 e1
e3
e5 e4 e2
e6 e7
v7 v3 6 v4 v5 v6

The vertices v6 and v7 are isolated vertices.

The vertex v5 is a pendant vertex.

7. Define null graph.

In a graph G=(V, E), If E is empty (Graph without any edges) Then G is called a null graph.
Graph G: v1 v2

v7 v3 v4 v5 v6
8. Define Multigraph
In a multigraph, no loops are allowed but more than one edge can join two vertices, these edges
are called multiple edges or parallel edges and a graph is called multigraph.
Graph G: v1 v2
e3
e5 e4 e2
e6 e7
v3 6 v4 v5 v6
The edges e5 and e4 are multiple (parallel) edges.
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 3

9. Define complete graph

A simple graph G is said to be complete if every vertex in G is connected with every other
vertex. i.e., if G contains exactly one edge between each pair of distinct vertices.
A complete graph is usually denoted by Kn. It should be noted that Kn has exactly n(n-1)/2
edges.
The complete graphs Kn for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are show in the following Figure.

10. Define Regular graph

A graph in which all vertices are of equal degree, is called a regular graph.
If the degree of each vertex is r, then the graph is called a regular graph of degree r.

11. Define Cycles

The cycle Cn, n 3, consists of n vertices v1, v2, ..., vn and edges {v1, v2}, {v2, v3}, ......, {vn 1,
vn}, and {vn, v1}.
The cyles c3, c4 and c5 are shown in the following Figures
v1 v1
v1 v2
v5 v2

v2 v3 v4 v3
v4 v3

12. Define Isomorphism.

Two graphs G and G' are said to be isomorphic to each other if there is a one-to-one
correspondence between their vertices and between their edges such that the incidence relationship is
preserved.
a v5
Graph G: v1 e1
e Graph G':
5 2 e3
4 v4 v3
1
e2 e4 e6
6 c
3
b d
v1 e5 v2
Correspondence of vertices Correspondence of edges 6
f(a) = v1 f(1) = e1
f(b) = v2 f(2) = e2
f(c) = v3 f(3) = e3
f(d) = v4 f(4) = e4
f(e) = v5 f(5) = e5
Adjacency also preserved. Therefore G and G' are said to be isomorphic.
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 4

13. What is Subgraph?

A graph G' is said to be a subgraph of a graph G, if all the vertices and all the edges of G' are
in G, and each edge of G' has the same end vertices in G' as in G.

Graph G: v1 e1 v2 e2 v3 v1 e1 v2 e2 v3
Subgraph G' of G:

e3 e4 e5 e4
e6 e4 e4
v4 6 v5 v6 v5 v6

14. Define Walk, Path and Circuit.

A walk is defined as a finite alternating sequence of vertices and edges, beginning and ending
with vertices. No edge appears more than once. It is also called as an edge train or a chain.
An open walk in which no vertex appears more than once is called path. The number of edges
in the path is called length of a path.
A closed walk in which no vertex (except initial and final vertex) appears more than once is
called a circuit. That is, a circuit is a closed, nonintersecting walk.
v1 v1 v1

g a g a c g a
c c
b b b
v2 v2 v2
v3 v3 v3
e f e f d e f
d d
h h h
v4 v5 v4 v5 v4 v5

Graph G: Open walk Path of length 3

v1 a v2 b v3 c v3 d v4 e v2 f v5 is a walk. v1 and v5 are terminals of walk.

v1 a v2 b v3 d v4 is a path. a v2 b v3 c v3 d v4 e v2 f v5 is not a path.
v2 b v3 d v4 e v2 is a circuit.

15. Define connected graph. What is Connectedness?

A graph G is said to be connected if there is at least one path between every pair of vertices in
G. Otherwise, G is disconnected.
v1 v2 v1 v2
e1
e3
e5 e4 e2 e5 e4 e3 e2
e6 e7
v3 6 v4 v5 v3 e6 v6 v4 v5
Connected Graph G Disconnected
6 Graph H

16. Define Components of graph.

A disconnected graph consists of two or more connected graphs. Each of these connected
subgraphs is called a component.
v1 v2

e5 e4 e3 e2

v3 e6 v6 v4 v5
Disconnected Graph H6 with 3 components
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 5

17. Define Euler graph.

A path in a graph G is called Euler path if it includes every edges exactly once. Since the path
contains every edge exactly once, it is also called Euler trail / Euler line.
A closed Euler path is called Euler circuit. A graph which contains an Eulerian circuit is called
an Eulerian graph.
v1 e4 v2

e1
e2 e3 e5
e6
v3 e67 v4
v4 e1 v1 e2 v3 e3 v1 e4 v2 e5 v4 e6 v3 e7 v4 is an Euler circuit. So the above graph is Euler graph.
6

18. Define Hamiltonian circuits and paths

A Hamiltonian circuit in a connected graph is defined as a closed walk that traverses every
vertex of graph G exactly once except starting and terminal vertex.
Removal of any one edge from a Hamiltonian circuit generates a path. This path is called
Hamiltonian path.

19. Define Tree

A tree is a connected graph without any circuits. Trees with 1, 2, 3, and 4 vertices are shown in
figure.

20. List out few Properties of trees.

1. There is one and only one path between every pair of vertices in a tree T.
2. In a graph G there is one and only one path between every pair of vertices, G is a tree.
3. A tree with n vertices has n-1 edges.
4. Any connected graph with n vertices has n-1 edges is a tree.
5. A graph is a tree if and only if it is minimally connected.
6. A graph G with n vertices has n-1 edges and no circuits are connected.

21. What is Distance in a tree?

In a connected graph G, the distance d(vi , vj) between two of its vertices vi and vj is the length
of the shortest path.

Graph G: d v1 e v2

a c f h j k

v6 b v3 g v4 i v5
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 6

Paths between vertices v6 and v2 are (a, e), (a, c, f), (b, c, e), (b, f), (b, g, h), and (b, g, i, k).
The shortest paths between vertices v6 and v2 are (a, e) and (b, f), each of length two.
Hence d(v6 , v2) =2

22. Define eccentricity and center.

The eccentricity E(v) of a vertex v in a graph G is the distance from v to the vertex farthest
from v in G; that is,
= max (, )

A vertex with minimum eccentricity in graph G is called a center of G
Graph G: a

d c
b
Distance d(a, b) = 1, d(a, c) =2, d(c, b)=1, and so on.
Eccentricity E(a) =2, E(b) =1, E(c) =2, and E(d) =2.
Center of G = A vertex with minimum eccentricity in graph G = b.

23. Define distance metric.

The function f (x, y) of two variables defines the distance between them. These function must
satisfy certain requirements. They are
1. Non-negativity: f (x, y) 0, and f (x, y) = 0 if and only if x = y.
2. Symmetry: f (x, y) = f (x, y).
3. Triangle inequality: f (x, y) f (x, z) + f (z, y) for any z.

24. What are the Radius and Diameter in a tree.

The eccentricity of a center in a tree is defined as the radius of tree.
The length of the longest path in a tree is called the diameter of tree.

25. Define Rooted tree

A tree in which one vertex (called the root) is distinguished from all the others is called a
rooted tree.
In general tree means without any root. They are sometimes called as free trees (non rooted
trees).
The root is enclosed in a small triangle. All rooted trees with four vertices are shown below.

26. Define Rooted binary tree

There is exactly one vertex of degree two (root) and each of remaining vertex of degree one or three.
A binary rooted tree is special kind of rooted tree. Thus every binary tree is a rooted tree. A
non pendent vertex in a tree is called an internal vertex. Prepared by G. Appasami, Assistant professor,
Dr. pauls Engineering College.
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 7

UNIT II TREES, CONNECTIVITY & PLANARITY

1. Define Spanning trees.

A tree T is said to be a spanning tree of a connected graph G if T is a subgraph of G and T
contains all vertices (maximal tree subgraph).

v1 e4 v2 v1 e4 v2
Graph G: Spanning Tree T:
e1 e1
e2 e3 e5 e3
e6
v3 e67 v4 v3 v4
6
2. Define Branch and chord.
An edge in a spanning tree T is called a branch of T. An edge of G is not in a given spanning
tree T is called a chord (tie or link).
v1 e4 v2 v1 e4 v2
Graph G: Spanning Tree T:
e1 e1
e2 e3 e5 e3
e6
v3 e67 v4 v3 v4
6
Edge e1 is a branch of T Edge e5 is a chord of T

3. Define complement of tree.

If T is a spanning tree of graph G, then the complement of T of G denoted by is the collection

of chords. It also called as chord set (tie set or cotree) of T

Graph G: Spanning Tree T: :Complement of Tree T

v1 e4 v2 v1
v1 e4 v2 v2
e1
e2 e3 e5 e1 e2 e5
e3
e6 e6
v3 e67 v4 v3 e67
v3 v4 v4
6
= 6

4. Define Rank and Nullity:

A graph G with n number of vertices, e number of edges, and k number of components with the
following constraints 0 and + 0.
Rank =
Nullity = + (Nullity also called as Cyclomatic number or first betti number)
Rank of G = number of branches in any spanning tree of G
Nullity of G = number of chords in G
Rank + Nullity = = number of edges in G

5. How Fundamental circuits created?

Addition of an edge between any two vertices of a tree creates a circuit. This is because there
already exists a path between any two vertices of a tree.
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 8

6. Define Spanning trees in a weighted graph

A spanning tree in a graph G is a minimal subgraph connecting all the vertices of G. If G is a
weighted graph, then the weight of a spanning tree T of G is defined as the sum of the weights of all
the branches in T.
A spanning tree with the smallest weight in a weighted graph is called a shortest spanning tree
(shortest-distance spanning tree or minimal spanning tree).

7. Define degree-constrained shortest spanning tree.

A shortest spanning tree T for a weighted connected graph G with a constraint (i) for all
vertices in T. for k=2, the tree will be Hamiltonian path.

8. Define cut sets and give example.

In a connected graph G, a cut-set is a set of edges whose removal from G leave the graph G
disconnected.
Graph G: v3 v3
k k
v1 a v1
v4 v4
b c b
g h g v6 h
e v6
d e
v2 f v5 v2 v5
Disconnected graph G with 2 components
after removing cut set {a, c, d, f}
Possible cut sets are {a, c, d, f}, {a, b, e, f}, {a, b, g}, {d, h, f}, {k}, and so on.
{a, c, h, d} is not a cut set, because its proper subset {a, c, h} is a cut set.
{g, h} is not a cut set.
A minimal set of edges in a connected graph whose removal reduces the rank by one is called
minimal cut set (simple cut-set or cocycle). Every edge of a tree is a cut set.

9. Write the Properties of cut set

Every cut-set in a connected graph G must contain at least one branch of every spanning tree of G.
In a connected graph G, any minimal set of edges containing at least one branch of every spanning
tree of G is a cut-set.
Every circuit has an even number of edges in common with any cut set.

10. Define Fundamental circuits

Adding just one edge to a spanning tree will create a cycle; such a cycle is called
a fundamental cycle (Fundamental circuits). There is a distinct fundamental cycle for each edge;
thus, there is a one-to-one correspondence between fundamental cycles and edges not in the spanning
tree. For a connected graph with V vertices, any spanning tree will have V 1 edges, and thus, a graph
of E edges and one of its spanning trees will have E V + 1 fundamental cycles.

11. Define Fundamental cut sets

Dual to the notion of a fundamental cycle is the notion of a fundamental cutset. By deleting
just one edge of the spanning tree, the vertices are partitioned into two disjoint sets. The fundamental
cutset is defined as the set of edges that must be removed from the graph G to accomplish the same
partition. Thus, each spanning tree defines a set of V 1 fundamental cutsets, one for each edge of the
spanning tree.
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 9

12. Define edge Connectivity.

Each cut-set of a connected graph G consists of certain number of edges. The number of edges
in the smallest cut-set is defined as the edge Connectivity of G.
The edge Connectivity of a connected graph G is defined as the minimum number of edges
whose removal reduces the rank of graph by one.
The edge Connectivity of a tree is one.

v1

The edge Connectivity of the above graph G is three.

13. Define vertex Connectivity

The vertex Connectivity of a connected graph G is defined as the minimum number of
vertices whose removal from G leaves the remaining graph disconnected. The vertex Connectivity of a
tree is one.

v1

The vertex Connectivity of the above graph G is one.

14. Define separable and non-separable graph.

A connected graph is said to be separable graph if its vertex connectivity is one. All other
connected graphs are called non-separable graph.
Non-Separable Graph H:
Separable Graph G:

v1 v2

15. Define articulation point.

In a separable graph a vertex whose removal disconnects the graph is called a cut-vertex, a cut-
node, or an articulation point.

v1

v1 is an articulation point.

16. What is Network flows

A flow network (also known as a transportation network) is a graph where each edge has a
capacity and each edge receives a flow. The amount of flow on an edge cannot exceed the capacity of
the edge.

17. Define max-flow and min-cut theorem (equation).

The maximum flow between two vertices a and b in a flow network is equal to the minimum of
the capacities of all cut-sets with respect to a and b.
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 10

The max. flow between two vertices = Min. of the capacities of all cut-sets.

18. Define component (or block) of graph.

A separable graph consists of two or more non separable subgraphs. Each of the largest
nonseparable is called a block (or component).

The above graph has 5 blocks.

19. Define 1-Isomorphism

A graph G1 was 1-Isomorphic to graph G2 if the blocks of G1 were isomorphic to the blocks of
G2.
Two graphs G1 and G2 are said to be 1-Isomorphic if they become isomorphic to each other
under repeated application of the following operation.
Operation 1: Split a cut-vertex into two vertices to produce two disjoint subgraphs.

Graph G1: Graph G2:

Graph G1 is 1-Isomorphism with Graph G2.

20. Define 2-Isomorphism

Two graphs G1 and G2 are said to be 2-Isomorphic if they become isomorphic after
undergoing operation 1 or operation 2, or both operations any number of times.
Operation 1: Split a cut-vertex into two vertices to produce two disjoint subgraphs.
Operation 2: Split the vertex x into x1 and x2 and the vertex y into y1 and y2 such that G is
split into g1 and g2. Let vertices x1 and y1 go with g1 and vertices x2 and y2 go with
g2. Now rejoin the graphs g1 and g2 by merging x1 with y2 and x2 with y1.

21. Briefly explain Combinational and geometric graphs

An abstract graph G can be defined as G = (, , )
Where the set V consists of five objects named a, b, c, d, and e, that is, = { a, b, c, d, e } and the set
E consist of seven objects named 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, that is, = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7}, and the
relationship between the two sets is defined by the mapping , which consist of
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 11

= [1(a, c), 2(c, d) , 3(a, d) , 4(a, b) , 5(b, d) , 6(d, e) , 7(b, e) ].

Here the symbol 1(a, c), says that object 1 from set E is mapped onto the pair (a, c) of objects from
set V.
This combinatorial abstract object G can also be represented by means of a geometric figure.

The figure is one such geometric representation of this graph G.

Any graph can be geometrically represented by means of such configuration in three
dimensional Euclidian space.

22. Distinguish between Planar and non-planar graphs

A graph G is said to be planar if there exists some geometric representation of G which can be
drawn on a plan such that no two of its edges intersect.
A graph that cannot be drawn on a plan without crossover its edges is called non-planar.
Non-planar Graph H:
Planar Graph G:

23. Define embedding graph.

A drawing of a geometric representation of a graph on any surface such that no edges intersect
is called embedding.
Graph G: Embedded Graph G:

24. Define region in graph.

In any planar graph, drawn with no intersections, the edges divide the planes into
different regions (windows, faces, or meshes). The regions enclosed by the planar graph are called
interior faces of the graph. The region surrounding the planar graph is called the exterior (or infinite
or unbounded) face of the graph. Prepared by G. Appasami, Assistant professor, Dr. pauls Engineering
College.
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 12

The graph has 6 regions.

25. Why the graph is embedding on sphere.

To eliminate the distinction between finite and infinite regions, a planar graph is often
embedded in the surface of sphere. This is done by stereographic projection.
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 13

UNIT V GENERATING FUNCTIONS

Define Generating function.

A generating function describes an infinite sequence of numbers (an) by treating them like
the coefficients of a series expansion. The sum of this infinite series is the generating function. Unlike
an ordinary series, this formal series is allowed to diverge, meaning that the generating function is not
always a true function and the "variable" is actually an indeterminate.
The generating function for 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, ..., whose ordinary generating function is

1
() =
1
=0
The generating function for the geometric sequence 1, a, a2, a3, ... for any constant a:


() =

=
What is Partitions of integer?
Partitioning a positive n into positive summands and seeking the number of such partitions
without regard to order is called Partitions of integer.
This number is denoted by p(n). For example
P(1) = 1: 1
P(2) = 2: 2=1+1
P(3) = 3: 3 = 2 +1 = 1 + 1 +1
P(4) = 5: 4=3+1=2+2=2+1+1=1+1+1+1
P(5) = 7: 5 = 4 + 1 = 3 + 2 = 3 + 1 + 1 = 2 + 2 + 1 = 2 + 1 + 1+ 1 = 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1

Define Exponential generating function

For a sequence a0, a1, a2, a3,, of real numbers.

2 3
= 0 + 1 + 2 + 3 + =
2! 3! !
=
is called the exponential generating function for the given sequence.

Define Maclaurin series expansion of ex and e-x.

2 3 4
= 1 + + + + +
2! 3! 4!
2 3 4
= 1 + +
2! 3! 4!
Adding these two series together, we get,
2 4
+ = 2(1 + + + )
2! 4!
+ 2 4
=1+ + +
2 2! 4!
Define Summation operator
Generating function for a sequence a0, a0 + a1, a0 + a1 + a2, a0 + a1 + a2 + a3,, .
For () = 0 + 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 + ,, consider the function f(x)/(1-x)
() 1
= . = 0 + 1 + 2 2 + 3 3 + [1 + + 2 + 3 + ]
1 1
= 0 + (0 + 1 ) + 0 + 1 +2 2 + + 0 + 1 +2 + 3 3 +
So f(x)/(1-x) generates the sequence of sums a0, a0 + a1, a0 + a1 + a2, a0 + a1 + a2 + a3,,
1/(1-x) is called the summation operator.
CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 14

Recurrence relations
A recurrence relation is an equation that recursively defines a sequence or multidimensional
array of values, once one or more initial terms are given: each further term of the sequence or array is
defined as a function of the preceding terms.
The term difference equation sometimes (and for the purposes of this article) refers to a
specific type of recurrence relation. However, "difference equation" is frequently used to refer
to any recurrence relation.

Fibonacci numbers
The recurrence satisfied by the Fibonacci numbers is the archetype of a homogeneous linear
recurrence relation with constant coefficients (see below). The Fibonacci sequence is defined using the
recurrence
Fn = Fn-1 + Fn-2
with seed values F0 = 0 and F1 = 1
We obtain the sequence of Fibonacci numbers, which begins
0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, ...

First order linear recurrence relation

The general form of First order linear homogeneous recurrence relation can be written as
an+1 = d an, n 0, where d is a constant. The relation is first order since an+1 depends on an.
a0 or a1 are called boundary conditions.

Second order recurrence relation

CS6702 GRAPH THEORY AND APPLICATIONS 2 MARKS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 15

Non-homogeneous recurrence relations