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What is the minimum number of edges in an undirected connected graph with n vertices?

An undirected connected graph with n vertices has at least n-1 edges. This minimum is achieved when the graph forms a tree structure.

Conditions

  • The graph is undirected.
  • The graph is connected.
  • The graph has n vertices.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the number of vertices n.
  2. Apply the formula for the minimum number of edges: n-1.
  3. Verify that a tree structure with n vertices has exactly n-1 edges.

Example

For a graph with 5 vertices (n=5n=5), the minimum number of edges is 5−1=45-1=4. The instructor draws a star-shaped graph with 5 vertices and 4 edges to illustrate this.

Common misconceptions

  • Thinking that a connected graph must have many edges, like a complete graph.
  • Confusing the minimum number of edges with the maximum number of edges.

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