Introduction: Graph Theory Basics

Learning Objectives

In this lesson you will learn how to:

  • Identify the vertices, edges, and loops of a graph
  • Identify the degree of a vertex
  • Identify and draw both a path and a circuit through a graph
  • Determine whether a graph is connected or disconnected
  • Find the shortest path through a graph using Dijkstra’s Algorithm

 
In this lesson, we will introduce Graph Theory, a field of mathematics that started approximately 300 years ago to help solve problems such as finding the shortest path between two locations.

Now, elements of graph theory are used to optimize a wide range of systems, generate friend suggestions on social media, and plan complex shipping and air traffic routes.