UNDIRECTED GRAPH Meaning and
Definition
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An undirected graph, in the context of graph theory, refers to a mathematical structure composed of a collection of vertices or nodes, connected by edges. Unlike a directed graph, an undirected graph does not have a specified direction associated with each edge. In other words, the connections between vertices do not establish a specific order or flow.
In an undirected graph, the edges are usually represented as simple lines connecting the vertices. These edges are considered bidirectional, as they allow movement in either direction between the connected vertices. Consequently, any two vertices within an undirected graph are treated as connected partners, forming an indirect relationship with each other.
The primary characteristic of an undirected graph is its symmetry, as the lack of directed edges implies that any path between two connected vertices can be traversed in both directions. This symmetry ensures that the adjacency between vertices does not depend on the order of connection.
Undirected graphs find widespread applications in various branches of computer science, such as network design, social network analysis, and algorithm development. They enable the modeling and analysis of pairwise relationships, such as friendships between individuals, connections between web pages, or associations between data points. By exploring the structure of undirected graphs, researchers can gain insights into the connectivity patterns and overall behavior of systems, allowing for efficient problem-solving and decision-making.
Etymology of UNDIRECTED GRAPH
The term "undirected graph" originates from the field of mathematics. The word "graph" in this context refers to a mathematical structure consisting of a set of points (vertices or nodes) connected by lines (edges or arcs). The term "undirected" is used to describe a type of graph where the edges do not have any specific direction. This means that there is no distinction between the starting and ending points of an edge, and they simply represent a connection between two vertices without any inherent ordering. The prefix "un-" negates the concept of directionality in this context. Hence, an "undirected graph" is a graph that lacks directed edges or arcs.
