Introduction to Graph Theory

by Richard J. Trudeau

Overview

A stimulating excursion into pure mathematics aimed at "the mathematically traumatized," but great fun for mathematical hobbyists and serious mathematicians as well. Requiring only high school algebra as mathematical background, the book leads the reader from simple graphs through planar graphs, Euler's formula, Platonic graphs, coloring, the genus of a graph, Euler walks, Hamilton walks, and a discussion of The Seven Bridges of Konigsberg. Exercises are included at the end of each chapter. "The topics are so well motivated, the exposition so lucid and delightful, that the book's appeal should be virtually universal . . . Every library should have several copies" — Choice. 1976 edition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780486678702
Publisher:	Dover Publications
Publication date:	02/09/1994
Series:	Dover Books on Mathematics
Edition description:	2nd Revised ed.
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Pure Mathematics
Introduction; Euclidean Geometry as Pure Mathematics; Games; Why Study Pure Mathematics?; What's Coming; Suggested Reading
2. Graphs
Introduction; Sets; Paradox; Graphs; Graph diagrams; Cautions; Common Graphs; Discovery; Complements and Subgraphs; Isomorphism; Recognizing Isomorphic Graphs; Semantics
The Number of Graphs Having a Given nu; Exercises; Suggested Reading
3. Planar Graphs
Introduction; UG, K subscript 5, and the Jordan Curve Theorem; Are there More Nonplanar Graphs?; Expansions;
Kuratowski's Theorem; Determining Whether a Graph is Planar or Nonplanar; Exercises; Suggested Reading
4. Euler's Formula
Introduction; Mathematical Induction; Proof of Euler's Formula; Some Consequences of Euler's Formula; Algebraic Topology; Exercises; Suggested Reading
5. Platonic Graphs
Introduction; Proof of the Theorem; History; Exercises; Suggested Reading
6. Coloring
Chromatic Number; Coloring Planar Graphs; Proof of the Five Color Theorem; Coloring Maps; Exercises; Suggested Reading
7. The Genus of a Graph
Introduction; The Genus of a Graph; Euler's Second Formula; Some Consequences; Estimating the Genus of a Connected Graph; g-Platonic Graphs; The Heawood Coloring Theorem; Exercises; Suggested Reading
8. Euler Walks and Hamilton Walks
Introduction; Euler Walks; Hamilton Walks; Multigraphs; The Königsberg Bridge Problem; Exercises; Suggested Reading
Afterword
Solutions to Selected Exercises
Index
Special symbols