Graphs (Edexcel International AS Maths: Decision 1): Exam Questions

Exam code: XMA01

34 mins4 questions
1a
1 mark
Graph with vertices A to H connected by edges: AC (16), AB (17), BH (21), CD (18), DF (24), FG (29), and others, labelled with weights.

Explain why it is impossible to draw a graph with eight vertices in which the vertex orders are 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4 and 6

1b
2 marks

Figure 3 shows the network T. The numbers on the arcs represent the distances, in km, between the eight vertices, A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H.

Determine whether or not A – C – D – E – C – B – F is an example of a path on T. You must justify your answer.

1c
3 marks

Use Prim’s algorithm, starting at A, to find the minimum spanning tree for T. You must clearly state the order in which you select the arcs of the tree.

1d
1 mark

Draw the minimum spanning tree using the vertices given in Diagram 1

Diagram 1 shows eight black dots labelled A to H, scattered randomly across a plain white background.
1e
2 marks

The weight of arc CF is now increased to a value of x. The minimum spanning tree for T is unique and includes the same arcs as those found in (c).

Write down the smallest interval that must contain x.

2a
1 mark
Graph image with labelled vertices A to J; lines connect various points, forming geometric shapes and intersections. Title: Figure 1.

Figure 1 shows a graph, T.

Write down an example of a path from A to J on T.

2b
1 mark

State, with a reason, whether A – B – C – D – E – G – F – H – J is an example of a tour on T.

2c
3 marks
Graph diagram labelled Figure 2 with points A to J, connected by lines marked with numbers, showing a network of interconnected vertices.

The numbers on the 15 arcs in Figure 2 represent the distances, in km, between nine vertices, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and J, in a network.

Use Kruskal’s algorithm to find the minimum spanning tree for the network. You should list the arcs in the order in which you consider them. In each case, state whether or not you are adding the arc to the minimum spanning tree.

2d
1 mark

Draw the minimum spanning tree using the vertices given in Diagram 1 .

Diagram 1 shows scattered black dots labelled A to J on a white background, with no apparent pattern or connection.
2e
1 mark

State the weight of the minimum spanning tree.

3a
2 marks

Explain what is meant by the term ‘path’.

3b
6 marks
Geometric diagram with labelled points A-J, connected by lines with various lengths, forming triangles and polygons. Figure 1 caption below.

Figure 1 represents a network of roads. The number on each arc represents the length, in km, of the corresponding road. Piatrice wishes to travel from A to J.

Use Dijkstra’s algorithm to find the shortest path Piatrice could take from A to J. State your path and its length.

Graph diagram with nodes A to J, connected by weighted edges. A key explains vertex labelling. Spaces provided for shortest path and its length.
3c
2 marks

Piatrice needs to return from J to A via G.

Find the shortest path Piatrice could take from J to A via G and state its length.

4a
3 marks
Geometric diagram with nine labelled points (A-J) interconnected by lines, each marked with distances. Points form a network of triangles.

Define the terms

(i) tree,

(ii) minimum spanning tree.

4b
3 marks

Use Kruskal’s algorithm to find the minimum spanning tree for the network shown in Figure 1. You must clearly show the order in which you consider the edges. For each edge, state whether or not you are including it in the minimum spanning tree.

4c
2 marks

Draw the minimum spanning tree using the vertices given in Diagram 1 below and state the weight of the minimum spanning tree.

Diagram 1 with nine labelled dots A to J in a grid-like pattern, each dot evenly spaced apart on the page.