A-Level Further Maths · Decision Mathematics
Graph Theory
What is it
Graph theory studies networks of points (vertices) connected by lines (edges) — Decision Maths covers key concepts like connectivity, weighted graphs, and finding minimum spanning trees using algorithms like Kruskal's and Prim's.
Why it matters
Graph theory is the mathematical foundation behind real-world network problems — GPS route-finding, social network analysis, and telecommunications network design all rely on exactly these underlying concepts.
Exam tip
When applying Kruskal's algorithm, always check that adding an edge doesn't create a cycle before including it — this check is the entire algorithm in one sentence, and skipping it is the most common way marks are lost.
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