Mathematics (2019) Grade(s): 09-12 - Applications of Finite Mathematics

MA19.FM.18

Apply algorithms relating to minimum weight spanning trees, networks, flows, and Steiner trees.

COS Examples

Example: traveling salesman problem

Unpacked Content

Knowledge

Students know:

  • Graphing procedures and properties.

Skills

Students are able to:

  • Model a problem using flows in networks.
  • Use technology or other tools to construct Steiner points.
  • Apply minimum weight spanning tree algorithms.

Understanding

Students understand that:

  • A spanning tree of a graph is the smallest subgraph.
  • There are n-1 edges in a spanning tree of a graph with n vertices.
  • Various algorithms are efficient methods for finding minimum weight spanning trees of a graph and shortest paths in a graph.
  • Steiner points of a graph are vertices added to create a shortest spanning tree which connects the original vertices, using Euclidean distance as edge weights.
  • Steiner points have degree 3, and the 3 edges form angles of 120 degrees.

Vocabulary

  • Spanning tree
  • Minimum weight spanning tree
  • Network
  • Flow
  • Kruskal's algorithm
  • Prim's algorithm
  • Steiner tree
  • Steiner points
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