The Fascinating World of Graph Theory (ebook)

Argumento de The Fascinating World of Graph Theory (ebook)

One of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2015

"[The authors] have set out to make graph theory not only accessible to people with a limited mathematics background, but also to make it interesting. They have--by virtue of very clear writing, combined with a greater-than-usual emphasis on the historical and personal side of the subject--succeeded admirably."--Mark Hunacek, MAA Reviews

"A deftly written and dynamic introduction to graph theory. . . . A superb example of approachable mathematical writing aimed at a broad audience."--Matthew G. Hudelson, SIAM Review

"In this attractive introduction to the world of graphs, the authors entice and enthuse readers through a number of fun problems which present various aspects of the subject. Many of these problems are familiar--the four-color problem, the Königsberg Bridge problem, and 'instant insanity'--while others are less well known or of a more serious nature. This book can be used in different ways--as an entertaining book on recreational mathematics or as an accessible textbook on graph theory. I warmly recommend it."--Robin J. Wilson, author of Introduction to Graph Theory

"This is a beautiful introduction to graph theory! It is filled with fun material, clear explanations, and a nice collection of exercises. A great book."--William J. Cook, author of In Pursuit of the Traveling Salesman

"The Fascinating World of Graph Theory is wonderfully written. Entertaining applications appear first and the stories that accompany the examples go well beyond what most other books provide. This book is sure to gain a following."--Jonathan L. Gross, Columbia University

Arthur Benjamin is professor of mathematics at Harvey Mudd College. His books include Secrets of Mental Math and Proofs That Really Count. Gary Chartrand is professor emeritus of mathematics at Western Michigan University. Ping Zhang is professor of mathematics at Western Michigan University. Chartrand and Zhang are the coauthors of several books, including A First Course in Graph Theory and Discrete Mathematics.

"The Fascinating World of Graph Theory is readable and 'student-friendly'--more so than the typical math textbook."--Robert Schaefer, New York Journal of Books

"This book is a fun and interesting tour of graph theory, leaving each visitor with a feeling of accomplishment and a satisfying understanding of this unusual mathematical world. . . . This is an entertaining book for those who enjoy solving problems, plus readers will learn about some powerful mathematical ideas along the way!"--Choice

"The book is written masterfully; the narrative in each chapter flows naturally, engagingly. . . . [I]t's a popular but also comprehensive introduction into graph theory."--Alexander Bogomolny, Cut the Knot blog

"Here is a book with an enjoyable mix of mathematics and its applications, spiced with liberal amounts of history and anecdote. . . . The value of books like this is that they make mathematics come alive to a broad range of readers who might not look twice at a textbook or monograph."--Norman Biggs, London Mathematical Society Newsletter0Preface vii
Prologue xiii
1 Introducing Graphs 1
2 Classifying Graphs 22
3 Analyzing Distance 45
4 Constructing Trees 67
5 Traversing Graphs 91
6 Encircling Graphs 108
7 Factoring Graphs 125
8 Decomposing Graphs 143
9 Orienting Graphs 164
10 Drawing Graphs 183
11 Coloring Graphs 206
12 Synchronizing Graphs 226
Epilogue Graph Theory: A Look Back?The Road Ahead 251
Exercises 255
Selected References 309
Index of Names 317
Index of Mathematical Terms 319