Description
Finish the Graphs course by applying graph theory to real-world networks.
Graphs can represent roads, railways, computer connections, delivery routes and many other systems. When the edges carry numbers, the aim is often to find a route with the smallest total weight.
In this lesson, learners explore:
- weighted graphs and what their weights can represent;
- calculating and comparing the weights of complete paths;
- finding shortest routes by inspection;
- using Dijkstra’s algorithm step by step;
- recording tentative distances and settled vertices;
- understanding why the cheapest next edge need not lead to the cheapest complete route;
- investigating how closures and changed weights affect a network.
The download includes the main printable lesson and a supplementary booklet containing additional examples, answer checks and complete model solutions.
Suitable for learners aged 10 and over. Familiarity with paths and basic graph terminology is helpful.
This is Lesson 6 and the conclusion of the Beyond Curriculum: Graphs course.
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