Introductory Graph Theory

By Gary Chartrand and Ping Zhang

Book Overview

Graph theory is used today in the physical sciences, social sciences, computer science, and other areas. Introductory Graph Theory presents a nontechnical introduction to this exciting field in a clear, lively, and informative style. Author Gary Chartrand covers the important elementary topics of graph theory and its applications. In addition, he presents a large variety of proofs designed to strengthen mathematical techniques and offers challenging opportunities to have fun with mathematics. Ten major topics -- profusely illustrated -- include: Mathematical Models, Elementary Concepts of Graph Theory, Transportation Problems, Connection Problems, Party Problems, Digraphs and Mathematical Models, Games and Puzzles, Graphs and Social Psychology, Planar Graphs and Coloring Problems, and Graphs and Other Mathematics. A useful Appendix covers Sets, Relations, Functions, and Proofs, and a section devoted to exercises -- with answers, hints, and solutions -- is especially valuable to anyone encountering graph theory for the first time. Undergraduate mathematics students at every level, puzzlists, and mathematical hobbyists will find well-organized coverage of the fundamentals of graph theory in this highly readable and thoroughly enjoyable book.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486247759
• ISBN13: 9780486247755
• Release Date: December 1984
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.77 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.4" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Finally, a mathematical gem!

This book is great. I am a law student with dated mathematical background, and needed a primer on graph theory to work for a project. This book is just great, explaining every concept carefully, and even providing a tiny bibliography at the end of each chapter. Just remember to go through the appendix on sets, functions, theorems and proofs (principle of induction).

The Holy Grail of Graph Theory

This is, for all purposes, the Holy Grail of Graph Theory. It is older, but still very much applicable. As a computer scientist (instructor and Masters degree student), I highly recommend this for students studying Discrete Mathematics and Graph Theory. It has several examples throughout and the presentation is excellent. Many books on mathematics from this 'era' tend to be overly wordy and full of poorly explained examples and topics. This book suffers very little from this problem. I recommend this to anyone looking for a good introductory book on Graph Theory. It also makes an excellent reference book for even the experienced individual.

Fantastic Book!

Most books assume that the reader has a month to carefully read the book. In reality, the reader often has a day or two and needs a solid understanding of the material but not a really detailed understanding. This book is great because it quickly and clearly covers all of the necessary concepts. What else can you ask for?

Student's perspective

This was the text used in my undergraduate introduction toGraph Theory. It is quite good, and cheap! It is the perfect text toget the flavor of the subject and spark interest in students to learn more. For a Prof. looking for an idea for a summer course, or an oppertunity to teach to non-math majors who need an upper level course, this is perfect. END

Excellent!

This is a very well written introduction, suitable for undergraduates or ambitious high school students. As an added bonus, it explains how to read and write proofs, so it develops mathematical sophistication instead of assuming it. The only shortcoming is that it is too brief and only mentions group theory in passing at the end.