Show that if and only if DFS(Depth-first Search) finds no back edges, the graph being traversed is acyclic.
Show that if and only if DFS(Depth-first Search) finds no back edges, the graph being traversed is acyclic.
Database System Concepts
7th Edition
ISBN:9780078022159
Author:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Chapter1: Introduction
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1PE
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Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Understanding Graph Theory: Acyclic Graphs and Depth-First Search**
**Introduction:**
In graph theory, one of the key concepts is determining whether a graph is acyclic, meaning it does not contain any cycles. A powerful tool for analyzing graphs is Depth-First Search (DFS), an algorithm that traverses or searches through graphs.
**Key Concept:**
A graph is acyclic if and only if a Depth-First Search (DFS) finds no back edges.
**Explanation:**
- **Depth-First Search (DFS):** This is a traversal method that explores as far down one branch as possible before backtracking. Starting from a selected root node, DFS visits and marks each node as visited before recursing through each adjacent node.
- **Back Edge:** During a DFS, a back edge is an edge that points from a vertex to one of its ancestors in the DFS tree or forest. The presence of a back edge indicates the existence of a cycle in the graph.
**Theorem:**
- **Acyclic Graphs and DFS:**
- If DFS finds no back edges during its traversal, the graph is acyclic.
- Conversely, if the graph is acyclic, performing DFS will result in no back edges being found.
**Conclusion:**
Understanding the relationship between DFS and acyclic graphs is crucial for many applications, such as detecting cycles in algorithms, optimizing workflows, or designing efficient networks. This concept forms a cornerstone of deeper graph theory studies and practical applications in computer science.
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