Network in Graph Theory
Vertex
A point in a network, joined to others by edges.
| English | Vertex |
|---|---|
| Bahasa Melayu | Bucu |
| 中文 | 顶点 |
How it is used
In a network of five towns A, B, C, D and E joined by roads, each town is a vertex, so the network has 5 vertices. If roads run A–B, A–C and A–D, then vertex A is joined to three other vertices.
Where it shows up in SPM
Appears in the Network in Graph Theory chapter (Form 5). In Paper 1 you count vertices or read them from a diagram; in Paper 2 you draw a network and identify vertices before working out degrees or finding a shortest route.
Don't confuse it with
Open the chapter: Network in Graph Theory →
Frequently asked questions
Is a vertex the same as a corner of a shape?
The word is the same, but in graph theory a vertex is any labelled point in a network, not just a geometric corner. It could represent a town, a person or a webpage, and it needs at least one edge to matter in a connected network.
What is the plural of vertex?
In English the plural is vertices, not vertexes. In Bahasa Melayu use bucu for both singular and plural, adding a number if needed, for example 5 bucu.
In Chinese it is 顶点 with a measure word such as 个.
How do I count vertices from a diagram quickly?
Count every distinct dot or labelled point, marking each once so you do not double-count. Where several lines cross, only count a crossing as a vertex if a dot is drawn there; a plain crossing of two edges is not a vertex.