What is the maximum number of edges in a bipartite graph with n even vertices ?
What is the maximum number of edges in a bipartite graph with n even vertices ?
Answer: D. n2/4 — Key idea: If the two parts of a bipartite graph have sizes a and b with a + b = n, then the maximum possible number of edges is a × b (every vertex in one…
- A.
n2
- B.
2n-4
- C.
2n
- D.
n2/4
Attempted by 210 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Key idea: If the two parts of a bipartite graph have sizes a and b with a + b = n, then the maximum possible number of edges is a × b (every vertex in one part connected to every vertex in the other).
Step 1: Express the edge count in one parameter:
Let one part have a vertices, so the other has n - a vertices. The number of edges is a × (n - a).
Step 2: Maximize the product a(n - a).
The product a(n - a) is a quadratic in a with maximum at a = n/2. Therefore the product is maximized when the two parts are as equal as possible.
Conclusion: For even n take a = n/2, giving maximum edges = (n/2) × (n/2) = n^2/4.