Number of Edges in a Regular Graph (Degree 46, 8 Vertices)

Number of Edges in a Regular Graph (Degree 46, 8 Vertices)

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Sep 12, 2026

Regular Graphs & Handshaking Lemma (Edges from Degrees)

In an undirected simple graph, every edge contributes 11 to the degree of each of its two endpoints. This yields the Handshaking Lemma: vVdeg(v)=2E\sum_{v\in V}\deg(v)=2|E|.

For a regular graph of degree kk on nn vertices (a [kk-regular graph]{def="A regular graph where each vertex has degree k"}), each of the nn vertices has degree kk, so:

vVdeg(v)=nk.\sum_{v\in V}\deg(v)=nk.

Combining with the handshaking lemma gives the key formula:

nk=2EE=nk2.nk = 2|E|\quad\Longrightarrow\quad |E|=\frac{nk}{2}.

This is stated as the “degree sum formula” for kk-regular graphs.

In addition, for such a graph to exist (in the undirected simple-graph setting), nknk must be even so that E|E| is an integer.

Footnotes

  1. Handshaking lemma - Defines the handshaking lemma: sum of vertex degrees equals twice the number of edges.

  2. Regular graph - States that a kk-regular graph on nn vertices has nk2\frac{nk}{2} edges and discusses the parity condition for existence. 2

Compute edges for a 46-regular graph with 8 vertices

  1. 1
    Step 1

    Degree k=46k=46 and number of vertices n=8n=8.

  2. 2
    Step 2

    Use E=nk2|E|=\dfrac{nk}{2}, derived from the degree sum / handshaking lemma.

  3. 3
    Step 3

    E=8462=3682=184|E|=\dfrac{8\cdot 46}{2}=\dfrac{368}{2}=184.

  4. 4
    Step 4

    Therefore the correct choice is (iii) 184184.

Pro Tip

For any kk-regular graph on nn vertices, edges are always E=nk2|E|=\frac{nk}{2}. You don’t need the graph structure—only nn and kk.

Common Pitfall

Don’t use n(n1)2\frac{n(n-1)}{2} (that’s for complete graphs). Here we use regularity + handshaking: E=nk2|E|=\frac{nk}{2}.

How to Solve Regular-Graph Edge Problems

Read degrees

1) Recognize regularity

Confirm every vertex has the same degree kk."

Apply handshaking

2) Use degree sum

Sum degrees: nk=2Enk = 2|E|."

Solve for $|E|$

3) Compute edges

E=nk2|E|=\frac{nk}{2}."

Match answer

4) Select option

Compare computed E|E| to choices."

Quick Checks & Edge Cases

Given options vs computed number of edges

Computed value: 184184

Knowledge Check

Question 1 of 3
Q1Single choice

A kk-regular graph on nn vertices has how many edges?