Number of Edges in a Regular Graph (Degree 46, 8 Vertices)
Regular Graphs & Handshaking Lemma (Edges from Degrees)
In an undirected simple graph, every edge contributes to the degree of each of its two endpoints. This yields the Handshaking Lemma: .
For a regular graph of degree on vertices (a [-regular graph]{def="A regular graph where each vertex has degree k"}), each of the vertices has degree , so:
Combining with the handshaking lemma gives the key formula:
This is stated as the “degree sum formula” for -regular graphs.
In addition, for such a graph to exist (in the undirected simple-graph setting), must be even so that is an integer.
Footnotes
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Handshaking lemma - Defines the handshaking lemma: sum of vertex degrees equals twice the number of edges. ↩
-
Regular graph - States that a -regular graph on vertices has edges and discusses the parity condition for existence. ↩ ↩2
Compute edges for a 46-regular graph with 8 vertices
- 1Step 1
Degree and number of vertices .
- 2Step 2
Use , derived from the degree sum / handshaking lemma.
- 3Step 3
.
- 4Step 4
Therefore the correct choice is (iii) .
Pro Tip
For any -regular graph on vertices, edges are always . You don’t need the graph structure—only and .
Common Pitfall
Don’t use (that’s for complete graphs). Here we use regularity + handshaking: .
How to Solve Regular-Graph Edge Problems
Read degrees
1) Recognize regularityConfirm every vertex has the same degree ."
Apply handshaking
2) Use degree sumSum degrees: ."
Solve for $|E|$
3) Compute edges."
Match answer
4) Select optionCompare computed to choices."
Quick Checks & Edge Cases
Given options vs computed number of edges
Computed value:
Knowledge Check
A -regular graph on vertices has how many edges?
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