Definition
Graph Theory is the study of graphs, which are mathematical structures used to model pairwise relations between objects. A graph is made up of “vertices” (nodes) connected by “edges” (links).
Why It Matters
Graph theory is the mathematical study of relationships; in a world defined by networks—from social media to supply chains—it provides the rigorous tools needed to understand how nodes interact, how information spreads, and where a system is most vulnerable.
Core Concepts
- Vertices and Edges: The fundamental units of a network.
- Connectivity: The degree to which nodes in a graph are linked.
- Network Effects: The phenomenon where the value of a network increases with each additional node (e.g., The Everything App (X Vision) and social networks).
- Paths and Cycles: Sequences of vertices and edges that connect nodes.