Ken Levasseur, Al Doerr, Michiel Smid, Oscar Levin, Charles M. Grinstead, J. Laurie Snell, Eric Lehman, F. Thomson Leighton, Albert R Meyer, Jeff Erickson, Kenneth P. Bogart, Carol Chritchlow, David Eck, OpenDSA Project, L.J. Miller
In this chapter we will study the class of graphs called trees. Trees are frequently used in both mathematics and the sciences. Our solution of Example 2.1.1 is one simple instance. Since they are often used to illustrate or prove other concepts, a poor understanding of trees can be a serious handicap. For this reason, our ultimate goals are to: (1) define the various common types of trees, (2) identify some basic properties of trees, and (3) discuss some of the common applications of trees.