Question:medium

Consider the following directed graph: 
Which of the following is/are correct about the graph? 

Show Hint

Cycles imply no topological order and guarantee the presence of back edges in DFS.
Updated On: Feb 2, 2026
  • The graph does not have a topological order.
  • A depth-first traversal starting at vertex \(S\) classifies three directed edges as back edges.
  • The graph does not have a strongly connected component.
  • For each pair of vertices \(u\) and \(v\), there is a directed path from \(u\) to \(v\).
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A, B

Solution and Explanation

To analyze the given directed graph, we will evaluate each option step-by-step: 

  1. The graph does not have a topological order.
    • Explanation: A topological order is possible only in a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG). If the graph contains a cycle, it cannot have a topological order. Examining the graph visually, note the presence of cycles, indicating it is not a DAG.
  2. A depth-first traversal starting at vertex \( S \) classifies three directed edges as back edges.
    • Explanation: A back edge in a DFS traversal signifies a cycle. By performing a DFS starting at vertex \( S \), observe the cycles present in the graph, which confirms that at least three back edges are found. This observation supports the statement.
  3. The graph does not have a strongly connected component.
    • Explanation: A strongly connected component (SCC) is a subgraph where any two vertices are mutually reachable. Given the graph's cycles, each cycle could form a strongly connected component. Thus, this statement is false.
  4. For each pair of vertices \( u \) and \( v \), there is a directed path from \( u \) to \( v \).
    • Explanation: This statement implies that the graph is strongly connected as a whole. However, visual inspection or testing various vertex pairs will show breaks in connectivity, thus invalidating this statement.

Conclusion: The correct statements about the graph are:

  • The graph does not have a topological order.
  • A depth-first traversal starting at vertex \( S \) classifies three directed edges as back edges.
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