Question:medium

For what values of n is the graph $K_n$ Eulerian?

Show Hint

Eulerian circuit exists iff all vertices have even degree.
Updated On: Apr 30, 2026
  • Odd values of n
  • Even values of n
  • Both odd and even values of n
  • None of the above
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

An Eulerian graph is one in which there is a closed trail that visits every edge exactly once. This concept can be used to determine when the complete graph, \(K_n\), is Eulerian.

To determine when \(K_n\) is Eulerian, we need to utilize Euler's theorem for Eulerian circuits. According to this theorem, a connected graph has an Eulerian circuit if and only if all vertices have an even degree. For a complete graph, \(K_n\), each vertex has a degree of \(n - 1\) because it is connected to the remaining \(n - 1\) vertices.

Thus, for \(K_n\) to be Eulerian, each vertex must have an even degree:

  • \(n - 1\) is even, which implies \(n\) must be odd, so that \(n - 1\) is even.

Therefore, \(K_n\) is Eulerian if \(n\) is even.

Let's verify the given options:

  1. Odd values of n: Rejected because \(n - 1\) is even when \(n\) is even.
  2. Even values of n: Correct, since \(n\) even makes \(n - 1\) odd.
  3. Both odd and even values of n: Rejected because odd \(n\) results in \(n - 1\) odd, which does not satisfy the Eulerian graph condition.
  4. None of the above: Rejected as we've determined even values of \(n\) satisfy the condition.
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