Date | May Example question | Marks available | 8 | Reference code | EXM.1.AHL.TZ0.36 |
Level | Additional Higher Level | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | Time zone 0 |
Command term | Find | Question number | 36 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Apply Prim’s algorithm to the weighted graph given below to obtain the minimal spanning tree starting with the vertex A.
Find the weight of the minimal spanning tree.
Markscheme
We start with point A and write S as the set of vertices and T as the set of edges.
The weights on each edge will be used in applying Prim’s algorithm.
Initially, S = {A}, T = Φ. In each subsequent stage, we shall update S and T.
Step 1: Add edge h: So S = {A, D}, T = {h}
Step 2: Add edge e: So S = {A, D, E} T = {h, e}
Step 3: Add edge d: Then S = {A, D, E, F} T = {h, e, d}
Step 4: Add edge a: Then S = {A, D, E, F, B} T = {h, e, d, a}
Step 5: Add edge i: Then S = {A, D, E, F, B, G} T = {h, e, d, a, i}
Step 6: Add edge g: Then S = (A, D, E, F, B, G, C} T = {h, e, d, a, I, g} (M4)(A3)
Notes: Award (M4)(A3) for all 6 correct,
(M4)(A2) for 5 correct;
(M3)(A2) for 4 correct,
(M3)(A1) for 3 correct;
(M1)(A1) for 2 correct,
(M1)(AO) for 1 correct
OR
(M2) for the correct definition of Prim’s algorithm,
(M2) for the correct application of Prim’s algorithm,
(A3) for the correct answers at the last three stages.
Now S has all the vertices and the minimal spanning tree is obtained.
The weight of the edges in T is 5 + 3 + 5 + 7 + 5 + 6
= 31 (A1)
[8 marks]