Exam-style question
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Explain one practical application of a shortest path algorithm and describe what the vertices, edges and edge weights could represent in that application.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- A shortest path algorithm could be used in a navigation system to find a route between two locations.
- The vertices could represent locations or junctions, the edges could represent roads connecting them, and the edge weights could represent distances.
- The algorithm can compare possible routes and identify the route with the smallest total weight.
Explanation
Why this works
This answer identifies a relevant application and maps the graph components to meaningful parts of the application. The edge weights provide the values used when comparing routes.
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