What happens when an additional edge is added to a tree?

Options

  • A. The graph becomes disconnected
  • B. A cycle is created
  • C. The number of vertices decreases
  • D. More than one of the above
  • E. None of the above

Correct Answer (Detailed Explanation is Below)

B. A cycle is created

Detailed Explanation

A tree is connected and contains no cycles. If an additional edge is added between any two vertices already in the tree, there is already a unique path between those vertices. The new edge together with that path forms exactly one cycle. Therefore, adding any extra edge to a tree destroys its acyclic property. This is why a tree with N vertices has exactly N - 1 edges.