D2 June 2005 Q2

EdexcelOld spec11 marksTravelling Salesman

2.

Network of cables between relay stations A to G with distances in km

The network in the diagram shows the distances, in km, of the cables between seven electricity relay stations \(A\), \(B\), \(C\), \(D\), \(E\), \(F\) and \(G\). An inspector needs to visit each relay station. He wishes to travel a minimum distance, and his route must start and finish at the same station.

By deleting \(C\), a lower bound for the length of the route is found to be 129 km.

(a) Find another lower bound for the length of the route by deleting \(F\). State which is the better lower bound of the two. (5)
(b) By inspection, complete the table of least distances. (2)

The table can now be taken to represent a complete network.

(c) Using the nearest-neighbour algorithm, starting at \(F\), obtain an upper bound to the length of the route. State your route. (4)