Let G be an undirected complete graph on n vertices, where n > 2. Then, the number of different Hamiltonian cycles in G is equal to
Topic-wise GATE CS PYQs with verified steps
GATE CSE 2019 · Q12
Time
Select one answerSingle correct
Solution
Official answer: C) 1; D) ((n-1)!)/(2)
Discrete MathematicsIn an undirected complete graph on vertices ():
Fixing a starting vertex, there are ways to arrange the remaining vertices into a directed cycle.
Since the graph is undirected, traversing the cycle in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction yields the exact same cycle of edges. Hence, dividing by gives:
Note: In some graph theoretic contexts, all Hamiltonian cycles in a complete graph are considered graph-isomorphic, giving unique cycle up to isomorphism. The official answer key accepted both C and D.
Try the question first, then check your work.
Examiner trap
Consider fixing a starting vertex to eliminate cyclic rotations, and account for the undirected nature of the edges.
This Discrete Mathematics previous year question is Q12 of the GATE CSE 2019 paper. Find more GATE CSE PYQs on Discrete Mathematics in Engineering Mathematics, or browse all GATE CSE PYQs.
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Discrete Mathematics has 50 GATE CSE PYQs across 23 papers from 2011 to 2026. 18 of them are 1-mark MCQs like this one, and GATE CSE 2019 has 2.
How GATE tests Discrete MathematicsIndependent practice explanation verified by the GateAI team. GATE is conducted by the IITs; question text follows the official paper.