Which of the following best describes a trail?

Prepare for the HSC Standard Math Exam with quizzes and flashcards. Each question includes hints and detailed explanations to aid your understanding. Ensure your readiness for the test!

A trail in graph theory is defined as a walk in which no edges are repeated. This means that as you traverse from vertex to vertex in the graph, each edge can only be used once, ensuring that the journey through the graph remains unique with respect to the edges.

Choosing option C highlights this definition accurately, as it clearly states that a trail allows for the movement through various vertices while restricting the repetition of edges.

Understanding the concept of edges versus vertices is crucial here. A walk with repeated vertices is not considered a trail because it may involve going over the same edge multiple times, which would contradict the main characteristic of a trail.

Other options describe different types of structures or characteristics in graph theory. For instance, repeated edges or closed walks indicate cycles or loops rather than a simple trail. A path that uses multiple vertices could apply to various types of walks but does not specifically define a trail due to the lack of restriction on repeating edges. Thus, option C precisely captures what makes a trail distinct within the context of graph theory.

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