Homework: Traveling Salesman Problem
For this Critical Thinking homework, you will solve a real-world optimization problem using graph theory.
1. Part 1: Complete the following steps:
a. Select a real-world optimization problem that is an example of the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP).
b. Create a graph modeling the real-world scenario corresponding to the problem. Use weights to represent the variable that you are optimizing.
c. Find an optimal solution for the problem using the concepts studied in this module.
2. Part 2: Based on your work in Part 1, discuss the following:
a. Discuss your rationale for your choice of the real-world optimization problem. How were you able to identify that it was an example of the TSP? Why is this example relevant?
b. Describe how you created the graph modeling the real-world scenario corresponding to the problem.
c. Determine if the graph is complete. If so, use your graph to describe the formula for computing the number of Hamilton circuits.
d. Explain in detail how you solved the problem.
e. Describe a method for finding a non-optimal solution to the problem.
f. Consider another variable that could be optimized in the problem. How would your answers to Part I be affected by this change?
g. Discuss the advantages of using graph theory to solve this problem.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.