Graph Theory37 sections · 1633 units
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Bridge Example

(Visualizing critical edges)

Consider this graph: 1−2−3−41-2-3-4 where edges are 1−21-2, 2−32-3, 3−43-4. Every edge here is a bridge. Remove any edge, and the graph splits into two pieces. This is a path graph with no cycles. Now add edge 1−41-4, creating a cycle 1−2−3−4−11-2-3-4-1.

Now no edges are bridges because every edge has an alternate path around the cycle. Bridges only exist outside cycles. Any edge in a cycle has a backup path if it fails, so removing it does not disconnect the graph.