Matchings

A matching is a set of edges on a bipartite graph in which no two edges share a common vertex. A bipartite graph consists of two sets of vertices X and Y. The edges only join vertices in X to vertices in Y. A matching in a bipartite graph is the pairing of some or all of the vertices in X with some or all of the vertices in Y. If every vertex in X is paired with a Y vertex the matching is said to be a complete matching. This problem requires a student to choose their AS level subjects from a series of option blocks.

Matchings: presentation - an introduction to the problem outlining the student task and putting the task into context.

Matchings: problem - a student version of the problem outlined in the introduction.

Matchings: solution - one possible suggested solution for the problem.

The OR Society have developed these problems for use in Decision mathematics lessons. The problems can be used as an introduction to a topic, part of the learning process or as a plenary exercise.