Hamiltonian Cycle Ea438F
1. **Problem Statement:** Show that a complete graph $K_n$ has a Hamiltonian cycle whenever $n \geq 3$.
2. **Definitions:**
- A complete graph $K_n$ is a graph where every pair of distinct vertices is connected by a unique edge.
- A Hamiltonian cycle is a cycle that visits every vertex exactly once and returns to the starting vertex.
3. **Key Idea:** In $K_n$, since every vertex is connected to every other vertex, it is always possible to form a cycle that includes all vertices.
4. **Proof:**
- Since $K_n$ is complete, each vertex has degree $n-1$.
- For $n \geq 3$, start at any vertex.
- Because every vertex is connected to every other, you can travel from the starting vertex to any other vertex.
- Visit each vertex exactly once by moving along edges connecting consecutive vertices.
- Finally, return to the starting vertex to complete the cycle.
5. **Conclusion:** Thus, $K_n$ contains a Hamiltonian cycle for all $n \geq 3$.
This is a fundamental property of complete graphs in graph theory.