THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS

THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS
The chemical formula $C_{n}H_{2n+2}$ and its mathematical background
Ivan Gutman

Abstract

Already in the elementary school, on the chemistry classes, students are told that the general formula of alkanes is $C_nH_{2n+2}$. No proof of this claim is offered, either then or at any higher level. We now show how this formula can be proven in a mathematically satisfactory manner. To do this we have to establish a number of elementary properties of the mathematical objects called trees.

Creative Commons License

Keywords: Graph Theory; Trees; Chemistry; Alkanes.

Pages:  53$-$61     

Volume  XI ,  Issue  2 ,  2008