Answered on : 2024-01-24
1. **Definition:** A hyperedge is a concept in graph theory where an edge can connect any number of vertices, extending beyond the limitations of traditional graph edges [1][2].
2. **Mathematical Formalization:** In the context of hypergraphs, a hyperedge is a set of subsets of a given set, formally represented as H = (X, F), where F is a subset of 2X, and X's elements are vertices [3].
3. **Applications:** Hyperedges play a crucial role in various fields, including community detection and complex networked systems, where interactions between multiple elements are modeled as hyperedges [4][5].
Overall, a hyperedge broadens the connectivity possibilities in graph theory, providing a versatile framework for representing relationships between vertices in hypergraphs.