ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Regular map (graph theory)

Alright kiddo, have you ever drawn a map to figure out how to get somewhere? A regular map in graph theory is a lot like that!

In graph theory, we have things called graphs, which are sort of like maps. A graph is made up of a bunch of points, which we call vertices, and some lines or curves that connect those points, which we call edges.

Now imagine a special kind of map, where each vertex has the same number of edges coming out of it. That's what we call a regular map in graph theory.

For example, think of a map of a square with streets on each side. Every intersection on that map would have 4 streets coming out of it, so it would be a regular map!

Another example would be the map of a hexagon, kind of like a stop sign. Every vertex on that map would have 3 edges coming out of it, so it would be a regular map too.

Regular maps are really useful in math because we can study them in a lot of detail and learn some cool things about them. So next time you draw a map to get somewhere, remember that you're doing some math!