A mixed graph G = (V, E, A) is a mathematical object consisting of a set of vertices (or nodes) V, a set of (undirected) edges E, and a set of directed edges (or arcs) A.
Consider adjacent vertices . A directed edge, called an arc, is an edge with an orientation and can be denoted as or (note that is the tail and is the head of the arc). Also, an undirected edge, or edge, is an edge with no orientation and can be denoted as or .