Answer:
a) 15
b) 26
Step-by-step explanation:
If we take a look at this question as a graph question; whereby we relate each people as a vertex and a pair of network friend as an edge.
Given that there are 52 edges; the degree sum = 52 × 2 =104
Now; it is said that 7 people connected with 6 other people in the network;
the degree of these vertex = 7 × 6 = 42
However; 1 person connected with 5 other people = 1 × 5 = 5
Also, 3 people connected with 4 other people = 3 × 4 = 12
We assume that , the number of the rest people who are friends with three other people in the network be y.
SO, the total degree of these people will be 3 × y = 3y
∴ 42 + 5 + 12 + 3y = 104
59 + 3y = 104
3y = 104 - 59
3y = 45
y = [tex]\frac{45}{3}[/tex]
y = 15
Thus, 15 people  are network friends with 3 other people in the network
Total number of people in the network = 7 +1 +3 + 15 = 26