11. Reductions
The concept of reductions in problem-solving is explored, specifically in relation to bipartite matching and network flows. A course allocation problem is used as an example, demonstrating how to match teachers with courses based on their preferences. It emphasizes the importance of using existing efficient algorithms for related problems to indirectly solve more complex issues, showcasing the process of translating problems into forms suitable for established algorithms.
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What we have learnt
- Bipartite matching is defined as a matching problem involving two distinct sets with edges connecting them.
- Efficient solutions for one problem type can be leveraged to solve related problems through the process of reduction.
- The efficiency of algorithmic solutions can be influenced by the efficiency of their preprocessing and post-processing steps.
Key Concepts
- -- Bipartite Matching
- A type of matching problem where vertices are divided into two groups, with edges only connecting vertices from one group to the other.
- -- Network Flows
- A mathematical model used to represent the flow of resources through a network, optimized to maximize the flow from a source to a sink.
- -- Reduction
- The process of transforming one problem into another problem format that can be solved more easily with existing algorithms.
- -- Perfect Match
- A matching where every item in one set is paired with exactly one item in another set, with no items left unpaired.
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