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Matching is as easy as matrix inversion

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Abstract

We present a new algorithm for finding a maximum matching in a general graph. The special feature of our algorithm is that its only computationally non-trivial step is the inversion of a single integer matrix. Since this step can be parallelized, we get a simple parallel (RNC 2) algorithm. At the heart of our algorithm lies a probabilistic lemma, the isolating lemma. We show other applications of this lemma to parallel computation and randomized reductions.

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Work done while visiting MSRI, Berkeley, in Fall 1985.

Supported by NSF Grant BCR 85-03611 and an IBM Faculty Development Award.

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Mulmuley, K., Vazirani, U.V. & Vazirani, V.V. Matching is as easy as matrix inversion. Combinatorica 7, 105–113 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02579206

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02579206

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