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Set Cover via Dual Fitting

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Approximation Algorithms

Abstract

In this chapter we will introduce the method of dual fitting, which helps analyze combinatorial algorithms using LP-duality theory. Using this method, we will present an alternative analysis of the natural greedy algorithm (Algorithm 2.2) for the set cover problem (Problem 2.1). Recall that in Section 2.1 we deferred giving the lower bounding method on which this algorithm was based. We will provide the answer below. The power of this approach will become apparent when we show the ease with which it extends to solving several generalizations of the set cover problem (see Section 13.2).

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Notes

  1. L. Lovasz. On the ratio of optimal integral and fractional covers. Discrete Mathematics, 13: 383–390, 1975.

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  2. V. Chvâtal. A greedy heuristic for the set covering problem. Mathematics of Operations Research, 4: 233–235, 1979.

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  3. S. Rajagopalan and V.V. Vazirani. Primal-dual RNC approximation algorithms for set cover and covering integer programs. SIAM Journal on Computing, 28: 526–541, 1999.

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  4. G. Dobson. Worst-case analysis of greedy heuristics for integer programming with non-negative data. Mathematics of Operations Research, 7: 515–531, 1982.

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© 2003 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Vazirani, V.V. (2003). Set Cover via Dual Fitting. In: Approximation Algorithms. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-04565-7_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-04565-7_13

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-08469-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-04565-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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