Abstract
We describe a polynomial-time algorithm which, given a graphGwith treewidtht, approximates the pathwidth ofGto within a ratio of\(O(t\sqrt {\log t})\). This is the first algorithm to achieve anf(t)-approximation for some functionf.Our approach builds on the following key insight: every graph with large pathwidth has large treewidth or contains a subdivision of a large complete binary tree. Specifically, we show that every graph with pathwidth at leastth+2 has treewidth at leasttor contains a subdivision of a complete binary tree of heighth+1. The boundth+2 is best possible up to a multiplicative constant. This result was motivated by, and implies (withc=2), the following conjecture of Kawarabayashi and Rossman (SODA’18): there exists a universal constantcsuch that every graph with pathwidth Ω(kc) has treewidth at leastkor contains a subdivision of a complete binary tree of heightk.Our main technical algorithm takes a graphGand some (not necessarily optimal) tree decomposition ofGof widtht′ in the input, and it computes in polynomial time an integerh, a certificate thatGhas pathwidth at leasth, and a path decomposition ofGof width at most (t′+1)h+1. The certificate is closely related to (and implies) the existence of a subdivision of a complete binary tree of heighth. The approximation algorithm for pathwidth is then obtained by combining this algorithm with the approximation algorithm of Feige, Hajiaghayi, and Lee (STOC’05) for treewidth.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.