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What does "Kernelization" mean?

Table of Contents

Kernelization is a technique used in computer science to simplify problems so they can be solved more easily. The main idea is to reduce a complex problem to a smaller version, called a kernel, while keeping the important features of the original problem.

How It Works

In kernelization, we look at the problem and identify parts that can be removed or simplified. This helps to lower the size of the problem without changing the possible outcomes. By creating a smaller version, we make it easier for algorithms to find a solution.

Importance

Kernelization is useful because it allows us to handle difficult problems more efficiently. If we can reduce a problem to a smaller size, we can often apply better techniques and algorithms to find a solution faster.

Applications

Kernelization can be used in various graph problems, such as vertex cover or vertex deletion. By creating a kernel for these problems, we can speed up the process of finding solutions. It helps in dealing with complex scenarios in a more manageable way.

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