OpenAI reports an FPRAS for counting perfect matchings in general graphs

A randomized algorithm approximates the number of perfect matchings in every finite simple undirected graph to relative error ε with failure probability at most δ in worst-case bit time polynomial in the input length, ε⁻¹, and log δ⁻¹; it returns zero with certainty when there is no perfect matching.

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OpenAI reports an FPRAS for counting perfect matchings in general graphs

  • Theoretical Computer Science

A randomized algorithm approximates the number of perfect matchings in every finite simple undirected graph to relative error ε with failure probability at most δ in worst-case bit time polynomial in the input length, ε⁻¹, and log δ⁻¹; it returns zero with certainty when there is no perfect matching.

AI involvementAI-led
ImportanceMajor
Technical verificationFormal (Lean 4)
Human understandingFew

Understanding the problem

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A randomized algorithm approximates the number of perfect matchings in every finite simple undirected graph to relative error ε with failure probability at most δ in worst-case bit time polynomial in the input length, ε⁻¹, and log δ⁻¹; it returns zero with certainty when there is no perfect matching.

Why it matters

If correct, resolves the long-standing general-graph perfect-matching approximation problem.

What counts as progress

Can perfect matchings be approximately counted in general graphs in randomized polynomial time?

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