NIST

polynomial approximation scheme

(algorithmic technique)

Definition: A set of algorithms {Aε| ε > 0}, where each Aε is a (1+ε)-approximation algorithm and the execution time is bounded by a polynomial in the length of the input. The execution time may depend on the choice of ε. Sometimes referred to more precisely as polynomial-time approximation scheme.

Also known as PTAS.

See also fully polynomial approximation scheme.

Note: From Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, page 34-17, Copyright © 1999 by CRC Press LLC. Appearing in the Dictionary of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Copyright © 2000 CRC Press LLC.

Author: CRC-A


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Entry modified 17 December 2004.
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Cite this as:
Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, CRC Press LLC, 1999, "polynomial approximation scheme", in Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures [online], Vreda Pieterse and Paul E. Black, eds. 17 December 2004. (accessed TODAY) Available from: http://www.nist.gov/dads/HTML/polynomaprox.html