arXiv · 1303.6453
Feasible combinatorial matrix theory
Abstract
We show that the well-known Konig's Min-Max Theorem (KMM), a fundamental result in combinatorial matrix theory, can be proven in the first order theory $\LA$ with induction restricted to $\Sigma_1^B$ formulas. This is an improvement over the standard textbook proof of KMM which requires $\Pi_2^B$ induction, and hence does not yield feasible proofs --- while our new approach does. $\LA$ is a weak theory that essentially captures the ring properties of matrices; however, equipped with $\Sigma_1^B$ induction $\LA$ is capable of proving KMM, and a host of other combinatorial properties such as Menger's, Hall's and Dilworth's Theorems. Therefore, our result formalizes Min-Max type of reasoning within a feasible framework.
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Ariel Fernández, Michael Soltys. 2013-03-26. Feasible combinatorial matrix theory. https://arxiv.org/abs/1303.6453
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