Math Problem, Long Baffling, Slowly Yields
By GINA KOLATA
Published: March 12, 1991

Correction Appended

Sign In to E-Mail
Print

A CENTURY-OLD math problem of notorious difficulty has started to crumble. Even though an exact solution still defies mathematicians, researchers can now obtain answers that are good enough for almost all practical applications.

The traveling salesman problem, as it is known, crops up in many practical applications, from the design of computer chips to the designation of work orders in factories.

Brute number-crunching by computers can now pr

Question

Math Problem, Long Baffling, Slowly Yields
By GINA KOLATA
Published: March 12, 1991

Correction Appended

    Sign In to E-Mail
    Print

A CENTURY-OLD math problem of notorious difficulty has started to crumble. Even though an exact solution still defies mathematicians, researchers can now obtain answers that are good enough for almost all practical applications.

The traveling salesman problem, as it is known, crops up in many practical applications, from the design of computer chips to the designation of work orders in factories.

Brute number-crunching by computers can now pr

anonymous · Answer

do you really wear a size 18 shoe????