A 1.5-Approximation for Path TSP

A 1.5-Approximation for Path TSP

Explore a groundbreaking lecture on the Metric Path Traveling Salesman Problem (path TSP), presenting a 1.5-approximation algorithm. Delve into the innovative approach that deviates from previous techniques by focusing on larger s-t cuts rather than solely on narrow cuts. Discover how a variation of dynamic programming, combined with Karger's seminal result on near-minimum cuts, leads to a well-structured point in the Held-Karp relaxation. Learn about this simpler algorithm that matches Christofides' unbeaten 1.5-approximation guarantee for TSP without introducing additional error terms. Gain insights into how this advancement could potentially lead to improvements in TSP approximation algorithms.