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Algo Assignment

The document discusses the Bellman-Ford algorithm, explaining its need for V - 1 iterations to compute shortest paths in graphs with V vertices. It highlights the differences between Bellman-Ford and Dijkstra's algorithm, particularly in handling negative weights and cycle detection. Additionally, it covers applications of the algorithm in various fields, including currency arbitrage and supply chain optimization.

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Hasan Farooq
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14 views4 pages

Algo Assignment

The document discusses the Bellman-Ford algorithm, explaining its need for V - 1 iterations to compute shortest paths in graphs with V vertices. It highlights the differences between Bellman-Ford and Dijkstra's algorithm, particularly in handling negative weights and cycle detection. Additionally, it covers applications of the algorithm in various fields, including currency arbitrage and supply chain optimization.

Uploaded by

Hasan Farooq
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CS-310 Algorithms Homework: Bellman-Ford

Algorithm
Hasan Farooq
23-03-0016

Problem 1: Why Does Bellman-Ford Require V − 1


Iterations?
Concept:
In a graph with V vertices, the longest simple path (without revisiting vertices) between
any two nodes consists of at most V − 1 edges. This is because adding a V -th edge would
create a cycle.
The Bellman-Ford algorithm uses relaxation to compute shortest paths. Relaxation
updates the shortest path estimate for each vertex iteratively. Since the longest valid
path involves V − 1 edges, V − 1 iterations are sufficient to guarantee that all shortest
paths are computed.
Relaxation Formula:

d(v) = min(d(v), d(u) + w(u, v)),

where d(u) is the shortest known distance to vertex u, w(u, v) is the edge weight, and
d(v) is the current shortest distance to vertex v.
Differences from Dijkstra:

• Negative Weights: Bellman-Ford supports negative weights, whereas Dijkstra


does not.

• Approach: Bellman-Ford relaxes all edges iteratively, while Dijkstra uses a greedy
priority queue.

• Complexity: Bellman-Ford has a time complexity of O(V × E), while Dijkstra


runs in O((V + E) log V ) with a priority queue.

Problem 2: Concept of Relaxation


What is Relaxation?
Relaxation updates the shortest distance to a vertex if a shorter path is found through
another vertex.
d(v) = min(d(v), d(u) + w(u, v)).
Why is Repeated Relaxation Necessary?

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• Shortest paths may require multiple edges to traverse.

• Each iteration accounts for paths with one more edge than the previous iteration.

• After V − 1 iterations, all possible shortest paths are evaluated.

Problem 3: Detecting Negative Weight Cycles


How Bellman-Ford Detects Negative Weight Cycles:
After V − 1 iterations, a V -th iteration is performed. If any edge can still be relaxed,
a negative weight cycle exists. This is because distances can be reduced indefinitely by
looping through the negative cycle.
Why Are Negative Cycles Problematic?

• Shortest path calculations lose meaning because distances can decrease indefinitely.

• In applications (e.g., routing), this can lead to incorrect or undefined behavior.

Problem 4: Comparison of Bellman-Ford and Dijkstra


When is Bellman-Ford Preferable?

• Graphs contain negative weights.

• Negative weight cycle detection is required.

Key Differences:

• Negative Weights: Bellman-Ford supports them, Dijkstra does not.

• Cycle Detection: Bellman-Ford detects negative cycles, Dijkstra cannot.

• Efficiency: Bellman-Ford has O(V ×E) complexity; Dijkstra is faster with O((V +
E) log V ) when using a heap.

Problem 5: Efficiency in Dense and Sparse Graphs


Efficiency Comparison:

Bellman-Ford: O(V × E), Dijkstra: O((V + E) log V ).

• Sparse Graphs (E ≪ V 2 ): Dijkstra is faster, but Bellman-Ford is manageable.

• Dense Graphs (E ≈ V 2 ): Bellman-Ford becomes slow due to the number of


edges, while Dijkstra remains efficient.

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Problem 6: Bellman-Ford on a Small Graph
Graph Details:
• A → B (4)

• A → C (5)

• B → C (-3)

• C → D (2)

• B → D (4)
Step-by-Step Execution:
1. Initialization:

d(A) = 0, d(B) = ∞, d(C) = ∞, d(D) = ∞.

2. Iteration 1:

d(B) = 0 + 4 = 4, d(C) = min(∞, 0 + 5) = 5, d(D) = min(∞, 5 + 2) = 3.

3. Iterations 2 and 3: No further updates.


Final Distances:

d(A) = 0, d(B) = 4, d(C) = 1, d(D) = 3.

Problem 7: Negative Weight Cycle Detection


Graph Details:
• A → B (3), A → C (4)

• B → C (-2), C → D (3)

• D → E (-1), B → E (5)
Relaxation is performed for V − 1 iterations, followed by a check for further updates
in the V -th iteration to detect cycles.

Problem 8: Currency Arbitrage Detection


Representation:
• Vertices represent currencies.

• Edges represent exchange rates, with weights as − log(rate).


Why Negative Logarithms?
Logarithms convert multiplication into addition, and a negative weight cycle corresponds
to a profitable arbitrage opportunity.

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Problem 9: Energy-Efficient Wireless Networks
Representation:

• Vertices: Sensor nodes.

• Edges: Energy costs, including possible negative weights.

Negative Cycles: Represent inefficiencies or perpetual energy gains.

Problem 10: Supply Chain Optimization


Representation:

• Vertices: Supply chain locations.

• Edges: Dynamic costs, including subsidies (negative weights).

Negative Cycles: Indicate inefficiencies or profitable loops.

Problem 11: Financial Network Risk Management


Representation:

• Vertices: Financial institutions.

• Edges: Transaction risks (weights).

Negative Cycles: Highlight low-risk opportunities or inefficiencies in the network.

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