NIST

decision problem

(definition)

Definition: A problem with a "yes" or "no" answer. Equivalently, a function whose range is two values, such as {0,1}.

See also optimization problem, certificate, NP, NP-complete.

Note: A decision problem asks, is there a solution with a certain characteristic? An optimization problem asks, what is the best solution? For instance, the traveling salesman problem is an optimization problem, while the corresponding decision problem asks if there is a Hamiltonian cycle with a cost less than some fixed amount k.

From Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, page 26-20, Copyright © 1999 by CRC Press LLC. Appearing in the Dictionary of Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Copyright © 2000 CRC Press LLC.

Author: CRC-A

More information

History, definitions, examples, etc. given in Comp.Theory FAQ, scroll down to P vs. NP.


Go to the Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures home page.

If you have suggestions, corrections, or comments, please get in touch with Paul Black.

Entry modified 5 September 2012.
HTML page formatted Wed Mar 13 12:42:45 2019.

Cite this as:
Algorithms and Theory of Computation Handbook, CRC Press LLC, 1999, "decision problem", in Dictionary of Algorithms and Data Structures [online], Paul E. Black, ed. 5 September 2012. (accessed TODAY) Available from: https://www.nist.gov/dads/HTML/decisionProblem.html