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Conjecture

Hirsch Conjecture

Combinatorics

In mathematical programming and polyhedral combinatorics, the Hirsch conjecture concerns the diameter of edge-vertex graphs in polytopes, proposing that the edge-vertex graph of an n-facet polytope in d-dimensional Euclidean space has diameter no more than n minus d. Warren M. Hirsch introduced the idea in 1957 through correspondence with George B. Dantzig, motivated by analyzing the simplex method. The conjecture has since been proven false.

Facts
Debunked
Progress Toward Resolution
The conjecture was disproved in May 2010, when Francisco Santos Leal of the University of Cantabria announced a 43-dimensional counterexample polytope of 86 facets with a diameter of more than 43. 1
Prize Status
Prize Status (category)
No Prize Offered 1
Statement
The edge-vertex graph of an n-facet polytope in d-dimensional Euclidean space has diameter no more than n minus d. 1
Proposed Year
1957 1
Classification
Resolution Status
Disproven 1
Chronology
Resolved Year
2010 1
Connections

In Branch

Source Hirsch Conjecture (Wikipedia)
Sources
1. Hirsch Conjecture (Wikipedia)
  • Lead section
    the edge-vertex graph of an n-facet polytope in d-dimensional Euclidean space has diameter no more than n - d
  • History section
    The conjecture was first put forth in a letter by Warren M. Hirsch to George B. Dantzig in 1957.
  • Counterexample section
    After more than fifty years, a counter-example was announced in May 2010 by Francisco Santos Leal, from the University of Cantabria.
  • Lead section, resolution status
    The conjecture is now known to be false in general.
  • In Branch: Combinatorics, Lead sentence
    In mathematical programming and polyhedral combinatorics, the Hirsch conjecture is the statement that the edge-vertex graph of an
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