arXiv · math/0201315
Berkowitz's Algorithm and Clow Sequences
Abstract
We present a combinatorial interpretation of Berkowitz's algorithm. Berkowitz's algorithm is the fastest known parallel algorithm for computing the characteristic polynomial of a matrix. Our combinatorial interpretation is based on ``loop covers'' introduced by Valiant, and ``clow sequences.'' Clow sequences turn out to capture very succinctly the computations performed by Berkowitz's algorithm, which otherwise is quite difficult to analyze. The main contribution of this paper is a proof of correctness of Berkowitz's algorithm in terms of clow sequences.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Michael Soltys. 2002-01-31. Berkowitz's Algorithm and Clow Sequences. https://arxiv.org/abs/math/0201315
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.