Proving $\delta(s,u)+w(u,v)=\delta(s,v)$ in a Shortest Path

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the equation $\delta(s,u) + w(u,v) = \delta(s,v)$ within the context of shortest paths in graph theory. The proof relies on the Relaxation algorithm, which updates the shortest path estimate for vertex $v$ based on the current shortest path estimate for vertex $u$ and the weight of the edge $(u,v)$. It is established that if $d[u]$ equals $\delta(s,u)$ before relaxation, then after executing the Relaxation function, $d[v]$ will equal $\delta(s,v)$. This conclusion is drawn from the properties of shortest paths and the definition of the Relaxation process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graph theory concepts, specifically shortest paths.
  • Familiarity with the Relaxation algorithm in shortest path algorithms.
  • Knowledge of the notation used in graph theory, such as $\delta(s,u)$ and edge weights.
  • Basic understanding of algorithm analysis and complexity.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Dijkstra's algorithm and its implementation of the Relaxation process.
  • Learn about the Bellman-Ford algorithm and its approach to shortest paths.
  • Explore the concept of path optimality in weighted graphs.
  • Investigate the implications of edge weights on shortest path calculations.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and professionals in computer science, particularly those focusing on algorithms, graph theory, and optimization techniques in network analysis.

evinda
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Hey! (Blush)

I am looking at the proof of the following sentence:

Let $s \to u \to v$ a shortest path from the vertex $s$ to the vertex $v$.
Suppose that we relax at some time the edge $(u,v)$.If,before the call of Relaxation(u,v,w),it stands that $d=\delta(s,u)$,then after the call of Relaxation(u,v,w),it stands that $d[v]=\delta(s,v)$.

The algorithm of the function Relaxation(u,v,w) is the following:

Code:
Relaxation(u,v,w)
 if d[v]>d[u]+w(u,v)
    d[v]<-d[u]+w(u,v)
    p[v]<-u

This is the proof (Wait) :

If $d$ gets at some time the value $\delta(s,u)$,$d$ remains unchanged.After the relaxation,we have:

$$d[v] \leq d+w(u,v) \\ \ \ \ = \delta(s,u)+w(u,v) \\ \ \ \ = \delta(s,v)$$

So,we have: $d[v] \leq \delta(s,v)$.

However, it is known that $d[v] \geq \delta(s,v)$.

So,we conclude that $d[v]=\delta(s,v)$.

Could you explain me why $\delta(s,u)+w(u,v)=\delta(s,v)$ ? (Thinking)
 
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Hi! (Smirk)

evinda said:
Could you explain me why $\delta(s,u)+w(u,v)=\delta(s,v)$ ? (Thinking)

Let $s \to u \to v$ a shortest path from the vertex $s$ to the vertex $v$.

Since $s \to u \to v$ is a shortest path, it follows that $\delta(s,u)+w(u,v)=\delta(s,v)$.
 
I like Serena said:
Hi! (Smirk)Since $s \to u \to v$ is a shortest path, it follows that $\delta(s,u)+w(u,v)=\delta(s,v)$.

I got it now! Thank you very much! (Smirk)
 

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