Between P and NP ?
Explore the concept of NP-intermediate problems within complexity theory, focusing on the P versus NP question and its impact on algorithm classification. Learn about Ladner's theorem, prime factorization as a suspected NP-intermediate problem, NP-complete challenges, and why this knowledge helps in designing efficient algorithms and solving real-world computing issues.
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NP-Intermediate
Given the above diagrams and assuming P≠NP, one may wonder if there are any problems that are in NP but not in NPC or P? Note that we have assumed P≠NP. Problems that exist in this class are called NP-intermediate. Again, very carefully note that NP-intermediate exists only if P≠NP! For the interested, Ladner's theorem proves that if P≠NP then NP-intermediate is non-empty.
Prime Factorization
Prime factorization is suspected to be NP-intermediate problem. Note the use of the ...