P = NP

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What is P = NP?

The P = NP problem is one of the most famous problems in computer science. It asks whether a problem that can be solved in polynomial time on a non-deterministic machine (i.e., the problem is in NP) can also be solved in polynomial time on a deterministic machine (i.e., the problem is in P).

If you can find a polynomial-time solution to an NP-complete problem, then all problems in NP can be solved in polynomial time. This shows that P = NP.

If you can prove for any single NP-complete problem that it is only solvable in exponential time, then all NP-complete problems are only solvable in exponential time. This shows that P ≠ NP.

So far, we don't know whether P = NP or P ≠ NP.

Free resources to learn P = NP

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P = NP: common questions

Can I learn P = NP in Hindi?

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Is this P = NP tutorial for beginners?

It is lesson 110 of 188 in the free Computer Science roadmap, in stage 14, Tries. If you are new to Computer Science, start from stage 1 and come back here in order; if you already know the earlier stages, this lesson stands on its own.

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