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arXiv:0811.0463

Solving the P/NP Problem under Intrinsic Uncertainty

Stefan Jaeger

Published Nov 4, 2008• 3 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Heisenberg's uncertainty principle states that it is not possible to compute both the position and momentum of an electron with absolute certainty. However, this computational limitation, which is central to quantum mechanics, has no counterpart in theoretical computer science. Here, I will show that we can distinguish between the complexity classes P and NP when we consider intrinsic uncertainty in our computations, and take uncertainty about whether a bit belongs to the program code or machine input into account. Given intrinsic uncertainty, every output is uncertain, and computations become meaningful only in combination with a confidence level. In particular, it is impossible to compute solutions with absolute certainty as this requires infinite run-time. Considering intrinsic uncertainty, I will present a function that is in NP but not in P, and thus prove that P is a proper subset of NP. I will also show that all traditional hard decision problems have polynomial-time algorithms that provide solutions with confidence under uncertainty.

DOI
10.48550/arxiv.0811.0463

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The central problem in computer science is the conjecture that two complexity classes, P (polynomial time) and NP (nondeterministic polynomial time-roughly those decision problems for which a proposed solution can be checked in polynomial time), are distinct in the standard Turing model of computation: P not equal NP. As a generality, we propose that each physical theory supports computational models whose power is limited by the physical theory. It is well known that classical physics supports a multitude of implementation of the Turing machine. Non-Abelian topological quantum field theories exhibit the mathematical features necessary to support a model capable of solving all #P problems, a computationally intractable class, in polynomial time. Specifically, Witten [Witten, E. (1989) Commun. Math. Phys. 121, 351-391] has identified expectation values in a certain SU(2)-field theory with values of the Jones polynomial [Jones, V. (1985) Bull. Am. Math. Soc. 12, 103-111] that are #P-hard [Jaeger, F., Vertigen, D. & Welsh, D. (1990) Math. Proc. Comb. Philos. Soc. 108, 35-53]. This suggests that some physical system whose effective Lagrangian contains a non-Abelian topological term might be manipulated to serve as an analog computer capable of solving NP or even #P-hard problems in polynomial time. Defining such a system and addressing the accuracy issues inherent in preparation and measurement is a major unsolved problem.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences•Jan 6, 1998•222 citations

Decoding P vs. NP: A Multidimensional Exploration

Iago Gaspar

The P vs. NP problem is a central open question in theoretical computer science, asking whether every problem whose solution can be verified in polynomial time can also be solved in polynomial time. This paper presents an interdisciplinary exploration of this problem by integrating mathematical analysis, quantum computing, and machine learning.We analyze the limitations of polynomial-time reductions among NP-complete problems under the Exponential Time Hypothesis (ETH), providing detailed proofs that offer new insights into the structural complexities within NP. Additionally, we develop a novel quantum-classical hybrid algorithm that combines Grover's algorithm with classical heuristics to solve specific instances of NP-complete problems more efficiently. This includes a comprehensive complexity analysis, scalability discussions, and detailed practical implementation aspects such as oracle constructions.Furthermore, we propose a machine learning framework based on Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to capture patterns within NP-complete problems. This approach is theoretically justified, enhances heuristic methods, and demonstrates superior performance through extensive experimental comparisons with classical heuristics and exact solvers.By integrating these methods, this work offers fresh perspectives on the P vs. NP problem and contributes to the broader understanding of computational complexity.

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Quantum Mathematics and the P vs NP Problem (量子数学与P vs NP问题)

Feng Gao

Abstract: The P vs NP problem is the central open question in computational complexity theory, asking whether every problem whose solution can be verified in polynomial time can also be solved in polynomial time. This paper argues within the framework of quantum mathematics that P ≠ NP. Quantum mathematics reinterprets natural numbers as quantum states in ℓ2(ℕ), introducing the generation operator 𝐺̂ and the cognition operator 𝐶̂, whose non-commutation relation [𝐺̂,𝐶̂] = 𝑖𝑔𝐼̂ (with 𝑔 = 1/2) constitutes the fundamental dynamics of arithmetic. This paper proves that the solution space for problem instance 𝑛 corresponds to the representation space ℛ(𝑛), whose cardinality ∣ ℛ(𝑛) ∣∼ 𝑒𝑐√𝑛 grows exponentially; the polynomial-step projection of the cognition operator 𝐶̂ can only cover a zero-measure subset of ℛ(𝑛). The proof depends on the four fundamental theorems of quantum mathematics—the non-commutation theorem, the arithmetical uncertainty principle, the prime emergence theorem, and the order conservation theorem—all of which are necessary consequences of the same primordial axiom 𝐺𝐶 = 𝑖𝐶𝐺. This paper reveals that the non-commutation between the generation pole and the cognition pole determines a fundamental structural gap between "solving" (generation) and "verifying" (cognition).摘要:P vs NP 问题是计算复杂性理论的核心未解难题,它询问:所有可在多项式时间 内验证的问题是否也可在多项式时间内求解?本文在量子数学框架内论证P ≠ NP。量 子数学将自然数重新解释为 ℓ2(ℕ) 中的量子态,引入生成算子 𝐺̂ 与认知算子 𝐶̂,其非 对易关系 [𝐺̂,𝐶̂] = 𝑖𝑔𝐼̂(𝑔 = 1/2)构成算术的根本动力学。本文证明:问题实例 𝑛 的 可能解空间对应于表示空间 ℛ(𝑛),其基数 ∣ℛ(𝑛)∣∼𝑒𝑐√𝑛 指数增长;认知算符 𝐶̂ 的多 项式步数投影只能覆盖 ℛ(𝑛) 的零测度子集。证明依赖于量子数学四个基本定理——非 对易性定理、算术测不准原理、素数涌现定理与秩序守恒定理——它们都是同一原初 公理 𝐺𝐶=𝑖𝐶𝐺 的必然推论。本文揭示:生成极与认知极的非对易性决定了"求解"(生 成)与"验证"(认知)之间存在根本性的结构性鸿沟。

•Sep 5, 2026•0 citations

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Lara Ortelli, Gael Silva

At the quantum scale, objects such as fundamental particles, atoms, and molecules are modeled as localized wavepackets rather than concrete objects. As such, some quantities that are well-defined at our human scale physics instead become uncertain. For instance, quantum objects do not have a precise position, and instead their position is understood probabilistically and we look to the expected, or average, value of the position. Another quirk of quantum mechanics is that quantities such as position and momentum become operators that act on functions, similar to matrices acting on vectors. As such, quantities that may have commuted classically may not at the quantum level. For instance, position (x) and momentum (p) commute in classical physics (xp = px), but they do not commute at the quantum level (xp ≠ px). For noncommuting operators A and B, the uncertainty principle qualitatively describes how well one can know A and B simultaneously: the more certain one is of the value of A, the less one knows the value B and vice versa. The standard example is that of position and momentum: the Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that the more certain one is of the position of a quantum object, the more uncertain one is about its momentum. The classic uncertainty principles between noncommuting operators are those of position and momentum, the z and x or y components of angular momentum, and number and phase operators. These operators are very rigid and do not provide easy generalization to more general operators. In this project, we used an infinite matrix representation to analyze the uncertainty principle underlying position and momentum which allows for broader generalization. The biggest component of this project was determining eigenvalues of infinite banded matrices which was aided by the use of the mathematical software Mathematica.

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Heisenberg's uncertainty principle

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Most of the physicians that I know are chary of Physics, especially the theory of elementary particles. Even if in Isaac Newton's mathematically precise universe, everything follows clear-cut laws and predictions are easy given appropriate starting conditions. Perhaps, however, physicians coping with this uncertainty will perhaps feel more in tune with Heisenberg's uncertainty law. Heisenberg (1901–76) described a theory of quantum mechanics, published in 1925, when he was only 23 years old. The uncertainty principle describes an imprecision in nature resulting in a limit to what we can know about the behaviour of quantum particles and, hence the smallest scales of nature. Heisenberg was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for 1932 for this theory and its application that resulted amongst other things the discovery of allotropic forms of hydrogen. His theory stated that we cannot always give an electron a position in space at a given time, nor follow it in its orbit, so that we cannot assume that the planetary orbits proposed by Niels Bohr exist. Mechanical quantities, such as position and velocity, should be represented, not by ordinary numbers, but by abstract mathematical structures called ‘matrices’ and he formulated his new theory in terms of matrix equations. The principle of uncertainty, says that the determination of the position and momentum of a mobile particle necessarily contains errors the product of which cannot be less than the quantum constant h and that, although these errors are negligible on the human scale, they cannot be ignored in studies. We cannot measure the position (x) and the momentum (p) of a particle with absolute precision. The more accurately we know one of these values, the less accurately we know the other. There are many ways of looking at this and in medicine we need to take account of uncertainty. Uncertainty in medicine can be resolved in many ways and can include Occam's razor. In medicine, all presenting symptoms in a patient may be explained by a few possible causes. In medicine, all presenting symptoms in a patient may be due to several disease and social processes at the same time. How can this be relevant to a working physician? The whole of medical practice has parallels with the certainties of Newton and Bohr. The object of a clinical consultation is to give a sign or complaint a diagnostic named description to be followed by a treatment regime which resolves the problem. Yet every physician knows and automatically models his understanding of a clinical problem perhaps unknowingly on a model based on Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. A core process, which is complicated by factors understood or not. The same principles are relevant to so many other features of life. There are certain fixed points in the diagnostic and clinical process. Gender, race, age, weight to height ratio, privileged and social life and intelligence. Some people age at different rates to their age cohort? Similarly, obesity does not always matter. The patient′s family history is another variable, complicated occasionally when the putative father with a family health trait may not be the actual father. The social story is a minefield, with the possibility of every phase of a person’s life being of relevance. A further element is how well the physician and the patient and their caring team relate. The clinical examination then gives a further array of data. From all of this comes a diagnosis which gives a pathway to a treatment schedule the ability of the patient to manage their treatment regime becomes important. There is a tendency that as soon as the diagnosis is made then the other elements fade away from the care plan, though of course it persists in the person's life. We are all consciously or unconsciously aware of the complex fabric of clinical care. It is intriguing to appreciate that other disciplines have been presented with the same multifactorial uncertainties. The era in Physics when Heisenberg introduced his view of nuclear physics was one when a precise physical model was being completed and gave certainty to a complex problem. His principle while obviously reintroducing uncertainty gave freedom of thinking and allowed further fruitful progress. We physicians do not enjoy uncertainty, and to have it formalized is uncomfortable. So we instinctively identify the major problem and treat that. By and large this is a useful process. It is however important to see this as a convenience. A convenience that may not always suit the patient. Applying the Heisenberg principles gives a broader view of a patient's concerns and problems and better care.

QJM•Nov 2, 2016•19 citations
Heisenberg's uncertainty principle states that it is not possible to compute both the position and momentum of an electron with absolute certainty. However, this computational limitation, which is central to quantum mechanics, has no counterpart in theoretical computer science. Here, I will show that we can distinguish between the complexity classes P and NP when we consider intrinsic uncertainty in our computations, and take uncertainty about whether a bit belongs to the program code or machine input into account. Given intrinsic uncertainty, every output is uncertain, and computations become meaningful only in combination with a confidence level. In particular, it is impossible to compute solutions with absolute certainty as this requires infinite run-time. Considering intrinsic uncertainty, I will present a function that is in NP but not in P, and thus prove that P is a proper subset of NP. I will also show that all traditional hard decision problems have polynomial-time algorithms that provide solutions with confidence under uncertainty.
The central problem in computer science is the conjecture that two complexity classes, P (polynomial time) and NP (nondeterministic polynomial time-roughly those decision problems for which a proposed solution can be checked in polynomial time), are distinct in the standard Turing model of computation: P not equal NP. As a generality, we propose that each physical theory supports computational models whose power is limited by the physical theory. It is well known that classical physics supports a multitude of implementation of the Turing machine. Non-Abelian topological quantum field theories exhibit the mathematical features necessary to support a model capable of solving all #P problems, a computationally intractable class, in polynomial time. Specifically, Witten [Witten, E. (1989) Commun. Math. Phys. 121, 351-391] has identified expectation values in a certain SU(2)-field theory with values of the Jones polynomial [Jones, V. (1985) Bull. Am. Math. Soc. 12, 103-111] that are #P-hard [Jaeger, F., Vertigen, D. & Welsh, D. (1990) Math. Proc. Comb. Philos. Soc. 108, 35-53]. This suggests that some physical system whose effective Lagrangian contains a non-Abelian topological term might be manipulated to serve as an analog computer capable of solving NP or even #P-hard problems in polynomial time. Defining such a system and addressing the accuracy issues inherent in preparation and measurement is a major unsolved problem.
The P vs. NP problem is a central open question in theoretical computer science, asking whether every problem whose solution can be verified in polynomial time can also be solved in polynomial time. This paper presents an interdisciplinary exploration of this problem by integrating mathematical analysis, quantum computing, and machine learning.We analyze the limitations of polynomial-time reductions among NP-complete problems under the Exponential Time Hypothesis (ETH), providing detailed proofs that offer new insights into the structural complexities within NP. Additionally, we develop a novel quantum-classical hybrid algorithm that combines Grover's algorithm with classical heuristics to solve specific instances of NP-complete problems more efficiently. This includes a comprehensive complexity analysis, scalability discussions, and detailed practical implementation aspects such as oracle constructions.Furthermore, we propose a machine learning framework based on Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to capture patterns within NP-complete problems. This approach is theoretically justified, enhances heuristic methods, and demonstrates superior performance through extensive experimental comparisons with classical heuristics and exact solvers.By integrating these methods, this work offers fresh perspectives on the P vs. NP problem and contributes to the broader understanding of computational complexity.
Abstract: The P vs NP problem is the central open question in computational complexity theory, asking whether every problem whose solution can be verified in polynomial time can also be solved in polynomial time. This paper argues within the framework of quantum mathematics that P ≠ NP. Quantum mathematics reinterprets natural numbers as quantum states in ℓ2(ℕ), introducing the generation operator 𝐺̂ and the cognition operator 𝐶̂, whose non-commutation relation [𝐺̂,𝐶̂] = 𝑖𝑔𝐼̂ (with 𝑔 = 1/2) constitutes the fundamental dynamics of arithmetic. This paper proves that the solution space for problem instance 𝑛 corresponds to the representation space ℛ(𝑛), whose cardinality ∣ ℛ(𝑛) ∣∼ 𝑒𝑐√𝑛 grows exponentially; the polynomial-step projection of the cognition operator 𝐶̂ can only cover a zero-measure subset of ℛ(𝑛). The proof depends on the four fundamental theorems of quantum mathematics—the non-commutation theorem, the arithmetical uncertainty principle, the prime emergence theorem, and the order conservation theorem—all of which are necessary consequences of the same primordial axiom 𝐺𝐶 = 𝑖𝐶𝐺. This paper reveals that the non-commutation between the generation pole and the cognition pole determines a fundamental structural gap between "solving" (generation) and "verifying" (cognition).摘要:P vs NP 问题是计算复杂性理论的核心未解难题,它询问:所有可在多项式时间 内验证的问题是否也可在多项式时间内求解?本文在量子数学框架内论证P ≠ NP。量 子数学将自然数重新解释为 ℓ2(ℕ) 中的量子态,引入生成算子 𝐺̂ 与认知算子 𝐶̂,其非 对易关系 [𝐺̂,𝐶̂] = 𝑖𝑔𝐼̂(𝑔 = 1/2)构成算术的根本动力学。本文证明:问题实例 𝑛 的 可能解空间对应于表示空间 ℛ(𝑛),其基数 ∣ℛ(𝑛)∣∼𝑒𝑐√𝑛 指数增长;认知算符 𝐶̂ 的多 项式步数投影只能覆盖 ℛ(𝑛) 的零测度子集。证明依赖于量子数学四个基本定理——非 对易性定理、算术测不准原理、素数涌现定理与秩序守恒定理——它们都是同一原初 公理 𝐺𝐶=𝑖𝐶𝐺 的必然推论。本文揭示:生成极与认知极的非对易性决定了"求解"(生 成)与"验证"(认知)之间存在根本性的结构性鸿沟。
At the quantum scale, objects such as fundamental particles, atoms, and molecules are modeled as localized wavepackets rather than concrete objects. As such, some quantities that are well-defined at our human scale physics instead become uncertain. For instance, quantum objects do not have a precise position, and instead their position is understood probabilistically and we look to the expected, or average, value of the position. Another quirk of quantum mechanics is that quantities such as position and momentum become operators that act on functions, similar to matrices acting on vectors. As such, quantities that may have commuted classically may not at the quantum level. For instance, position (x) and momentum (p) commute in classical physics (xp = px), but they do not commute at the quantum level (xp ≠ px). For noncommuting operators A and B, the uncertainty principle qualitatively describes how well one can know A and B simultaneously: the more certain one is of the value of A, the less one knows the value B and vice versa. The standard example is that of position and momentum: the Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that the more certain one is of the position of a quantum object, the more uncertain one is about its momentum. The classic uncertainty principles between noncommuting operators are those of position and momentum, the z and x or y components of angular momentum, and number and phase operators. These operators are very rigid and do not provide easy generalization to more general operators. In this project, we used an infinite matrix representation to analyze the uncertainty principle underlying position and momentum which allows for broader generalization. The biggest component of this project was determining eigenvalues of infinite banded matrices which was aided by the use of the mathematical software Mathematica.
Abstract In many real‐life situations, we are interested in the value of a physical quantity y that is difficult or impossible to measure directly. To estimate y, we find some easier‐to‐measure quantities x1, … , xn which are related to y by a known relation y = f(x1, … , xn). Measurements are never 100% accurate; hence, the measured values $ \tilde {x} _{i} $ are different from xi, and the resulting estimate $ \tilde {y} = f( \tilde {x} _{1} \ldots , \tilde {x} _{n}) $ is different from the desired value y = f(x1, … , xn). How different can it be? Traditional engineering approach to error estimation in data processing assumes that we know the probabilities of different measurement errors $ \Delta x_i {\mathop {=} \limits ^{\rm def}} \tilde x _i - x_i $. In many practical situations, we only know the upper bound Δi for this error; hence, after the measurement, the only information that we have about xi is that it belongs to the interval $ {\bf x}_i {\mathop {=} \limits ^{\rm def}} [ \tilde x _i - \Delta _i, \tilde x_i + \Delta _i] $. In this case, it is important to find the range y of all possible values of y = f(x1, … , xn) when xi ∈ xi. We start the paper with a brief overview of the computational complexity of the corresponding interval computation problems: Most of the related problems turn out to be, in general, at least NP‐hard. In this paper, we show how the use of quantum computing can speed up some computations related to interval and probabilistic uncertainty. We end the paper with speculations on whether (and how) “hypothetic” physical devices can compute NP‐hard problems faster than in exponential time. Most of the paper's results were first presented at NAFIPS'2003 [30]. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Most of the physicians that I know are chary of Physics, especially the theory of elementary particles. Even if in Isaac Newton's mathematically precise universe, everything follows clear-cut laws and predictions are easy given appropriate starting conditions. Perhaps, however, physicians coping with this uncertainty will perhaps feel more in tune with Heisenberg's uncertainty law. Heisenberg (1901–76) described a theory of quantum mechanics, published in 1925, when he was only 23 years old. The uncertainty principle describes an imprecision in nature resulting in a limit to what we can know about the behaviour of quantum particles and, hence the smallest scales of nature. Heisenberg was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics for 1932 for this theory and its application that resulted amongst other things the discovery of allotropic forms of hydrogen. His theory stated that we cannot always give an electron a position in space at a given time, nor follow it in its orbit, so that we cannot assume that the planetary orbits proposed by Niels Bohr exist. Mechanical quantities, such as position and velocity, should be represented, not by ordinary numbers, but by abstract mathematical structures called ‘matrices’ and he formulated his new theory in terms of matrix equations. The principle of uncertainty, says that the determination of the position and momentum of a mobile particle necessarily contains errors the product of which cannot be less than the quantum constant h and that, although these errors are negligible on the human scale, they cannot be ignored in studies. We cannot measure the position (x) and the momentum (p) of a particle with absolute precision. The more accurately we know one of these values, the less accurately we know the other. There are many ways of looking at this and in medicine we need to take account of uncertainty. Uncertainty in medicine can be resolved in many ways and can include Occam's razor. In medicine, all presenting symptoms in a patient may be explained by a few possible causes. In medicine, all presenting symptoms in a patient may be due to several disease and social processes at the same time. How can this be relevant to a working physician? The whole of medical practice has parallels with the certainties of Newton and Bohr. The object of a clinical consultation is to give a sign or complaint a diagnostic named description to be followed by a treatment regime which resolves the problem. Yet every physician knows and automatically models his understanding of a clinical problem perhaps unknowingly on a model based on Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. A core process, which is complicated by factors understood or not. The same principles are relevant to so many other features of life. There are certain fixed points in the diagnostic and clinical process. Gender, race, age, weight to height ratio, privileged and social life and intelligence. Some people age at different rates to their age cohort? Similarly, obesity does not always matter. The patient′s family history is another variable, complicated occasionally when the putative father with a family health trait may not be the actual father. The social story is a minefield, with the possibility of every phase of a person’s life being of relevance. A further element is how well the physician and the patient and their caring team relate. The clinical examination then gives a further array of data. From all of this comes a diagnosis which gives a pathway to a treatment schedule the ability of the patient to manage their treatment regime becomes important. There is a tendency that as soon as the diagnosis is made then the other elements fade away from the care plan, though of course it persists in the person's life. We are all consciously or unconsciously aware of the complex fabric of clinical care. It is intriguing to appreciate that other disciplines have been presented with the same multifactorial uncertainties. The era in Physics when Heisenberg introduced his view of nuclear physics was one when a precise physical model was being completed and gave certainty to a complex problem. His principle while obviously reintroducing uncertainty gave freedom of thinking and allowed further fruitful progress. We physicians do not enjoy uncertainty, and to have it formalized is uncomfortable. So we instinctively identify the major problem and treat that. By and large this is a useful process. It is however important to see this as a convenience. A convenience that may not always suit the patient. Applying the Heisenberg principles gives a broader view of a patient's concerns and problems and better care.