Approximation Algorithms for Discrete Polynomial Optimization

In this paper, we consider approximation algorithms for optimizing a generic multivariate polynomial function in discrete (typically binary) variables. Such models have natural applications in graph theory, neural networks, error-correcting codes, among many others. In particular, we focus on three types of optimization models: (1) maximizing a homogeneous polynomial function in binary variables; (2) maximizing a homogeneous polynomial function in binary variables, mixed with variables under spherical constraints; (3) maximizing an inhomogeneous polynomial function in binary variables. We propose polynomial-time randomized approximation algorithms for such polynomial optimization models, and establish the approximation ratios (or relative approximation ratios whenever appropriate) for the proposed algorithms. Some examples of applications for these models and algorithms are discussed as well. © 2013 Operations Research Society of China, Periodicals Agency of Shanghai University, and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.