Algebraic and Geometric Ideas in the Theory of Discrete Optimization

In recent years, many new techniques have emerged in the mathematical theory of discrete optimization that have proven to be effective in solving a number of hard problems. This book presents these recent advances, particularly those that arise from algebraic geometry, commutative algebra, convex and discrete geometry, generating functions, and other tools normally considered outside of the standard curriculum in optimization. These new techniques, all of which are presented with minimal prerequisites, provide a transition from linear to nonlinear discrete optimization. This book can be used as a textbook for advanced undergraduates or first-year graduate students in mathematics, computer science or operations research. It is also appropriate for mathematicians, engineers, and scientists engaged in computation who wish to gain a deeper understanding of how and why algorithms work.

Jesús A. De Loera is a Professor of Mathematics and a member of the Graduate Groups in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at University of California, Davis. His research has been recognised by an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, the UC Davis Chancellor Fellow award, and the 2010 INFORMS Computing Society Prize. He is an Associate Editor of SIAM Journal of Discrete Mathematics and Discrete Optimization.

Raymond Hemmecke is a Professor of Combinatorial Optimization at Technische Universität München. His research interests include algebraic statistics, computer algebra and bioinformatics.

Matthias Köppe is a Professor of mathematics and a member of the Graduate Groups in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at University of California, Davis. He is an associate editor of Mathematical Programming, Series A and Asia-Pacific Journal of Operational Research.