Max-linear Systems : Theory and Algorithms

Recent years have seen a significant rise of interest in max-linear theory and techniques. Specialised international conferences and seminars or special sessions devoted to max-algebra have been organised. This book aims to provide a first detailed and self-contained account of linear-algebraic aspects of max-algebra for general (that is both irreducible and reducible) matrices.

Among the main features of the book is the presentation of the fundamental max-algebraic theory (Chapters 1-4), often scattered in research articles, reports and theses, in one place in a comprehensive and unified form. This presentation is made with all proofs and in full generality (that is for both irreducible and reducible matrices). Another feature is the presence of advanced material (Chapters 5-10), most of which has not appeared in a book before and in many cases has not been published at all.

Intended for a wide-ranging readership, this book will be useful for anyone with basic mathematical knowledge (including undergraduate students) who wish to learn fundamental max-algebraic ideas and techniques. It will also be useful for researchers working in tropical geometry or idempotent analysis.

Recent years have seen a significant rise of interest in max-linear theory and techniques. In addition to providing the linear-algebraic background in the field of tropical mathematics, max-algebra provides mathematical theory and techniques for solving various nonlinear problems arising in areas such as manufacturing, transportation, allocation of resources and information processing technology. It is, therefore, a significant topic spanning both pure and applied mathematical fields.

A welcome introduction to the subject of max-plus (tropical) linear algebra, and in particular algorithmic problems, Max-linear Systems: Theory and Algorithms offers a consolidation of both new and existing literature, thus filling a much-needed gap. Providing the fundamentals of max-algebraic theory in a comprehensive and unified form, in addition to more advanced material with an emphasis on feasibility and reachability, this book presents a number of new research results. Topics covered range from max-linear systems and the eigenvalue-eigenvector problem to periodic behavior of matrices, max-linear programs, linear independence, and matrix scaling.

This book assumes no prior knowledge of max-algebra and much of the theoryis illustrated with numerical examples, complemented by exercises, and accompanied by both practical and theoretical applications. Open problems are also demonstrated.

A fresh and pioneering approach to the topic of Max-linear Systems, this book will hold a wide-ranging readership, and will be useful for:

• anyone with basic mathematical knowledge wishing to learn essential max-algebraic ideas and techniques

• undergraduate and postgraduate students of mathematics or a related degree

• mathematics researchers

• mathematicians working in industry, commerce or management