Feasible combinatorial matrix theory

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Abstract: We show that the well-known Konig's Min-Max Theorem (KMM), a fundamental result in combinatorial matrix theory, can be proven in the first order theory LA with induction restricted to Sigma1B formulas. This is an improvement over the standard textbook proof of KMM which requires Pi2B induction, and hence does not yield feasible proofs --- while our new approach does. LA is a weak theory that essentially captures the ring properties of matrices; however, equipped with Sigma1B induction LA is capable of proving KMM, and a host of other combinatorial properties such as Menger's, Hall's and Dilworth's Theorems. Therefore, our result formalizes Min-Max type of reasoning within a feasible framework.












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