English

Hard satisfiable formulas for DPLL algorithms using heuristics with small memory

Computational Complexity 2021-01-26 v1

Abstract

DPLL algorithm for solving the Boolean satisfiability problem (SAT) can be represented in the form of a procedure that, using heuristics AA and BB, select the variable xx from the input formula φ\varphi and the value bb and runs recursively on the formulas φ[x:=b]\varphi[x := b] and φ[x:=1b]\varphi[x := 1 - b]. Exponential lower bounds on the running time of DPLL algorithms on unsatisfiable formulas follow from the lower bounds for tree-like resolution proofs. Lower bounds on satisfiable formulas are also known for some classes of DPLL algorithms such as "myopic" and "drunken" algorithms. All lower bounds are made for the classes of DPLL algorithms that limit heuristics access to the formula. In this paper we consider DPLL algorithms with heuristics that have unlimited access to the formula but use small memory. We show that for any pair of heuristics with small memory there exists a family of satisfiable formulas Φn\Phi_n such that a DPLL algorithm that uses these heuristics runs in exponential time on the formulas Φn\Phi_n.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2101.09528,
  title  = {Hard satisfiable formulas for DPLL algorithms using heuristics with small memory},
  author = {Nikita Gaevoy},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2101.09528},
  year   = {2021}
}
R2 v1 2026-06-23T22:27:10.144Z