Algebraic Algorithms for Matching and Matroid Problems

We present new algebraic approaches for several well-known combinatorial problems, including non-bipartite matching, matroid intersection, and some of their generalizations. Our work yields new randomized algorithms that are the most efficient known. For non-bipartite matching, we obtain a simple, purely algebraic algorithm with running time O(n) where n is the number of vertices and ω is the matrix multiplication exponent. This resolves the central open problem of Mucha and Sankowski (2004). For matroid intersection, our algorithm has running time O(nrω−1) for matroids with n elements and rank r that satisfy some natural conditions.