Max-flow min-cut theorem

Equivalence of optimization problems

In computer science and optimization theory, the max-flow min-cut theorem states that in a flow network, the maximum amount of flow passing from the source to the sink is equal to the total weight of the edges in a minimum cut, i.e., the smallest total weight of the edges which if removed would disconnect the source from the sink. For example, imagine a network of pipes carrying water from a reservoir (the source) to a city (the sink). Each pipe has a capacity representing the maximum amount of water that can flow through it per unit of time.

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