Optimization fundamentals

Understand

A decision chooses an assignment, such as the group of each vertex or which items to pack. An objective ranks assignments. Constraints decide which assignments are allowed.

Max-Cut maximizes crossing edges; Knapsack maximizes value within capacity. The QUBO engine minimizes energy, so a maximizing objective is represented with the appropriate sign and any constraint penalties. Domain value and encoded energy are different quantities.

Visualize

Compare recorded assignments. The diagram and its text equivalent describe the same chosen state; they do not launch an optimization.

Experiment

Choose Max-Cut, then change the recorded bitstring. Which vertices change groups? Switch to Knapsack and inspect an overweight assignment, then compare the exact reference.

Return to the example controls