Approximation algorithms and ratios for multiple domination in graphs

Abstract

We analyse approximation algorithms (greedy heuristics) for the classical domination number and two multiple domination numbers in simple graphs. First, we present a short self-contained proof of the known result that the minimum domination problem in any graph $G$ with maximum degree $\Delta$ can be solved within the approximation ratio of ${\ln(\Delta+1)+1}$. The proof is based on an analysis of a simple greedy heuristic. Then, by analysing more advanced greedy heuristic techniques and using ideas from our self-contained proof for the classical domination number, we fix a gap in the existing proof of a similar result for the $k$-tuple domination number. That is, we prove that the minimum $k$-tuple domination problem indeed can be approximated within the ratio of $\ln(\Delta+1)+1$. The proof of this result is self-contained, direct, and much shorter than the existing proof, which contains the gap. Finally, we show that the known approximation ratio of $\ln(2\Delta)+1$ for the minimum $k$-domination problem can be improved to a better ratio.