We prove the worst-case upper bound 1:5045 n for the time complexity of 3-SAT decision, where n is the number of variables in the input formula, introducing new methods for the analysis as well as new algorithmic techniques. We add new 2- and 3-clauses, called "blocked clauses", generalizing the extension rule of "Extended Resolution." Our methods for estimating the size of trees lead to a refined measure of formula complexity of 3-clause-sets and can be applied also to arbitrary trees. Keywords: 3-SAT, worst-case upper bounds, analysis of algorithms, Extended Resolution, blocked clauses, generalized autarkness. 1 Introduction In this paper we study the exponential part of time complexity for 3-SAT decision and prove the worst-case upper bound 1:5044:: n for n the number of variables in the input formula, using new algorithmic methods as well as new methods for the analysis. These methods also deepen the already existing approaches in a systematically manner. The following results...

We investigate algorithms deciding propositional tautologies for DNF and coNP--complete subclasses given by restrictions on the number of occurrences of literals. Especially polynomial use of resolution for reductions in combination with a new combinatorial principle called "Generalized Sign Principle" is studied. Upper bounds on time complexity are given with exponential part 2 ff\Delta(F ) where the measure (F ) for a clause set F either is the number n(F ) of variables, the number `(F ) of literal occurrences or the number k(F ) of clauses. ff is called a "power coefficient" for the class of formulas under consideration w.r.t. measure . Power coefficients are derived with the help of a method estimating the size of trees, which is also used to find "good" branching rules. Under natural conditions power coefficients ff; fi; fl for n; k; ` respectively fulfill ff fi fl. We obtain the following power coefficients. - 0:1112 for DNF w.r.t. ` - 0:3334 for DNF w.r.t. k These result...