Abstract

We discuss the problem of computing the volume of a convex body K in IR n . We review worst-case results which show that it is hard to deterministically approximate volnK and randomised approximation algorithms which show that with randomisation one can approximate very nicely. We then provide some applications of this latter result. Supported by NATO grant RG0088/89 y Supported by NSF grant CCR-8900112 and NATO grant RG0088/89 1 Introduction The mathematical study of areas and volumes is as old as civilization itself, and has been conducted for both intellectual and practical reasons. As far back as 2000 B.C., the Egyptians 1 had methods for approximating the areas of fields (for taxation purposes) and the volumes of granaries. The exact study of areas and volumes began with Euclid 2 and was carried to a high art form by Archimedes 3 . The modern study of this subject began with the great astronomer Johann Kepler's treatise 4 Nova stereometria doliorum vinariorum, wh...

Citations