why are computers better than humans as solving a problem like finding the shortest route between 10 different cities

Answer 1

Computers have several advantages over humans when it comes to solving optimization problems like finding the shortest route between multiple cities (often referred to as the Traveling Salesman Problem, or TSP). Here are some key reasons why computers excel in this area:

1. Speed of Calculation: Computers can perform billions of calculations per second. This rapid processing power allows them to evaluate multiple possible routes quickly, making it feasible to find the shortest path even with many variables.

2. Algorithmic Efficiency: There are sophisticated algorithms designed specifically for solving problems like the TSP. These include exact algorithms (like dynamic programming and branch-and-bound) that can find the optimal solution, as well as heuristic and approximation algorithms (like genetic algorithms and nearest neighbor) that can provide good solutions in a fraction of the time.

3. Data Handling: Computers can handle large amounts of data effortlessly. When considering multiple cities, the number of possible routes grows factorially with the number of cities, making it impractical for a human to keep track of all possibilities.

4. Consistency and Accuracy: Computers do not suffer from fatigue or cognitive biases, which can affect human decision-making. They consistently apply the same algorithms and logic, leading to reliable results.

5. Visualization and Mapping Tools: Modern computers come equipped with sophisticated mapping and visualization tools that can analyze geographical data effectively, which can be crucial in route planning.

6. Parallel Processing: Many computers can perform multiple calculations simultaneously (parallel processing), significantly speeding up the problem-solving process compared to a sequential, human approach.

7. Access to Comprehensive Data: Computers can access vast databases that include real-time traffic data, distances, weather conditions, and other factors that can influence route efficiency, which might be challenging for a human to gather and analyze in real-time.

While humans excel in creativity, intuition, and understanding complex, nuanced problems, computers' strengths lie in their ability to process information quickly and systematically, making them well-suited for optimization tasks like route finding.