CMP.4:9 - Consequences

The search can avoid large parts of a combinatorial space and still support a precise result. It can also supply a useful answer before completion, with the remaining possibility described at the strength actually established.

The method does not guarantee affordable search. Exclusions may be weak, expensive or scarce; the remaining space may still grow exponentially. A changed formulation, relaxation, shared subproblem or weaker requested conclusion can then be the next useful move.