knapsack problem

noun Mathematics.

the problem of determining which numbers from a given collection of numbers have been added together to yield a specific sum: used in cryptography to encipher (and sometimes decipher) messages.

Origin of knapsack problem

so called because the problem is similar to determining what packages are in a closed knapsack when the weights of the individual packages and the filled knapsack are known

Words nearby knapsack problem

knaggy, knaidel, knap, knapping hammer, knapsack, knapsack problem, knapweed, knar, knarly, knave, knavery