Question:

What is the purpose of Bellman-Ford algorithm?

Show Hint

Bellman-Ford:
• Single Source Shortest Path
• Handles Negative Weights
• Detects Negative Cycles Dijkstra:
• Faster
• Does not handle negative edge weights
Updated On: Jun 25, 2026
  • Detecting single source shortest paths in a weighted graph with negative weights
  • Detecting all pairs shortest paths in a weighted graph with negative weights
  • Detecting single source shortest paths in undirected graph without negative weights
  • Detecting all pairs shortest paths in a weighted graph without negative weights
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Bellman-Ford is a shortest path algorithm that computes the shortest distance from a single source vertex to all other vertices. Unlike Dijkstra's algorithm, Bellman-Ford can handle graphs containing negative edge weights. It can also detect negative weight cycles.

Step 1:
Recall the purpose of Bellman-Ford.
Given a source vertex \(s\), Bellman-Ford computes: \[ d(s,v) \] for every vertex \(v\). Thus it is a single-source shortest path algorithm.

Step 2:
Identify its major advantage.
Bellman-Ford works correctly even when some edge weights are negative. For example, \[ A \rightarrow B=-5 \] can be processed successfully.

Step 3:
Compare with other algorithms.
Dijkstra's algorithm fails for graphs with negative edge weights. Floyd-Warshall computes all-pairs shortest paths. Therefore Bellman-Ford is uniquely associated with single-source shortest paths and negative weights.

Step 4:
Write the answer.
Hence Bellman-Ford is used for \[ \boxed{\text{Single Source Shortest Paths with Negative Weights}}. \] Therefore option (A) is correct.
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