Name: ____________________

Partner: ____________________

: _______

Linear Programming & Optimization

Algebra 2 Quarter 1 Benchmark
FINAL DUE DATE: Friday, 11/1 , at the beginning of class, in
uploaded to Canvas. NO LATE PROJECTS ACCEPTED due to grades closing on 11/1 .
Intermediate Deadlines:

: Partner choices due

: Products due for business

Friday, 11/ : Constraints due for business
Monday, 11/
Project Overview:
For our first quarter benchmark, you and one partner will be creating a start-up business together,
and you will be applying your knowledge of linear programming to determine how to optimize
your business financial situation. You each must generate and solve a linear programming
model in order to optimize the financial gains for your company for two different types of
products (1 per person).
You will need to:
Provide basic information about your company (e.g. company name, type of business,
etc.). (Group)
Choose two types of products that your company will make (e.g. sneakers and shirts, TVs
and stereos, etc.). (Group)
For each type of product, one of you must choose at least two specific products that your
company will make (e.g. if you choose sneakers and shirts, then for sneakers, you could
choose basketball and running sneakers, and for shirts you could choose short sleeve and
long sleeve). (Group)
Identify each product using a variable and decide on a maximum or minimum number of
each type of product your company will produce per day (or per week/month/year etc.).
Do research in order to make this as realistic as possible! (Group and Individual)
Graph the feasible region by hand and find the coordinates of the vertices for each type
of product, so you will have 2 total (e.g. you will have one graph for sneakers, and
another for shirts). (Individual)
Write the equation of the function you want to optimize for each product (2 total), and
decide whether you need to maximize or minimize it. (Individual)
Use the optimization equation to determine how many of each product for each type you
should produce (2 total). In other words, identify the appropriate combination of products
that will maximize profit for each type of product. (Individual)
Project Requirements:
Since you will be working in partners but each generating your own linear programming problem
for your business, you will be graded based on both individual and group requirements.
Individual Requirements:
1. Generate and solve a linear programming situation that will enable you to determine

how many of each product you should produce.

2. Create a polished graph by hand with your feasible region, all equations, all
vertices and all axes clearly and neatly labeled.
Group Requirements:
1. Come up with a company name, and identify the products that you will be producing.
2. Create a 34 minute video that will be sent to potential investors. This video should
explain what types of products your company will be producing, as well as what
combination of products would maximize profit, with sufficient mathematical support
provided in the video.
3. Create a detailed process guide to explain how to use systems of equations and linear
programming to create an effective business model. In your process guide, you should
include both of the individual linear programming problems that you and your partner
created, as well as step-by-step descriptions of how to solve linear programming
problems (using your own problems as examples). Additionally, in your process guide,
you must illustrate all three methods for solving systems of linear equations that we
have studied (graphing, substitution, and elimination). The creation of this process
guide can serve as a blueprint for the expansion of your business or additional
businesses in the future. As a group, you will also be held accountable for coordinating
the work between partners, and for making sure that your final process guide meets all
requirements. Your final process guide should be polished (all must be typed), must
include graphs (generated and labeled using graphing software) and should be written
in complete sentences using proper grammar and sentence structure.
Algebra 2 Checklist of Required Topics
Individual Requirements:
Generation and solution to an original linear programming system as co-CEO of your
own start-up company. This model should include:
o Basic information about your company (e.g. company name, type of business,
etc.)
o Choose two products your company will make.
o Information about the two products your company will produce and
accompanying constraints
o Hand-made graph of the feasible region and identification of coordinates of the
vertices, along with properly labeled axes.
o Equation of the function you want to optimize, and discussion about whether you
will be maximizing or minimizing it.
o Use of optimization equation to determine how many of each product you should
produce.
Group Requirements:
A polished process guide which explains how to use linear programming to create an
effective business model. This guide must include:
o Introduction
o All mathematical components of the 2 linear programming models (i.e.
calculations, computer generated and labeled graphs, solutions, etc.)

o A demonstration of how to use all three techniques to solve a system of equations

(graphing, substitution, and elimination)
o Explanation/interpretation of what the math means and how to use linear
programming from a business perspective
o Your final process guide should:
Be polished (typed!), well organized, and grammatically correct
Include all requirements
A 34 minute video explaining what types of products you will be making, as well as an
overview of the numbers of products that will maximize profits for specific products (in
other words, your video should include the answers to each of your linear programming
problems). This video should include:
o Recommendation about what combination of products will maximize profit
o Mathematical support for your business recommendation

Essential Questions
How can situations involving multiple variables be represented/solved using systems of
inequalities?
What information does a graph give us?
How can situations involving more than two variables be solved?
How can real-world situations be modeled using Algebra?
SLA Core Values
Inquiry:
What is linear programming and how is it connected to systems of inequalities?
How can we use linear programming to optimize business conditions?
How many variables can be used when solving systems of equations?
Research:
What are some real-world applications of systems of equations/inequalities and linear
programming?
Collaboration:
Work with a partner to create a polished business proposal for potential investors.
Presentation:
Present business proposal and video to classmates.
Polished process guide can be used to introduce systems of inequalities and linear
programming to other Algebra classes.
Reflection
Journal at the conclusion of the benchmark focusing on the project itself, you and your
partners effort, your final product, and what you learned through the process.

ALGEBRA 2 Linear Programming & Optimization

Exceeds
Expectations
20-19
Design (group)
(Planning; organization;
research; understanding of
project)

Name: __________________________________________

Meet Expectations
18-16
Thoughtful and careful planning. Good understanding
of purpose of the project. Process guide is well
organized and designed. The main insights are
conveyed clearly in both process guide and video.

10 points = process guide

10 points = video

Knowledge (individual)
(Research; understanding
of concepts; use of correct
terms, formulas, and
diagrams)

Application (individual)
(Understanding of real-life
applications)

Process
(individual/group)
(Collaboration; fulfillment
of project deadlines and
requirements; journal
entry)
10 points = individual
10 points = group

Presentation (group)
(Communication of ideas
and concepts; sense of
audience engagement)
10 points = process guide
10 points = video

Research about linear programming is fairly thorough,

and key ideas/details are selected with care. All
sources are cited. Solution for linear programming
model is accurate. Accurately solved system using at
least 2 methods.

Carefully explained in process guide and video how

linear programming is used to optimize business
choices. Clear demonstration of step-by-step process to
set up and solve a linear programming model.
All parts of the project, including process guide, video,
& intermediate assignments, are completed on time and
meet the necessary requirements. Different parts of the
project are thoughtfully coordinated between partners.
Work periods are utilized very well.

Process guide well planned and designed, clear, &

informative. Correct punctuation, grammar, & spelling.
Video well planned and designed, clear, &
informative. Good attention to details (timing, visual
aids, flow of information, audience engagement).

Approaches
Expectations
15-13

Does NOT Meet

Expectations
12-0