13.

Simplex Method

Theory at a Glance (For IES, GATE, PSU)

General Linear Programming Problem

Optimize {Minimize or maximize}
Z = c1x1 + c2x2 + c3x3 + ......... + c1x1
Subjected to the constraints
a11x1 + a12x2 + ...... + a1xxn ≤ b1
a21x1 + a22x2 + ...... + a2xxn ≤ b2
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
am1x1 + am2x2 + ...... + axmnxn ≤ bm
and meet the non-negativity restrictions x1, x2, x3, ...... xn ≥ 0
1. A set of values x1, x2, x3, ...... xn which constrains of the L.P.P. is called its solutions.
2. Any solution to a L.P.P. which satisfies the non-negativity restrictions of the problem
is called its feasible Solution.
3. Any feasible solution which maximizes (or minimizes) the objective function of the
L.P.P. is called its optimal solution.
4. A constraints
n

∑a x
j =1
ij i ≤ b i ,(i = 1,2,........m)

∑a x
j =1
ij i + si = bi ,(i = 1,2,....m)

Then the si is called slack variables.

5. A constraints
n

∑a x
j =1
ij i ≥ b i ,(i = 1,2,........m)

∑a x
j =1
ij i − si = bi ,(i = 1,2,....m)

Then the Si is called surplus variables.

6. Canonical forms of L.P.P.
Maximize z = c1x1 + c2x2 + ................ + cnxn
Subject to the Constraints
ai1x1 + ai2x2 + ...... + ainxn ≤ bi; [i = 1, 2, .... m]
x1, x2, ........, xn ≥ 0
7. Standard from of L.P.P
Maximize z=c1x1+ c2x2+....+cnxn
Subject to the constraint
ai1x1 + ai2x2 + ...... + ainxn ≤ bi [i = 1, 2, .. m]
x1, x2, ......, xn ≥ 0
8. Convert the following L.PP. to the standard form
Maximize z = 3x1 + 5x2 + 7x3

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Subject to 6x1 − 4x2 ≤ 5
3x1 + 2x2 + 5x3 ≥ 11
4x1 + 3x3 ≤ 2
x1 , x2..... ≥ 0
As x3 is unrestricted let x3 = x3 '− x3 ''
Where x3 ', x3 ''
And Introducing the slack/surplus variables, the problem in standard form becomes:
Maximize z3x1 + 5x2 + 7x3 '− 7x3 "
Subject to 6x1 − 4x2 + 5x3 = 5
3x1 + 2x2 + 5x3′ − 5x3′′ − s2 = 11
4x1 + 3x3′ − 3x3′′ − s3 = 2
x1 , x2 , x3' , x3" ; s1 , s2 , s3 ≥ 0

Big-M Method
In the simplex method was discussed with required transformation of objective function
and constraints. However, all the constraints were of inequality type withless-than-equal-
to’ (δ) sign. However, ‘greater-than-equal-to’ (ε) and ‘equality’ (=) constraints are also
possible. In such cases, a modified approach is followed, which will be discussed in this
chapter. Different types of LPP solutions in the context of Simplex method will also be
discussed. Finally, a discussion on minimization vs maximization will be presented.

Simplex method with ‘greater-than-equal-to’ (ε ) and

equality (=) constraints
The LP problem, with ‘greater-than-equal-to’ (ε) and equality (=) constraints, is
transformed to its standard form in the following way :
1. One ‘artificial variable’ is added to each of the ‘greater-than-equal-to’ (ε) and equality
(=) constraints to ensure an initial basic feasible solution.
2. Artificial variables are ‘penalized’ in the objective function by introducing a large
negative (positive) coefficient M for maximization (minimization) problem.
3. Cost coefficients, which are supposed to be placed in the Z-row in the initial simplex
tableau, are transformed by ‘pivotal operation’ considering the column of artificial
variable as ‘pivotal column’ and the row of the artificial variable as ‘pivotal row’.
4. If there are more than one artificial variable, step 3 is repeated for all the artificial
variables one by one.
Let us consider the following LP problem
Maximize Z = 3x1 + 5x2
Subject to x1 + x2 ≥ 2
x2 ≤ 6
3x1 + 2x 2 = 18
x1 , x 2 ≥ 0
After incorporating the artificial variables, the above LP problem becomes as follows:
Maximize Z = 3x1 + 5x2 − Ma1 − Ma2
Subject to x1 + x2 − x3 + a1 = 2

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x2 + x4 = 6
3x1 + 2x 2 + a2 = 18
x1 , x 2 ≥ 0
Where x3 is surplus variable,
x4 is slack variable and a1 and
a2 are the artificial variables.
Cost coefficients in the
objective function are
modified considering the first
constraint as follows:

Z − (3 + 4 M )x1 − (5 + 3 M )x 2 + Mx 3 + 0a1 + 0a2 = −20 M

The modified cost coefficients are to be used in the Z-row of the first simplex tableau.
Next, let us move to the construction of simplex tableau. Pivotal column, pivotal row
and pivotal element are marked (same as used in the last class) for the ease of
understanding.

Note: That while comparing (– 3 – 4M) and (– 5 – 3M), it is decided that (– 3 – 4M) <
(– 5 – 3M) as M is any arbitrarily large number.

Successive iterations are shown as follows:

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It is found that, at iteration 4, optimality has reached. Optimal solution is Z = 36 with x1 =

2 and x2 = 6. The methodology explained above is known as Big-M method. Hope, reader
has already understood the meaning of the terminology!

‘Unbounded’, ‘Multiple’ and ‘Infeasible’ solutions in

the context of Simplex Method
As already discussed in lecture notes 2, a linear programming problem may have different
type of solutions corresponding to different situations. Visual demonstration of these

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S K Mondal Chapter 13
different types of situations was also discussed in the context of graphical method. Here,
the same will be discussed in the context of Simplex method.

Unbounded Solution
If at any iteration no departing variable can be found corresponding to entering variable,
the value of the objective function can be increased indefinitely, i.e., the solution is
unbounded.

sMultiple (Infinite) Solutions

If in the final tableau, one of the non-basic variables has a coefficient 0 in the Z-row, it
indicates that an alternative solution exists. This non-basic variable can be incorporated in
the basis to obtain another optimal solution. Once two such optimal solutions are obtained,
infinite number of optimal solutions can be obtained by taking a weighted sum of the two
optimal solutions.

Consider the slightly revised above problem,

Maximize Z = 3x1 + 2x2
Subject to x1 + x2 ≥ 2
x2 ≤ 6
3x1 + 2x 2 = 18
x1 , x 2 ≥ 0

Curious readers may find that the only modification is that the coefficient of x2 is changed
from 5 to 2 in the objective function. Thus the slope of the objective function and that of
third constraint are now same. It may be recalled from lecture notes 2, that if the Z line is
parallel to any side of the feasible region (i.e., one of the constraints) all the points lying on
that side constitute optimal solutions (refer Fig. 3 in lecture notes 2). So, reader should be
able to imagine graphically that the LPP is having infinite solutions. However, for this
particular set of constraints, if the objective function is made parallel (with equal slope) to
either the first constraint or the second constraint, it will not lead to multiple solutions.
The reason is very simple and left for the reader to find out. As a hint, plot all the
constraints and the objective function on an arithmetic paper.

Now, let us see how it can be found in the simplex tableau. Coming back to our problem,
final, tableau is shown as follows. Full problem is left to the reader as practice.

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As there is no negative coefficient in the Z-row the optimal is reached. The solution is Z =
18, with x1 = 6 and x2 = 0. However, the coefficient of non-basic variable x2 is zero as shown
in the final simplex tableau. So, another solution is possible by incorporating x2 in the
basis. Based on the br , 4x will be the exiting variable. The next tableau will be as
crs
follows:

Thus, another solution is obtained, which is Z = 18 with x1 = 2 and x2 = 6. Again, it may be

noted that, the coefficient of non-basic variable x4 is zero as shown in the tableau. If one
more similar step is performed, same simplex tableau at iteration 3 will be obtained.

⎧6 ⎫ ⎧2 ⎫
Thus, we have two sets of solutions ⎨ ⎬ and ⎨ ⎬ . Other optimal solutions will be obtained
⎩0 ⎭ ⎩6 ⎭
⎧6⎫ ⎧2⎫
as β ⎨ ⎬ + (1 − β ) ⎨ ⎬ where, β ∈ [0, 1]. For example, let β = 0.4, corresponding solution is
⎩0⎭ ⎩6⎭
⎧3.6 ⎫
⎨ ⎬ , i.e., x1 = 3.6 and x2 = 3.6.
⎩3.6 ⎭
Note: That values of the objective function are not changed for different sets of solution;
for all the cases Z = 18.

Infeasible Solution

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If in the final tableau, at least one of the artificial variables still exists in the basis, the
solution is indefinite.
Reader may check this situation both graphically and in the context of Simplex method by
considering following problem:

Maximize Z = 3x1 + 2x2

Subject to x1 + x2 ≤ 2
3x1 + 2x2 ≥ 18
x1 , x2 ≥ 0

Minimization Versus Maximization Problems

As discussed earlier, standard form of LP problems consist of a maximizing objective
function. Simplex method is described based on the standard form of LP problems, i.e.,
objective function is of maximization type. However, if the objective function is of
minimization type, simplex method may still be applied with a small modification. The
required modification can be done in either of following two ways:
1. The objective function is multiplied by –1 so as to keep the problem identical and
‘minimization’ problem becomes ‘maximization’. This is because of the fact that
minimizing a function is equivalent to the maximization of its negative.
2. While selecting the entering non-basic variable, the variable having the maximum
coefficient among all the cost coefficients is to be entered. In such cases, optimal
solution would be determined from the tableau having all the cost coefficients as non-
positive ( ≤ 0).
Still one difficulty remains in the minimization problem. Generally the minimization
problems consist of constraints with ‘greater-than-equal-to’ ( ≥ ) sign. For example,
minimize the price (to compete in the market); however, the profit should cross a minimum
threshold. Whenever the goal is to minimize some objective, lower bounded requirements
play the leading role.
Constraints with ‘greater-than-equal-to’ ( ≥ ) sign are obvious in practical situations.
To deal with the constraints with ‘greater-than-equal-to’ ( ≥ ) and = sign, Big-M method is
to be followed as explained earlier.

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OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (GATE, IES, IAS)

Previous 20-Years GATE Questions

GATE-1. Simplex method of solving linear programming problem uses
(a) All the points in the feasible region [GATE-2010]
(b) Only the comer points of the feasible region
(c) Intermediate points within the infeasible region
(d) Only the interior points in the feasible region

Common data for Question Q2 and Q3 [GATE-2008]

Consider the Linear Programme (LP)
Maximize 4 x + 6y
subject to 3x + 2y ≤ 6
2x + 3y ≤ 6
x, y ≥ 0
GATE-2. After introducing slack variables s and t, the initial basic feasible
solution is represented by the tableau below (basic variables are
s = 6 and t = 6, and the objective function value is 0).
–4 –6 0 0 0
s 3 2 1 0 6
t 2 3 0 1 6
x y s T RHS
After some simplex iteration, the following tableau is obtained
0 0 0 2 12
s 5/3 0 1 –1/3 2
y 2/3 1 0 1/3 2
x y s T RHS
From this, one can conclude that
(a) The LP has a unique optimal solution
(b) The LP has an optimal solution that is not unique
(c) The LP is infeasible
(d) The LP is unbounded

GATE-3. The dual for the LP in Q 2 is:

(a) Min 6u + 6v subject to 3u + 2v ≥ 4; 2u + 3v ≥ 6 u; and v ≥ 0
(b) Max 6u + 6u subject to 3u + 2v ≤ 4; 2u + 3v ≤ 6; and u, v ≥ 0
(c) Max 4u + 6v subject to 3u + 2v ≥ 6; 2u + 3v ≥ 6; and u, v ≥ 0
(d) Min 4u + 6u subject to 3u + 2v ≤ 6; 2u + 3v ≤ 6; and u, v ≥ 0

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Previous 20-Years IES Questions
IES-1. Which one of the following is true in case of simplex method of
linear programming? [IES-2009]
(a) The constants of constraints equation may be positive or negative
(b) Inequalities are not converted into equations
(c) It cannot be used for two-variable problems
(d) The simplex algorithm is an iterative procedure

IES-2. Which one of the following subroutines does a computer

implementation of the simplex routine require? [IES 2007]
(a) Finding a root of a polynomial
(b) Solving a system of linear equations
(c) Finding the determinant of a matrix
(d) Finding the eigenvalue of a matrix

IES-3. A tie for leaving variables in simplex procedure implies: [IES-2005]

(a) Optimality (b) Cycling (c) No solution (d) Degeneracy

IES-4. In the solution of linear programming problems by Simplex method,

for deciding the leaving variable [IES-2003]
(a) The maximum negative coefficient in the objective function row is
selected
(b) The minimum positive ratio of the right-hand side to the first decision
variable is selected
(c) The maximum positive ratio of the right-hand side to the coefficients in
the key column is selected
(d) The minimum positive ratio of the right-hand side to the coefficient in
the key column is selected

IES-5. Match List-I (Persons with whom the models are associated) with
List-II (Models) and select the correct answer: [IES-2002]
List-I List-II
A. J. Von Newmann 1. Waiting lines
B. G. Dantzig 2. Simulation
C. A.K. Erlang 3. Dynamic programming
D. Richard Bellman 4. Competitive strategies
5. Allocation by simplex method

Codes: A B C D A B C D
(a) 2 1 5 4 (b) 4 5 1 3
(c) 2 5 1 4 (d) 4 1 5 3

IES-6. Consider the following statements regarding linear programming:

1. Dual of a dual is the primal. [IES-2001]
2. When two minimum ratios of the right-hand side to the
coefficient in the key column are equal, degeneracy may take
place.
3. When an artificial variable leaves the basis, its column can be
deleted from the subsequent Simplex tables.
Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

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Codes: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3

IES-7. In the solution of a linear programming problem by Simplex

method, if during iteration, all ratios of right-hand side bi to the
coefficients of entering variable a are found to be negative, it
implies that the problem has [IES-1999]
(a) Infinite number of solutions (b) Infeasible solution
(c) Degeneracy (d) Unbound solution

IES-8. A simplex table for a linear programming problem is given below:

5 2 3 0 0 0
Z
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5 X6
X4 1 2 2 1 0 0 8
X5 3 4 1 0 1 0 7
X6 2 3 4 0 0 1 10
Which one of the following correctly indicates the combination of
entering and leaving variables? [IES-1994]
(a) X1 and X4 (b) X2 and X6 (c) X2 and X5 (d) X3 and X4

IES-9. While solving a linear programming problem by simplex method, if

all ratios of the right-hand side (bi) to the coefficient, in the key row
(aij) become negative, then the problem has which of the following
types of solution? [IES-2009]
(a) An unbound solution (b) Multiple solutions
(c) A unique solution (d) No solution

Big-M Method
IES-10. Consider the following statements: [IES-2000]
1. A linear programming problem with three variables and two
constraints can he solved by graphical method.
2. For solutions of a linear programming problem with mixed
constraints. Big-M-method can be employed.
3. In the solution process of a linear programming problem using
Big-M-method, when an artificial variable leaves the basis, the
column of the artificial variable can be removed from all
subsequent tables.
Which one these statements are correct?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 1 and 2 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3

IES-11. A linear programming problem with mixed constraints (some

constraints of ≤ type and some of ≥ type) can be solved by which of
the following methods? [IES-2009]
(a) Big-M method (b) Hungarian method
(c) Branch and bound technique (d) Least cost method
IES-12. When solving the problem by Big-M method, if the objective
functions row (evaluation row) shows optimality but one or more
artificial variables are still in the basis, what type of solution does it
show? [IES-2009]
(a) Optimal solution (b) Pseudooptimal solution

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(c) Degenerate solution (d) Infeasible solution

IES-13. Which one of the following statements is not correct? [IES-2008]

(a) A linear programming problem with 2 variables and 3 constraints can be
solved by Graphical Method.
(b) In Big-M method if the artificial variable can not be driven out it depicts
an optimal solution.
(c) Dual of a dual is the primal problem.
(d) For mixed constraints either Big-M method or two phase method can be
employed.

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Answers with Explanation (Objective)

Previous 20-Years GATE Answers

GATE-1. Ans. (b) Simplex method of solving linear programming problem uses only the
corner points of the feasible region.
GATE-2. Ans. (b) As Cj = 0, 0 for x and y respectively therefore It is an optimal solution
but not unique.
GATE-3. Ans. (a) Duplex method:
Step-I: Convert the problem to maximization form so Choice may be (b)
or (c).
Step-II: Convert ( ≥ ) type constraints if any to ( ≤ ) type by multiplying
such constraints by (–1) so our choice is (b).

Previous 20-Years IES Answers

IES-1. Ans. (d)
IES-2. Ans. (b)
IES-3. Ans. (d)
IES-4. Ans. (b)
IES-5. Ans. (b)
IES-6. Ans. (a)
IES-7. Ans. (d)
IES-8. Ans. (a) The combination of entering and leaving variables corresponds to Z being
minimum and maximum value of row in table.
IES-9. Ans. (a) While solving a linear programming problem by simplex method, if all the
ratios of the right hand side (bi) to the coefficient in the key row (aij) become
negative, it means problem is having unbounded solution.
IES-10. Ans. (d)
IES-11. Ans. (a) A linear programming problem with mixed constraints (some constraints
of ≤ type and some of ≥ type) can be solved by Big M-method which involves.
(i) Objective function should be changed to maximization function.
(ii) If the constraint is ≥ type, along with a slack variable an artificial
variable is also used.
IES-12. Ans. (d) When solving the problem by Big-M method if the objective functions row
(evaluation row) shows optimality but one or more artificial variables are
still in the basis, this shows infeasible solution.
IES-13. Ans. (b)

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