Q4 Linear Programming
Q4 Linear Programming
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1.
The captain of the Malde Mare takes passengers on trips across the lake in her boat.
Two of the constraints limiting the number of people she can take on each trip are
x < 10
and
2 ≤ y ≤ 10
These are shown on the graph in the figure above, where the rejected regions are shaded out.
(b) Use the constraints to write down statements that describe the number of children and the
number of adults that can be taken on each trip.
(3)
For each trip she charges £2 per child and £3 per adult. She must take at least £24 per trip to
cover costs.
The number of children must not exceed twice the number of adults.
(d) Add two lines and shading to Diagram 1 in your answer book to represent these
inequalities. Hence determine the feasible region and label it R.
(4)
(e) Use your graph to determine how many children and adults would be on the trip if the
captain takes:
2.
Keith organises two types of children’s activity, ‘Sports Mad’ and ‘Circus Fun’.
He needs to determine the number of times each type of activity is to be offered.
Let x be the number of times he offers the ‘Sports Mad’ activity. Let y be the number of times
he offers the ‘Circus Fun’ activity.
x ≤ 15
and y>6
These constraints are shown on the graph below, where the rejected regions are shaded out.
3x ≤ 2y
and 5x + 4y ≤ 80
(b) Add two lines and shading to the diagram above book to represent these inequalities.
Hence determine the feasible region and label it R.
(3)
(d) Use your graph to determine the number of times each type of activity should be offered
and the total cost. You must show sufficient working to make your method clear.
(5)
(Total 11 marks)
The cupboards will be fitted along a wall 9 m long. Standard cupboards are 90 cm long and
large cupboards are 120 cm long.
3x + 4y ≤ 30.
(c) explain what this constraint means in the context of the question.
(1)
The capacity of a large cupboard is 40% greater than the capacity of a standard cupboard. You
wish to maximise the total capacity.
maximise 5x + 7y
(2)
(e) Represent your inequalities graphically, on the axes below, indicating clearly the feasible
region, R.
(6)
(f) Find the number of standard cupboards and large cupboards that need to be purchased.
Make your method clear.
(4)
(Total 17 marks)
4. Rose makes hanging baskets which she sells at her local market. She makes two types, large and
small. Rose makes x large baskets and y small baskets.
Each large basket costs £7 to make and each small basket costs £5 to make. Rose has £350 she
can spend on making the baskets.
y ≤ 20 and
y ≤ 4x
(b) Use these two constraints to write down statements that describe the numbers of large and
small baskets that Rose can make.
(2)
(c) On the grid below, show these three constraints and x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0. Hence label the feasible
region, R.
(4)
Rose makes a profit of £2 on each large basket and £3 on each small basket. Rose wishes to
maximise her profit, £P.
(e) Use your graph to determine the optimal numbers of large and small baskets Rose should
make, and state the optimal profit.
(5)
(Total 14 marks)
8x + 3y ≤ 480
8x + 7y ≥ 560
y ≥ 4x
x, y ≥ 0
(a) Use the grid below to represent these inequalities graphically. Hence determine the
feasible region and label it R.
(6)
F = 3x + y
(i) the minimum value of the function F and the coordinates of the optimal point,
(ii) the maximum value of the function F and the coordinates of the optimal point.
(6)
(Total 12 marks)
6. Phil sells boxed lunches to travellers at railway stations. Customers can select either the
vegetarian box or the non-vegetarian box.
Phil decides to use graphical linear programming to help him optimise the numbers of each type
of box he should produce each day.
x + y ≥ 70.
This, together with x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0 and a fourth constraint, has been represented in the diagram
below. The rejected region has been shaded.
100
80
60
40
20
x + y =70
20 40 60 80 x
100 120 140 160
x + 2y ≤ 160
(b) Add two lines and shading to the diagram above to represent these inequalities.
(4)
(d) Use your graph to determine the minimum total number of boxes he needs to prepare
each day. Make your method clear.
(3)
Phil makes a profit of £1.20 on each vegetarian box and £1.40 on each non-vegetarian box. He
wishes to maximise his profit.
(f) Use your graph to obtain the optimal number of vegetarian and non-vegetarian boxes he
should produce each day. You must make your method clear.
(4)
7.
Adult y x = 10
12
10 y = 10
2 y=2
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Child
The captain of the Malde Mare takes passengers on trips across the lake in her boat.
Two of the constraints limiting the number of people she can take on each trip are
x < 10
and 2 ≤ y ≤10
These are shown on the graph above, where the rejected regions are shaded out.
(b) Use the constraints to write down statements that describe the number of children and the
number of adults that can be taken on each trip.
(3)
For each trip she charges £2 per child and £3 per adult. She must take at least £24 per trip to
cover costs.
The number of children must not exceed twice the number of adults.
(d) Add two lines and shading to the diagram above to represent these inequalities. Hence
determine the feasible region and label it R.
(4)
(e) Use your graph to determine how many children and adults would be on the trip if the
captain takes:
8. A company produces two types of party bag, Infant and Junior. Both types of bag contain a
balloon, a toy and a whistle. In addition the Infant bag contains 3 sweets and 3 stickers and the
Junior bag contains 10 sweets and 2 stickers.
The sweets and stickers are produced in the company's factory. The factory can produce up to
3000 sweets per hour and 1200 stickers per hour. The company buys a large supply of balloons,
toys and whistles.
Market research indicates that at least twice as many Infant bags as Junior bags should be
produced.
Both types of party bag are sold at a profit of 15p per bag. All the bags are sold. The company
wishes to maximise its profit.
Let x be the number of Infant bags produced and y be the number of Junior bags produced per
hour.
(b) Represent your inequalities graphically, indicating clearly the feasible region.
(6)
(c) Find the number of Infant bags and Junior bags that should be produced each hour and
the maximum hourly profit. Make your method clear.
(3)
In order to increase the profit further, the company decides to buy additional equipment. It can
buy equipment to increase the production of either sweets or stickers, but not both.
(d) Using your graph, explain which equipment should be bought, giving your reasoning.
(2)
The manager of the company does not understand why the balloons, toys and whistles have not
been considered in the above calculations.
9.
12
10
4
R
2
0 x
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
6.5
The company EXYCEL makes two types of battery, X and Y. Machinery, workforce and
predicted sales determine the number of batteries EXYCEL make. The company decides to use
a graphical method to find its optimal daily production of X and Y.
The profit on each type X battery is 40p and on each type Y battery is 20p. The company wishes
to maximise its daily profit.
(a) Write this as a linear programming problem, in terms of x and y, stating the objective
function and all the constraints.
(6)
(b) Find the optimal number of batteries to be made each day. Show your method clearly.
(3)
10. The Young Enterprise Company “Decide”, is going to produce badges to sell to decision maths
students. It will produce two types of badges.
“Decide” must produce at least 200 badges and has enough material for 500 badges.
Market research suggests that the number produced of Badge 1 should be between 20% and
40% of the total number of badges made.
The company makes a profit of 30p on each Badge 1 sold and 40p on each Badge 2. It will sell
all that it produced, and wishes to maximise its profit.
(a) Formulate this situation as a linear programming problem, simplifying your inequalities
so that all the coefficients are integers.
(6)
(b) On the grid provided below, construct and clearly label the feasible region.
x
(5)
(c) Using your graph, advise the company on the number of each badge it should produce.
State the maximum profit “Decide” will make.
(3)
(Total 14 marks)
11. Becky’s bird food company makes two types of bird food. One type is for bird feeders and the
other for bird tables. Let x represent the quantity of food made for bird feeders and y represent
the quantity of food made for bird tables. Due to restrictions in the production process, and
known demand, the following constraints apply.
x + y ≤ 12,
y < 2x,
2y ≥ 7,
y + 3x ≥ 15.
(a) On the axes provided, show these constraints and label the feasible region R.
15
10
0
5 10 x
(5)
(b) Solve this problem, making your method clear. Give, as fractions, the value of C and the
amount of each type of food that should be produced.
(4)
Another objective (for the same constraints given above) is to maximise P = 3x + 2y, where the
variables must take integer values.
(c) Solve this problem, making your method clear. State the value of P and the amount of
each type of food that should be produced.
(4)
(Total 13 marks)
12. A company produces two types of self-assembly wooden bedroom suites, the ‘Oxford’ and the
‘York’. After the pieces of wood have been cut and finished, all the materials have to be
packaged. The table below shows the time, in hours, needed to complete each stage of the
process and the profit made, in pounds, on each type of suite.
Oxford York
Cutting 4 6
Finishing 3.5 4
Packaging 2 4
Profit (£) 300 500
The times available each week for cutting, finishing and packaging are 66, 56 and 40 hours
respectively.
Let x be the number of Oxford, and y be the number of York suites made each week.
(b) In addition to
2x + 3y ≤ 33,
x ≥ 0,
y ≥ 0,
(c) On the grid below, illustrate all the inequalities, indicating clearly the feasible region.
(4)
(e) Determine the number of Oxford and York suites that should be made each week and the
maximum profit gained.
(3)
It is noticed that when the optimal solution is adopted, the time needed for one of the three
stages of the process is less than that available.
(f) Identify this stage and state by how many hours the time may be reduced.
(3)
(Total 15 marks)
(c) 2x + 3y ≥ 24 B1
x ≤ 2y B1 2
(d)
Note
1B1: 3x = 2y passing through 1 small square of (0, 0) and (12, 18),
but must reach x = 15
2B1: 5x + 4y = 80 passing through 1 small square of (0, 20) and
(16, 0) (extended if necessary) but must reach y = 6
3B1: R CAO (condoning slight line inaccuracy as above.)
(7 113 , 10 10
11
) = 12 363 117 or (7, 11) = 12 300
(11, 7) = 11100
(e)
Graph:
y≥2 B1
0.9x + 1.2y ≤ 12 (3x + 4y ≤ 30) B1
x + 2y ≤ 12 (150x + 300y ≤ 1800) B1
Lines labelled & drawn with a ruler B1
Shading, Region identified B1, B1 6
Note
Lines should be within 1 small square of
correct point at axes.
1B1 – correctly drawing y = 2.
2B1 – correctly drawing 3x + 4y = 30
[0.9x + 1.2y = 12]
3B1 – correctly drawing x + 2y = 12
[150x + 300y = 1800], ft only if swapped
coefficients in (a) (6,0) (2,8).
These next 3 marks are only available for
candidates who have drawn at least 2 lines,
including at least one ‘diagonal’ line with
negative gradient.
4B1 – Ruler used. At least 2 lines labelled including
one ‘diagonal’ line.
5B1 – Shading, or R correct, b.o.d. on their lines.
6B1 – all lines and R correct.
4. (a) 7x + 5y ≤ 350 M1 A1 2
Note
1M1: Coefficients correct (condone swapped
x and y coefficients) need 350 and any
inequality
1A1: cso.
(c)
(d) (P=) 2x + 3y B1 1
Note
1B1: cao accept an expression.
5. (a)
Graph B1B1
B1 (lines)
B1 (shading)
B1 (R found)
B1 (labels) 6
6. (a) y ≥ 2x B2,1,0 2
(g) £128.00 B1 1
[16]
(c) 2x + 3y ≥ 24 B1
x ≤ 2y B1 2
(d)
Adult y x = 10
12
10 y = 10
R x = 2y
2 y=2
2x + 3y = 24 x
2 4 6 8 10 12 14 Child
2x + 3y = 24 B1ft
x = 2y B1ft
shading B1ft
B1(R) 4
(b)
y
600 3x + 2y = 1200
500
x = 2y
400
300
200 Profit
line
100
Feasible 3x + 10y = 3000
Region
x
0
200 400 600 800 1000
B6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 6
(c) Profit line or vertex testing, (300, 150). Profit = £67.50 M1 A1ft A1ft 3
(e) e.g. The constraint line, would be for outside the feasible region B2, 1, 0 2
– so they would not effect it.
[18]
(b)
B5,4,3,2,1,0 5
(x + y = 200, x + y = 500) B1 ft
(y = 4x) B1 ft
(2y = 3x) B1 ft
(labels) B1 ft
FR B1
(NB: Graph looks OK onscreen at 75% magnification but may
print out misaligned)
11. (a)
15
y + 3x = 15
y = 2x
10
5
R
2y = 7
(b) x + y = 12
(c)
0
5 10 x
B5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 5
y
14
3.5 x + 4y = 56
12
11
2x + 3y
10 = 33
4 F. R.
x + 2y = 20
Pr
of
it
lin
2
e
(c)
x
4 8 12 16 20
16.5
B4, 3, 2, 1, 0 4
(d) e.g.:
Point testing: test corner points in feasible region
find profit at each and select point yielding maximum
Profit line: draw profit lines
select point on profit line furthest from the origin B2,1,0 2
2. This question gave rise to a good spread of marks. Most candidates completed part (a) correctly
although some very lengthy responses were seen. 5x + 4y = 80 was drawn correctly more often
than 3x = 2y in part (b), with many candidates drawing the latter with a negative gradient.
Pleasingly most candidates used a ruler to draw their lines, a great improvement on previous
years. The feasible region was often incorrectly identified and labels were often absent.
Most were able to complete part (c) correctly.
Those who used the objective line method in (d) usually gained more marks than those who
used the point testing method. Some of those using the latter method seemed confused by the
y-axis scale and only considered vertices with even values of y, many tested points by reading
from the graph rather than solving simultaneous equations.
A large number of solutions had y = 6 despite answering part (a) correctly. Some found the
maximum solution. Many did not make their method clear.
3. Most candidates were able to score at least 12 out of 17 marks on this question. Parts (a), (b)
and (c) were usually correct, with only a very few making slips with the inequality in (a) or
muddling ‘small’ with ‘large’ in part (c). The units in part (b) caused difficulty for some
candidates, but most changed all lengths into cm and proceeded correctly. Many candidates
struggled with part (d). When the answer is printed on the paper candidates must ensure that
their reasoning is both clear and convincing, disappointingly, many candidates were not able to
derive the given result and in particular many ‘derivations’ attempted to start with 1.4y = x.
There were many fully correct graphs, helped by widespread use of rulers, a big improvement
from past papers. Three correct lines almost always invariably led to the correct region. As
always, some lost a mark because they did not label their lines and/or R. In (f) both the vertex
testing and profit line methods were often successful. As always it is vital that the method is
clearly seen, some lost all 4 marks in (f) because they merely described the use of a profit line
but failed to draw it. Others drew a very short profit line – candidates should use sufficiently
large values for the axes intercepts to ensure an accurate gradient. Those using the vertex
method should be reminded that all vertices should be tested, a number of candidates only tested
one or two vertices.
4. There were some very good, and very poor, solutions seen to this question. Almost all
candidates were able to write down the correct inequality in part (a) with only a very few getting
the wrong coefficients or replacing the inequality with an equals sign. Part (b) proved
challenging for many candidates. Candidates struggled in particular to interpret y ≤ 4x. The
usual error was to confuse ‘small’ with ‘large’ but many failed to refer to, or reversed, the
inequality. The most able described the inequality in terms of percentages; where this was seen
it was almost always correct. Most candidates drew 5x + 7y = 350 and y = 20 correctly. Most
candidates used a ruler and most plotted the axes interceptions accurately. Unsurprisingly y = 4x
caused the most difficulty, often replaced by x = 4y. Most candidates used shading sensibly
although some shaded so scruffily that they obscured their line. Most candidates labelled R
correctly; most candidates did not label their lines. Most candidates were able to write down the
correct objective function. Part (e) was often poorly done with many candidates failing to make
their method clear; if using the objective line method candidates MUST draw an objective line,
and of a sensible length, so that its accuracy can be checked; if using point testing then the
points and their values must be stated. As always those who use the objective line method are
more successful than those who use point testing. When point testing, all vertices in the feasible
region must be tested. Many candidates assumed that the point (36, 20) was a vertex; it was
pleasing to see a small number of scripts where this was tested and found to be outside the
feasible region. Others found the precise point but then did not seek integer solutions to
complete their answer.
5. While a number of candidates scored the full 12 marks on this question, many could only
achieve a handful of marks.
The first two lines were often drawn correctly however y = 4x was frequently incorrect. The
most common error was to draw y = (1/4) x, not drawing the line long enough, or not noticing
the differing scales on the axes. The shading on two of the lines was often correct but only the
better candidates were able to get the shading correct on all three lines, so many gave the FR as
the central triangle. Many candidates did not label their lines. There continues to be evidence
that candidates are not going in to the examination properly equipped with (30cm) rulers.
In part (b) candidates who gained full marks did so most frequently and easily by using the
objective line method. If errors were seen in this method, it was often due to a reciprocal
gradient, or an inability to read the scale on the graph accurately. A significant number of
candidates continue to state they are using this method without showing any evidence of this,
these gain no credit. If the objective line method is being used, the examiners need to see an
accurately drawn objective line (of decent length). Those who chose to use the point testing
method frequently lost marks through the inaccuracy of their extreme points, or by not testing
all of their extreme points. There was a tendency to try to read the coordinates from the
( )
LP-graphs, and unsurprisingly the point 15 5 9, 62 2 9 was therefore rarely seen. Candidates
should be reminded that if they choose to use the vertex method they must show their complete
working, and will be expected to use simultaneous equations to find the exact coordinates of
any vertices. A few candidates stated that they were using this method but then tested points
other than the vertices of their FR, another frequently seen error was to find the coordinates of
the vertices but then not use them to find any F values.
6. This question proved challenging for many. Some candidates used very lengthy methods to
determine the equation of the straight line in part (a), and many got the 2 on the wrong side.
Many were able to determine the correct inequality but others reversed it. The lines in part (b)
were sometimes very disappointing, many failed to label their lines and/or make y = 60
distinctive, but most disappointing of all was the lack of ruler use and inaccurate plotting of axis
intercepts. Part (c) was often well done with examiners following through on candidate’s lines
were possible. Many candidates identified an optimal point in part (d) but some failed to state
that 70 was the total number of boxes, the method used was not always apparent to the
examiners and candidates need to be reminded that they should always make their method clear
on this ‘methods’ paper.
Most of the candidates who did display their method used point-testing. Almost all the
candidates were able to find an objective function in part (e). Once again many candidates did
not make their method clear in part (f). If point-testing candidates should list the points they are
testing and show the value of the objective at each point. If using a profit line they should
clearly draw a profit line - of good length and label it. Point testing proved a more popular
method in this question, but few tested all five vertex points. Poor notation was often seen with
a number of candidates writing 32x + 64y instead of x = 32, y = 64. Those who located the
optimal point in part (e) were usually successful in calculating the profit in part (f).
7. Parts (a) and (b) were often well–answered, the commonest error was imprecise use of
language, especially use of the phrase ‘between 2 and 10’, without the word ‘inclusive’.
Although there were the usual sign reversals and some strict inequalities seen, part (c) was often
well–answered with the large majority of candidates successfully finding the first inequality.
The second inequality proved more difficult, with the 2 often on the wrong side. Most
candidates were able to draw 2x + 3y = 24, but there was confusion (both ways) between x = 2y
and y = 2x. Some candidates made shading errors and even the best rarely followed the
instructions to label the feasible region. Candidates MUST show their working when seeking
maximum and minimum points. There was often no evidence of any method being used. If
candidates use the point testing method, they should state the points they are testing and the
result of the test, if they are using the ‘profit line’ method, they must draw in a clearly labelled
profit line – and this must be long enough for examiners to confirm the accuracy of the gradient.
Some candidates tested their point using the cost equation rather than simply totalling the
number of passengers. Many candidates simply stated the maximum and minimum totals rather
than the number of adults and
8. Most candidates were able to make some progress with part (a), most correctly stated the
objective function but often the objective was omitted. The non-negativity constraints were
often omitted and many had difficulty in finding the x ≥ 2y inequality. The examiners were all
disappointed by the standard of the graph work seen in part (b). Lines were often imprecisely
drawn or omitted, x = 2y (if found in part (a)) was often incorrectly drawn. Labels, scales and/or
shading were often omitted and the feasible region was not always indicated. Not all candidates
used sharp pencils and rulers. If candidates are going to use the profit line method in part (c)
they must draw in, and label, a profit line which should long enough to enable examiners to
check the gradient. If candidates are going to use the point testing method they must state and
test every vertex point in the feasible region, not just the most likely point. Many candidates did
not state the profit, and of those that did, some did not state units. Those who drew a correct
graph generally answered part (d) well. Part (e) was often well-answered but there were many
irrelevant comments seen.
9. Many omitted the instruction to maximise the objective. Most candidates were able to write
down at least 3 constraints correctly, although few obtained them all. y=0, was often omitted
and there were often errors in writing down x + y =12 and y = 4x. The solution of those
candidates using point testing in part (b) was often spoilt by using incorrect coordinates. The y
coordinate of the point with x coordinate 6.5 was frequently misstated. Those using the
objective line method must draw the line clearly on the diagram, and in such a way that the
gradient can be see to be correct. The clearest way in this case is to draw the line from e. g. (2,
0) to (0, 4). A number of candidates did not pick up that the values of x and y represented
1000’s of batteries and this together with problems with pounds and pence caused much
confusion in part (c), although many completely correct answers were seen.
10. This question was often poorly done. Poor algebra was often seen in part (a). Most candidates
were able to state the objective function but did not state that this was to be maximised. The x +
y inequalities were better handled. Only the better candidates were able to correctly handle the
20% and 40% inequalities. A number tried to combine the four inequalities into two constraints.
In part (b) the lines x + y = 200 and x + y = 500 were plotted correctly but the other lines very
poorly plotted. Many candidates drew vertical or horizontal lines. Candidates should use rulers
and sharp pencils to draw lines. Labels were frequently omitted both of the lines and the feasible
region. Most who used the ‘profit line’ method got the correct answer although a few drew lines
with the reciprocal gradient. Some candidates using the ‘vertex method’ considered that they
only need check two points and not all four.
11. In part (a) the lines x + y = 12 and y + 3x = 15 were well drawn by most candidates. The lines
2y = 7 and y = 2x and the identification of the feasible region were less well done. Many did not
make any distinction between way they drew the line y = 2x and the other lines, not picking up
on the strict inequality. Others did not use rulers to draw their lines and others did not label their
lines. In parts (b) and (c) candidates could use either the point testing method or the profit line
method: generally those using the latter were more successful.
The presentation of the solution was sometimes very difficult to follow. Those using the profit
line method must draw, and label, a profit line so that its gradient can be checked and the
method seen. Those using point testing must make the points they are testing and the value of
the function at these points clear. The fractions caused problems for many candidates. Part (c)
was less well done with many candidates ignoring the integer constraint.
12. Parts (a) and (b) were well done by the vast majority of candidates. Most candidates were able
to draw the lines correctly in part (c) but many did not label their lines or the axis. Some very
poor choices of scale were often seen, so that sometimes the whole feasible region was not
shown, or was too small to be useful. Most candidates were able to score some credit in part (d)
but few were able to give complete, clear explanations. A surprisingly large number of
candidates failed to show any evidence of working in part (e), no point testing or drawing of a
profit line giving no marks. Part (f) was often omitted, but well done by those who did attempt
it, with candidates either using their graphs or testing in all three inequalities.