Unit - 1b OR

C h a p t e r 3
Linear Programming:
The Graphical Method
“People realize that technology certainly is a tool. This tool can be used to enhance operations,
improve efficiencies and really add value to academic research and teaching exercises.”
– Peter Murray
PREVIEW
This chapter presents graphical solution method for solving any LP problem with only two decision
variables. This method provides a conceptual basis for solving large and complex LP problems.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter, you should be able to

z solve an LP problem by the graphical method.
z understand various important terms such as extreme points, infeasibility, redundancy and multiple
solutions and demonstrate them with the help of the graphical method.
z interpret the solution of an LP model.
CHAPTER OUTLINE
3.1 Introduction • Self Practice Problems
3.2 Important Definitions • Hints and Answers
3.3 Graphical Solution Methods of LP Problem Chapter Summary
3.4 Special Cases in Linear Programming Chapter Concepts Quiz
• Conceptual Questions Case Study
Linear Programming: The Graphical Method 69
3.1 INTRODUCTION
An optimal as well as a feasible solution to an LP problem is obtained by choosing one set of values from
several possible values of decision variables x1, x2, . . ., xn, that satisfies the given constraints simultaneously
and also provides an optimal (maximum or minimum) value of the given objective function.
For LP problems that have only two variables, it is possible that the entire set of feasible solutions
can be displayed graphically by plotting linear constraints on a graph paper in order to locate the best
(optimal) solution. The technique used to identify the optimal solution is called the graphical solution
method (approach or technique) for an LP problem with two variables.
Since most real-world problems have more than two decision variables, such problems cannot be solved
graphically. However, graphical approach provides understanding of solving an LP problem algebraically,
involving more than two variables. Optimal solution
In this chapter, we shall discuss the following two graphical solution methods (or approaches): to an LP problem is
obtained by
(i) Extreme point solution method (i) Extreme (corner)
(ii) Iso-profit (cost) function line method point, and
(ii) Iso-profit (cost)
to find the optimal solution to an LP problem. function line
method
3.2 IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
Solution The set of values of decision variables xj ( j = 1, 2, . . ., n) that satisfy the constraints of an
LP problem is said to constitute the solution to that LP problem.
Feasible solution The set of values of decision variables xj ( j = 1, 2, . . ., n) that satisfy all the
constraints and non-negativity conditions of an LP problem simultaneously is said to constitute the feasible
solution to that LP problem.
Infeasible solution The set of values of decision variables xj ( j = 1, 2, . . ., n) that do not satisfy all the
constraints and non-negativity conditions of an LP problem simultaneously is said to constitute the
infeasible solution to that LP problem.
Basic solution For a set of m simultaneous equations in n variables (n > m) in an LP problem, a solution
obtained by setting (n – m) variables equal to zero and solving for remaining m equations in m variables
is called a basic solution of that LP problem.
The (n – m) variables whose value did not appear in basic solution are called non-basic variables and
the remaining m variables are called basic variables.
Basic feasible solution A feasible solution to an LP problem which is also the basic solution is called
the basic feasible solution. That is, all basic variables assume non-negative values. Basic feasible solution
is of two types:
(a) Degenerate A basic feasible solution is called degenerate if the value of at least one basic
variable is zero.
(b) Non-degenerate A basic feasible solution is called non-degenerate if value of all m basic
variables is non-zero and positive.
Optimum basic feasible solution A basic feasible solution that optimizes (maximizes or minimizes) the
objective function value of the given LP problem is called an optimum basic feasible solution.
Unbounded solution A solution that can increase or decrease infinitely the value of the objective
function of the LP problem is called an unbounded solution.
3.3 GRAPHICAL SOLUTION METHODS OF LP PROBLEM

While obtaining the optimal solution to the LP problem by the graphical method, the statement of the
following theorems of linear programming is used
• The collection of all feasible solutions to an LP problem constitutes a convex set whose extreme
points correspond to the basic feasible solutions.
70 Operations Research: Theory and Applications
• There are a finite number of basic feasible solutions within the feasible solution space.
• If the convex set of the feasible solutions of the system of simultaneous equations: Ax = b,
x ≥ 0, is a convex polyhedron, then at least one of the extreme points gives an optimal solution.
• If the optimal solution occurs at more than one extreme point, the value of the objective function
will be the same for all convex combinations of these extreme points.
Remarks 1. A convex set is a polygon and by ‘convex’ we mean that if any two points of a polygon
are selected arbitrarily, a straight line segment joining these two points lies completely within the
polygon.
2. Each corner (extreme or vertex) point of the feasible region (space or area) falls at the intersection of
two constraint equalities.
3. The extreme points of the convex set provide the basic feasible solution to the LP problem.
3.3.1 Extreme Point Solution Method

Extreme point In this method, the coordinates of all corner (or extreme) points of the feasible region (space or area) are
refers to the corner
of the feasible
determined and then value of the objective function at each of these points is computed and compared.
region (or space), The coordinates of an extreme point where the optimal (maximum or minimum) value of the objective
i.e. this point lies at function is found represent solution of the given LP problem. The steps of the method are summarized as
the intersection of follows:
two constraint
equations.
Step 1 : Develop an LP model State the given problem in the mathematical LP model as illustrated
in the previous chapter.
Step 2 : Plot constraints on graph paper and decide the feasible region
(a) Replace the inequality sign in each constraint by an equality sign.
(b) Draw these straight lines on the graph paper and decide each time the area of feasible solutions
according to the inequality sign of the constraint. Shade the common portion of the graph that satisfies
all the constraints simultaneously drawn so far.
(c) The final shaded area is called the feasible region (or solution space) of the given LP problem. Any point
inside this region is called feasible solution and this provides values of x1 and x2 that satisfy all the
constraints.
Step 3 : Examine extreme points of the feasible solution space
to find an optimal solution
(a) Determine the coordinates of each extreme point of the feasible solution space.
(b) Compute and compare the value of the objective function at each extreme point.
(c) Identify the extreme point that gives optimal (max. or min.) value of the objective function.
Extreme point
method is one of
the methods of 3.3.2 Examples on Maximization LP Problem
finding the optimal
solution to an LP
Example 3.1 Use the graphical method to solve the following LP problem.
problem by Maximize Z = 15x1 + 10x2
examining the profit
(or cost) level at subject to the constraints
each corner point of (i) 4x1 + 6x2 ≤ 360, (ii) 3x1 + 0x2 ≤ 180, (iii) 0x1 + 5x2 ≤ 200
feasible region.
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Solution 1. The given LP problem is already in mathematical form.
2. Treat x1 as the horizontal axis and x2 as the vertical axis. Plot each constraint on the graph by treating
it as a linear equation and it is then that the appropriate inequality conditions will be used to mark
the area of feasible solutions.
Consider the first constraint 4x1 + 6x2 ≤ 360. Treat this as the equation 4x1 + 6x2 = 360. For this
find any two points that satisfy the equation and then draw a straight line through them. The two
points are generally the points at which the line intersects the x1 and x2 axes. For example, when
x1 = 0 we get 6x2 = 360 or x2 = 60. Similarly when x2 = 0, 4x1 = 360, x1 = 90.
These two points are then connected by a straight line as shown in Fig. 3.1(a). But the question is: Where are
these points satisfying 4x1 + 6x2 ≤ 360. Any point above the constraint line violates the inequality condition. But
any point below the line does not violate the constraint. Thus, the inequality and non-negativity condition can only
be satisfied by the shaded area (feasible region) as shown in Fig. 3.1(a).
Fig. 3.1
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
(a) (b)
Similarly, the constraints 3x1 ≤ 180 and 5x2 ≤ 200 are also plotted on the graph and are indicated by
the shaded area as shown in Fig. 3.1(b).
Since all constraints have been graphed, the area which is bounded by all the constraints lines
including all the boundary points is called the feasible region (or solution space). The feasible region is
shown in Fig. 3.1(b) by the shaded area OABCD.
3. (i) Since the optimal value of the objective function occurs at one of the extreme points of the feasible
region, it is necessary to determine their coordinates. The coordinates of extreme points of the
feasible region are: O = (0, 0), A = (60, 0), B = (60, 20), C = (30, 40), D = (0, 40).
(ii) Evaluate objective function value at each extreme point of the feasible region as shown in the Table 3.1:
Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value
(x1, x2) Z = 15x1 + 10x2
O (0, 0) 15(0) + 10(0) = 0
A (60, 0) 15(60) + 10(0) = 900
B (60, 20) 15(60) + 10(20) = 1,100 Table 3.1
C (30, 40) 15(30) + 10(40) = 850 Set of Feasible
D (0, 40) 15(0) + 10(40) = 400 Solutions
(iii) Since objective function Z is to be maximized, from Table 3.1 we conclude that maximum value of Z
= 1,100 is achieved at the point extreme B (60, 20). Hence the optimal solution to the given LP problem
is: x1 = 60, x2 = 20 and Max Z = 1,100.
Remark To determine which side of a constraint equation is in the feasible region, examine whether the Feasible region is
origin (0, 0) satisfies the constraints. If it does, then all points on and below the constraint equation towards the overlapping area
the origin are feasible points. If it does not, then all points on and above the constraint equation away of constraints that
satisfies all of the
from the origin are feasible points.
constraints on
Example 3.2 Use the graphical method to solve the following LP problem. resources.
Maximize Z = 2 x1 + x2
subject to the constraints
(i) x1 + 2x2 ≤ 10, (ii) x1 + x2 ≤ 6,
(iii) x1 – x2 ≤ 2, (iv) x1 – 2x2 ≤ 1
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Solution Plot on a graph each constraint by first treating it as a linear equation. Then use inequality
condition of each constraint to mark the feasible region by shaded area as shown in Fig. 3.2. It may be noted
that we have not considered the area below the lines x1 – x2 = 2 and x1 – 2x2 = 1 for the negative values
of x2. This is because of the non-negativity condition, x2 ≥ 0.
Fig. 3.2
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The coordinates of extreme points of the feasible region are: O = (0, 0), A = (1, 0), B = (3, 1), C = (4, 2),
D = (2, 4), and E = (0, 5). The value of objective function at each of these extreme points is shown in Table 3.2.

(x1, x2) Z = 2x1 + x2
O (0, 0) 2(0) + 1(0) = 0

A (1, 0) 2(1) + 1(0) = 2
B (3, 1) 2(3) + 1(1) = 7
Table 3.2 C (4, 2) 2(4) + 1(2) = 10
Set of Feasible D (2, 4) 2(2) + 1(4) = 8
Solutions E (0, 5) 2(0) + 1(5) = 5
The maximum value of the objective function Z = 10 occurs at the extreme point (4, 2). Hence, the
optimal solution to the given LP problem is: x1 = 4, x2 = 2 and Max Z = 10.
Example 3.3 Solve the following LP problem graphically:
Maximize Z = – x1 + 2x2
(i) x1 – x2 ≤ –1; (ii) – 0.5x1 + x2 ≤ 2
and x1, x2 ≥ 0. [Punjab Univ., BE (CS and E), 2006]
Solution Since resource value (RHS) of the first constraint is negative, multiplying both sides of this
constraint by –1, the constraint becomes: – x1 + x2 ≥ 1. Plot on a graph each constraint by first treating them
as a linear equation and mark the feasible region as shown in Fig. 3.3.
Fig. 3.3
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The value of the objective function at each of the extreme points A(0, 1), B(0, 2) and C(2, 3) is shown in
Table 3.3.
Extreme Coordinates Objective Function Value

Point (x1, x2) Z = – x1 + 2x2
A (0, 1) 0+2×1=2 Table 3.3

B (0, 2) 0 + 2 × 2 = 4 Multiple optimal Set of Feasible
 Solutions
C (2, 3) – 1 × 2 + 2 × 3 = 4 solution
The maximum value of objective function Z = 4 occurs at extreme points B and C. This implies that every
point between B and C on the line BC also gives the same value of Z. Hence, problem has multiple optimal
solultions: x1 = 0, x2 = 2 and x1 = 2, x2 = 3 and Max Z = 4.
Example 3.4 The ABC Company has been a producer of picture tubes for television sets and certain printed
circuits for radios. The company has just expanded into full scale production and marketing of AM and AM-FM
radios. It has built a new plant that can operate 48 hours per week. Production of an AM radio in the new plant will
require 2 hours and production of an AM-FM radio will require 3 hours. Each AM radio will contribute
Rs 40 to profits while an AM-FM radio will contribute Rs 80 to profits. The marketing department, after extensive
research has determined that a maximum of 15AM radios and 10 AM-FM radios can be sold each week.
(a) Formulate a linear programming model to determine the optimum production mix of AM and FM radios that
will maximize profits.
(b) Solve this problem using the graphical method. [Delhi Univ., MBA, 2002, 2008]
Solution Let us define the following decision variables
x1 and x2 = number of units of AM radio and AM-FM radio to be produced, respectively.
Then LP model of the given problem is:
Maximize (total profit) Z = 40x1 + 80x2
(i) Plant : 2x1 + 3x2 ≤ 48, (ii) AM radio : x1 ≤ 15, (iii) AM-FM radio : x2 ≤ 10
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Plot on a graph each constraint by first treating it as a linear equation. Then use inequality condition of each
constraint to mark the feasible region. The feasible solution space (or region) is shown in Fig. 3.4 by shaded
area.
Fig. 3.4
Graphical Solution
of LP Problems
The coordinates of extreme points of the feasible region are: O (0, 0), A (0, 10), B (9, 10), C (15, 6) and
D (15, 0). The value of objective function at each of corner (or extreme) points is shown in Table 3.4.

(x1, x2) Z = 40x1 + 80x2
O (0, 0) 40(0) + 80(0) =0
A (0, 10) 40(0) + 80(10) = 800
Table 3.4 B (9, 10) 40(9) + 80(10) = 1,160
Set of Feasible C (15, 6) 40(15) + 80(6) = 1,080
Solutions D (15, 0) 40(15) + 80(0) = 600
Since the maximum value of the objective function Z = 1,160 occurs at the extreme point (9, 10), the optimum
solution to the given LP problem is: x1 = 9, x2 = 10 and Max. Z = Rs 1,160.
Example 3.5 Anita Electric Company produces two products P1 and P2. Products are produced and sold on
a weekly basis. The weekly production cannot exceed 25 for product P1 and 35 for product P2 because of limited
available facilities. The company employs total of 60 workers. Product P1 requires 2 man-weeks of labour, while
P2 requires one man-week of labour. Profit margin on P1 is Rs. 60 and on P2 is Rs. 40. Formulate this problem as
an LP problem and solve that using graphical method.
Solution Let us define the following decision variables:
x1 and x2 = number of units of product P1 and P2, to be produced, respectively.
Maximize Z = 60x1 + 40x2
(i) Weekly productions for P1 : x1 ≤ 25, (ii) Weekly production for P2 : x2 ≤ 35,
(iii) Workers: 2x1 + x2 = 60
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Fig. 3.5
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
Plot on a graph each constraint by first treating it as linear equation. Then use inequality condition of each
constraint to mark the feasible region shown in Fig. 3.6.
The coordinates of extreme points of the feasible solution space (or region) are: A(0, 35), B(12.5, 35), C(25, 10)
and D(25, 0). The value of the objective function at each of these extreme points is shown in Table 3.5.

(x1, x2) Z = 60x1 + 40x2
A (0, 35) 60(0) + 40(35) = 1,400
Table 3.5 B (12.5, 35) 60(12.5) + 40(35) = 2,150
Set of Feasible C (25, 10) 60(25) + 40(10) = 1,900
Solutions D (25, 0) 60(25) + 40(0) = 1,500
The optimal (maximum) value, Z = 2,150 is obtained at the point B (12.5, 35). Hence, x1 = 12.5 units of product
P1 and x1 = 35 units of product P2 should be produced in order to have the maximum profit, Z = Rs. 2,150.
3.3.3 Examples on Minimization LP Problem

Minimize Z = 3x1 + 2x2
(i) 5x1 + x2 ≥ 10, (ii) x1 + x2 ≥ 6, (iii) x1 + 4x2 ≥ 12
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
condition of each constraint to mark the feasible region by shaded area as shown in Fig. 3.6. This region
is bounded from below by extreme points A, B, C and D.
Fig. 3.6
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The coordinates of the extreme points of the feasible region (bounded from below) are: A = (12, 0), B = (4, 2),
C = (1, 5) and D = (0, 10). The value of objective function at each of these extreme points is shown in Table 3.6.
(x1, x2) Z = 3x1 + 2x2
A (12, 0) 3(12) + 2(0) = 36
B (4, 2) 3(4) + 2(2) = 16 Table 3.6
C (1, 5) 3(1) + 2(5) = 13 Set of Feasible
D (0, 10) 3(0) + 2(10) = 20 Solutions
The minimum (optimal) value of the objective function Z = 13 occurs at the extreme point C (1, 5). Hence,
the optimal solution to the given LP problem is: x1 = 1, x2 = 5, and Min Z = 13.
Minimize Z = – x1 + 2x2
(i) – x1 + 3x2 ≤ 10, (ii) x1 + x2 ≤ 6, (iii) x1 – x2 ≤ 2
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Fig. 3.7
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
condition of each constraint to mark the feasible region by shaded area as shown in Fig. 3.7. It may be noted
that the area below the lines – x1 + 3x2 = 10 and x1 – x2 = 2 is not desirable, due to the reason that values
of x1 and x2 are desired to be non-negative, i.e. x1 ≥ 0, x2 ≥ 0.
The coordinates of the extreme points of the feasible region are: O = (0, 0), A = (2, 0), B = (4, 2), C = (2, 4),
and D = (0, 10/3). The value of the objective function at each of these extreme points is shown in Table 3.7.

(x1, x2) Z = – x1 + 2x2
O (0, 0) – 1(0) + 2(0) = 0
A (2, 0) – 1(2) + 2(0) = –2
B (4, 2) – 1(4) + 2(2) = 0
Table 3.7 Set of C (2, 4) – 1(2) + 2(4) = 6
Feasible Solutions D (0, 10/3) – 1(0) + 2(10/3) = 20/3
The minimum (optimal) value of the objective function Z = – 2 occurs at the extreme point A (2, 0).
Hence, the optimal solution to the given LP problem is: x1 = 2, x2 = 0 and Min Z = – 2.
Example 3.8 G.J. Breweries Ltd have two bottling plants, one located at ‘G’ and the other at ‘J’. Each plant
produces three drinks, whisky, beer and brandy named A, B and C respectively. The number of the bottles
produced per day are shown in the table.
Drink Plant at
G J
Whisky 1,500 1,500
Beer 3,000 1,000
Brandy 2,000 5,000
A market survey indicates that during the month of July, there will be a demand of 20,000 bottles of whisky,
40,000 bottles of beer and 44,000 bottles of brandy. The operating cost per day for plants at G and J are 600 and
400 monetary units. For how many days each plant be run in July so as to minimize the production cost, while
still meeting the market demand? Formulate this problem as an LP problem and solve that using graphical
method. [Pune Univ., MBA, 2009]
x1 and x2 = number of days of work at plant G and J, respectively.
(i) Whisky : 1500x1 + 1500x2 = 20,000 (ii) Beer : 3000x1 + 1000x2 = 40,000,
(iii) Brandy : 2000x1 + 5000x2 = 44,000
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Plot on a graph each constraint by first treating it as linear equation. The feasible solution space (region) is shown
in Fig. 3.8 by shaded area. This region is bounded from below by the extreme points A, B, and C. The coordinates of
extreme points of the feasible solution space marked by shaded area are: A(22, 0), B(12, 4) and C(0, 40).
Fig. 3.8
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The value of objective function at each of the extreme points is shown shown is Table 3.8.

(x1, x2) Z = 600x1 + 400x2
A (22, 0) 600(22) + 400(0) = 13,200 Table 3.8
B (12, 4) 600(12) + 400(4) = 8,800 Set of Feasible
C (0, 40) 600(0) + 400(40) = 16,000 Solutions
The minimum (optimal) value of objective function occurs at point B(12, 4). Hence, the Plant G should run for
x1 = 12 days and plant J for x2 = 4 days to have a minimum production cost of Rs. 8,800.
Example 3.9 A diet for a sick person must contain at least 4,000 units of vitamins, 50 units of minerals and 1,400
calories. Two foods A and B are available at a cost of Rs. 4 and Rs. 3 per unit, respectively. If one of A contains 200
units of vitamins, 1 unit of mineral and 40 calories and one unit of food B contains 100 units of vitamins, 2 units of
minerals and 40 calories. Formulate this problem as an LP model and solve it by graphical method to find
combination of foods to be used to have least cost?
Solution The data of the given problem can be summarized as shown below.
Food Units Content of Cost per

Vitamins Mineral Calories Unit (Rs.)
A 200 1 40 4
B 100 2 40 3
Minimum requirement 4,000 50 1,400
Let us define the following decision variables:

x1 and x2 = number of units of food A and B to be used, respectively.
Minimize (total cost) Z = 4x1 + 3x2
(i) Vitamins : 200x1 + 100x2 ≥ 4,000, (ii) Mineral : x1 + 2x2 ≥ 50,
(iii) Calories : 40x1 + 40x2 ≥ 1,400
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
Fig. 3.9
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
Plot on a graph each constraint by treating it as a linear equation. Then use inequality sign of each constraint
to mark the feasible solution space (region) by shaded area as shown in Fig. 3.9. The coordinates of the extreme
points of the feasible solution space are: A(0, 40), B(5, 30), C(20, 15) and D(50, 0). The value of objective
function at each of these extreme points is shown in Table 3.9.

(x1, x2) Z = 4x1 + 3x2
A (0, 40) 4(0) + 3(40) = 120

Table 3.9 B (5, 30) 4(5) + 3(30) = 110
Set of Feasible C (20, 15) 4(20) + 3(15) = 125
Solutions D (50, 0) 4(50) + 3(0) = 200
The minimum (optimal) value of the objective function Z = 110 occurs at the extreme point B(5, 30). Hence, to
have least cost of Rs. 110, the diet should contain x1 = 5 units of food A and x2 = 30 units of food B.
3.3.4 Examples on Mixed Constraints LP Problems

Example 3.10 A firm plans to purchase at least 200 quintals of scrap containing high quality metal X
and low quality metal Y. It decides that the scrap to be purchased must contain at least 100 quintals of
metal X and not more than 35 quintals of metal Y. The firm can purchase the scrap from two suppliers (A
and B) in unlimited quantities. The percentage of X and Y metals in terms of weight in the scrap supplied
by A and B is given below.
Metals Supplier A Supplier B
X 25% 75%
Y 10% 20%
The price of A’s scrap is Rs 200 per quintal and that of B is Rs 400 per quintal. The firm wants to
determine the quantities that it should buy from the two suppliers so that the total cost is minimized.
[Delhi Univ., MBA, 1998, 2001]
x1 and x2 = quantity (in quintals) of scrap to be purchased from suppliers A and B, respectively.
(i) Maximum purchase : x1 + x2 ≥ 200
x1 3 x2
(ii) Scrap containing : + ≥ 100 or x1 + 3x2 ≥ 400 (Metal X)
4 4
x1 x2
+ ≥ 35 or x1 + 2x2 ≤ 350 (Metal Y)
10 5
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Fig. 3.10
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
Plot on a graph each constraint by treating it as a linear equation. Then use inequality sign of each
constraint to mark the feasible solution space (or region) by shaded area as shown in Fig. 3.10. The feasible
region is bounded by the corners, A, B and C.
The coordinates of the extreme points of the feasible region are: A = (100, 100), B = (250, 50),
and C = (50, 150). The value of objective function at each of these extreme points is shown in
Table 3.10.
Point (x1, x2) Z = 200x1 + 400x2
A (100, 100) 200(100) + 400(100) = 60,000 Table 3.10
B (250, 50) 200(250) + 400(50) = 70,000 Set of Feasible
C (50, 150) 200(50) + 400(150) = 70,000 Solutions
Since minimum (optimal) value of objective function, Z = Rs 60,000 occurs at the extreme point
A (100, 100), firm should buy x1 = x2 = 100 quintals of scrap each from suppliers A and B.
(i) x1 + 2x2 ≥ 3 (ii) x1 + x2 ≤ 4
(iii) 0 ≤ x1 ≤ 5/2 (iv) 0 ≤ x2 ≤ 3/2
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Solution Plot on a graph each constraint by first treating it as a linear equation. Then use the inequality
condition of each constraint to mark the feasible region by shaded area as shown in Fig. 3.11.
Fig. 3.11
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The coordinates of the extreme points of the feasible region are: A = (5/2, 1/4), B = (5/2, 3/2), and
C = (0, 3/2). The value of the objective function at each of these extreme points is shown in Table 3.11.
(x1, x2) Z = 7x1 + 3x2
A (5/2, 1/4) 7(5/2) + 3(1/4) = 73/4

B (5/2, 3/2) 7(5/2) + 3(3/2) = 22 Table 3.11
C (0, 3/2) 7(0) + 3(3/2) = 9/2 Set of Feasible
Solutions
The maximum (optimal) value of the objective function, Z = 22 occurs at the extreme point B (5/2, 3/2).
Hence, the optimal solution to the given LP problem is: x1 = 5/2, x2 = 3/2 and Max Z = 22.
(i) x1 + 2x2 ≤ 40, (ii) 3x1 + x2 ≥ 30, (iii) 4x1 + 3x2 ≥ 60
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
The coordinates of the extreme points of the feasible region are: A = (15, 0), B = (40, 0), C = (4, 18)
and D = (6, 12). The value of the objective function at each of these extreme points is shown Table 3.12.

(x1, x2) Z = 20x1 + 10x2
A (15,0) 20(15) + 10(0) = 300
Table 3.12 B (40,0) 20(40) + 10(0) = 800
Set of Feasible C (4,18) 20(4) + 10(18) = 260
Solutions D (6,12) 20(6) + 10(12) = 240
Fig. 3.12
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The minimum (optimal) value of the objective function, Z = 240 occurs at the extreme point D (6, 12).
Hence, the optimal solution to the given LP problem is: x1 = 6, x2 = 12 and Min Z = 240.
(i) x 1 + x 2 ≤ 30 (ii) x 2 ≥ 3 (iii) 0 ≤ x 2 ≤ 12
(iv) 0 ≤ x 1 ≤ 20 (v) x 1 – x 2 ≥ 0
and x 1 , x 2 ≥ 0.
Fig. 3.13
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The coordinates of the extreme points of the feasible region are : A = (3, 3), B = (20, 3), C = (20, 10), D = (18, 12)
and E = (12, 12). The value of the objective function at each of these extreme points is shown in Table 3.13.

(x1, x2) Z = 2x1 + 3x2
A (3, 3) 2(3) + 3(3) = 15
B (20, 3) 2(20) + 3(3) = 49
C (20, 10) 2(20) + 3(10) = 70 Table 3.13
D (18, 12) 2(18) + 3(12) = 72 Set of Feasible
E (12, 12) 2(12) + 3(12) = 60 Solutions
The maximum value of the objective function, Z = 72 occurs at the extreme point D (18, 12). Hence,
the optimal solution to the given LP problem is: x1 = 18, x2 = 12 and Max Z = 72.
Example 3.14 A firm makes two products X and Y, and has a total production capacity of 9 tonnes per
day. Both X and Y require the same production capacity. The firm has a permanent contract to supply at
least 2 tonnes of X and at least 3 tonnes of Y per day to another company. Each tonne of X requires 20
machine hours of production time and each tonne of Y requires 50 machine hours of production time. The
daily maximum possible number of machine hours is 360. All of the firm’s output can be sold. The profit
made is Rs 80 per tonne of X and Rs 120 per tonne of Y. Formulate this problem as an LP model and solve
it by using graphical method to determine the production schedule that yields the maximum profit.
[Delhi Univ., MBA, 1999]
x1 and x2 = number of units (in tonnes) of products X and Y to be manufactured, respectively.
Then the LP model of the given problem can be written as
(i) x1 + x2 ≤ 9 (Production capacity)
(ii) x1 ≥ 2; x2 ≥ 3 (Supply)
(iii) 20x1 + 50x2 ≤ 360 (Machine hours)
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
For solving this LP problem graphically, plot on a graph each constraint by first treating it as a linear
equation. Then use the inequality sign of each constraint to mark the feasible region as shown in Fig. 3.14.
Fig. 3.14
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The coordinates of the extreme points of the feasible region are: A = (2, 3), B = (6, 3), C = (3, 6), and
D = (2, 6.4). The value of the objective function at each of these extreme points is shown in Table 3.14.

(x1, x2) Z = 80x1 + 120x2
A (2, 3) 80(2) + 120(3) = 520
Table 3.14 B (6, 3) 80(6) + 120(3) = 840
Set of Feasible C (3, 6) 80(3) + 120(6) = 960
Solutions D (2, 6.4) 80(2) + 120(6.4) = 928
The maximum (optimal) value of the objective function, Z = 960 occurs at the extreme point C (3, 6).
Hence the company should produce, x1 = 3 tonnes of product X and x2 = 6 tonnes of product Y in order
to yield a maximum profit of Rs 960.
Example 3.15 The standard weight of a special purpose brick is 5 kg and it contains two basic
ingredients B1 and B2. B1 costs Rs 5 per kg and B2 costs Rs 8 per kg. Strength considerations dictate that
the brick should contain not more than 4 kg of B1 and a minimum of 2 kg of B2. Since the demand for the
product is likely to be related to the price of the brick, graphically find out the minimum cost of the brick
satisfying the above conditions.
Solution Let us define the following decision variables.
x1 and x2 = amount (in kg) of ingredient B1 and B2 contained in the brick, respectively.
Then the LP model of the given problem can be written as:
Minimize (total cost) Z = 5x1 + 8x2
(i) x1 ≤ 4, (ii) x2 ≥ 2, (iii) x1 + x2 = 5 (Brick strength)
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
For solving this LP problem graphically, plotting on a graph each constraint by first treating it as a
linear equation. Then use the inequality condition of each constraint to mark the feasible region as shown
in Fig. 3.15.
Fig. 3.15
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
It may be noted that in Fig. 3.15 there is no unique (or single) feasible region. The value of the objective
function at extreme points A = (3, 2) and B = (4, 2) is given in Table 3.15.

(x1, x2) Z = 5x1 + 8x2
Table 3.15
Set of Feasible A (3, 2) 5(3) + 8(2) = 31
Solutions B (4, 2) 5(4) + 8(2) = 36
The minimum value of objective function Z = 31 occurs at the extreme point A (3, 2). Hence, the optimal
product mix is: 3 kg of ingredient B1 and 2 kg of ingredient B2 of a special purpose brick to achieve the
minimum cost of Rs 31.
Example 3.16 The manager of an oil refinery must decide on the optimal mix of two possible blending
processes of which the inputs and outputs per production run are as follows:
The maximum amounts
available of crudes A and B are Process Input (units) Output (units)
200 units and 150 units, respec- (units) Grade A Grade B Gasoline X Gasoline Y
tively. Market requirements show
1 5 3 5 8
that at least 100 units of gasoline
X and 80 units of gasoline Y must 2 4 5 4 4
be produced. The profits per
production run for process 1 and process 2 are Rs 300 and Rs 400, respectively. Formulate this problem
as an LP model and solve it using graphical method to determine the production run for process 1 and 2.
[Gujarat Univ., MBA, 1999]
Solution Let us define the following decision variables
x1 and x2 = number of production run for process 1 and process 2, respectively.
The LP model of the given problem can be written as:
(i) 5x1 + 4x2 ≤ 200
3x1 + 5x2 ≤ 150 } (Input)
(ii) 5x1 + 4x2 ≥ 100
8x1 + 4x2 ≥ 80
} (Output)
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
For solving this LP problem graphically, plotting on a graph each constraint by treating it as a linear
equation. Then use the inequality condition of each constraint to mark the feasible region as shown in Fig. 3.16.
Fig. 3.16
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The coordinates of extreme points of the feasible region are: A = (20, 0), B = (40, 0), C = (400/13,
150/13), D = (0, 30) and E = (0, 25). The value of the objective function at each of these extreme points
is give in Table 3.16.

Point (x1, x2) Z = 300x1 + 400x2
A (20, 0) 300(20) + 400(0) = 6,000
B (40, 0) 300(40) + 400(0) = 12,000
C (400/13, 150/13) 300(400/13) + 400(150/13) = 1,80,000/13
Table 3.16
D (0, 30) 300(0) + 400(30) = 12,000 Set of Feasible
E (0, 25) 300(0) + 400(25) = 10,000 Solutions
The maximum (optimal) value of the objective function occurs at the extreme point (400/13, 150/13). Hence,
the manager of the oil refinery should produce, x1 = 400/13 units under process 1 and x2 = 150/13 units under
process 2 in order to achieve the maximum profit of Rs 1,80,000/13.
Example 3.17 A manufacturer produces two different models – X and Y of the same product. Model X
makes a contribution of Rs 50 per unit and model Y, Rs 30 per unit, towards total profit. Raw materials r1 and r2
are required for production. At least 18 kg of r1 and 12 kg of r2 must be used daily. Also at most 34 hours of
labour are to be utilized. A quantity of 2 kg of r1 is needed for model X and 1 kg of r1 for model Y. For each of X
and Y, 1 kg of r2 is required. It takes 3 hours to manufacture model X and 2 hours to manufacture model Y. How
many units of each model should be produced in order to maximize the profit?
x1 and x2 = number of units of model X and Y to be produced, respectively.
Then the LP model of the given problem can be written as:
(i) 2x1 + x2 ≥ 18
x1 + x2 ≥ 12
}(Raw material)
(ii) 3x1 + 2x2 ≤ 34 (Labour hours)

and x1, x2 ≥ 0
For solving this LP problem graphically, plotting on a graph each constraint by treating it as a linear
equation. Then use the inequality sign of each constraint to mark the feasible region (shaded area) as shown in
Fig. 3.17.
Fig. 3.17
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The coordinates of extreme points of the feasible region are: A = (6, 6), B = (2, 14), and C = (10, 2). The value
of the objective function at each of these points is given in Table 3.17.

(x1, x2) Z = 50x1 + 30x2
Table 3.17 A (6, 6) 50(6) + 30(6) = 480

Set of Feasible B (2, 14) 50(2) + 30(14) = 520
Solutions C (10, 2) 50(10) + 30(2) = 560
Since the maximum (optimal) value of Z = 560 occurs at the point C (10, 2), the manufacturer should produce
x1 = 10 units of model X and x2 = 2 units of Y in order to yield the maximum profit of Rs 560.
Example 3.18 An advertising agency wishes to reach two types of audiences – customers with annual
income greater than one lakh rupees (target audience A) and customers with annual income of less than
one lakh rupees (target audience B). The total advertising budget is Rs 2,00,000. One programme of TV
advertising costs Rs 50,000; one programme of radio advertising costs Rs 20,000. For contract reasons, at
least three programmes ought to be on TV and the number of radio programmes must be limited to 5.
Surveys indicate that a single TV programme reaches 4,50,000 prospective customers in target audience A
and 50,000 in target audience B. One radio programme reaches 20,000 prospective customers in target
audience A and 80,000 in target audience B. Determine the media mix so as to maximize the total reach.
[Delhi Univ., MBA, 2008]

x1 and x2 = number of programmes to be released on TV and radio, respectively.
Then the LP model of the given problem can be expressed as:
Maximize Z = (4,50,000 + 50,000) x1 + (20,000 + 80,000) x2
(i) 50,000x1 + 20,000x2 ≤ 2,00,000 or 5x1 + 2x2 ≤ 20 (Budget available)
(ii) x1 ≥ 3; x2 ≤ 5 (Programmes)
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
For solving this LP problem by graphical method, plot each constraint on a graph first treating it as
a liner equation. Then use inequality sign of each constraint to mark feasible solution region (shaded area)
as shown in Fig. 3.18.
Fig. 3.18
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
The coordinates of the extreme points of feasible region are: A = (3, 0), B = (4, 0), and C = (3, 5/2). The
value of the objective function at each of these three corner points is given in Table 3.18.

(x1, x2) Z = 5,00,000x1 + 1,00,000x2
A (3, 0) 5,00,000(3) + 1,00,000(0) = 15,00,000

Table 3.18
B (4, 0) 5,00,000(4) + 1,00,000(0) = 20,00,000 Set of Feasible
C (3, 5/2) 5,00,000(3) + 1,00,000(5/2) = 17,50,000 Solutions
Since the maximum (optimal) value of Z = 20,00,000 occurs at the point B (4, 0), the agency must release,
x2 = 4 programmes on TV and x2 = 0 (no programme on radio) in order to achieve the maximum reach of
Z = 20,00,000 audiences.
3.3.5 Iso-profit (Cost) Function Line Method

According to this method, the optimal solution is found by using the slope of the objective function line
(or equation). An iso-profit (or cost) line is a collection of points that give solution with the same value
of objective function. By assigning various values to Z, we get different profit (cost) lines. Graphically many
such lines can be plotted parallel to each other. The steps of iso-profit (cost) function method are as follows:
Step 1: Identify the feasible region and extreme points of the feasible region.
Step 2: Draw an iso-profit (iso-cost) line for an arbitrary but small value of the objective function without
violating any of the constraints of the given LP problem. However, it is simple to pick a value that gives
an integer value to x1 when we set x2 = 0 and vice-versa. A good choice is to use a number that is divided
by the coefficients of both variables.
Step 3: Move iso-profit (iso-cost) lines parallel in the direction of increasing (decreasing) objective
Iso-profit (or cost)
function line is a function values. The farthest iso-profit line may intersect only at one corner point of feasible region
straight line that providing a single optimal solution. Also, this line may coincide with one of the boundary lines of the
represents all non- feasible area. Then at least two optimal solutions must lie on two adjoining corners and others will lie on
negative
combinations of x1 the boundary connecting them. However, if the iso-profit line goes on without limit from the constraints,
and x2 variable then an unbounded solution would exist. This usually indicates that an error has been made in formulating
values for a the LP model.
particular profit (or
cost) level. Step 4: An extreme (corner) point touched by an iso-profit (or cost) line is considered as the optimal
solution point. The coordinates of this extreme point give the value of the objective function.
Example 3.19 Consider the LP problem

(i) 4x1 + 6x2 ≤ 360, (ii) 3x1 ≤ 180, (iii) 5x2 ≤ 200
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Solution: Plot each constraint on a graph first treating it as a linear equation. Then use inequality sign of each
constraint to mark feasible solution region (shaded area) as shown in Fig. 3.19.
A family of lines (shown by dotted lines) that represents various values of objective function is shown
in Fig. 3.19. Such lines are referred as iso-profit lines.
Fig. 3.19
Optimal Solution
(Iso-profit Function
Approach)
In Fig. 3.19, a value of Z = 300 is arbitrarily selected. The iso-profit (objective) function equation then
becomes: 15x1 + 10x2 = 300. This equation is also plotted in the same way as other equality constraints
plotted before. This line is then moved upward until it first intersects a corner (or corners) in the feasible
region (corner B). The coordinates of corner point B can be read from the graph or can be computed as
the intersection of the two linear equations.
The coordinates x1 = 60 and x2 = 0 of corner point B satisfy the given constraints and the total profit
obtained is Z = 1,100.
3.3.3 Comparison of Two Graphical Solution Methods

After having plotted the constraints of the given LP problem to locate the feasible solution region (area) one
of the two graphical solution methods may be used to get optimal value of the given LP problem.
Extreme Point Method Iso-Profit (or Cost) Method

(i) Identify coordinates of each of the extreme (or (i) Determine the slope (x1, x2) of the objective func-
corner) points of the feasible region by either tion and then join intercepts to identify the profit
drawing perpendiculars on the x-axis and the (or cost) line.
y-axis or by solving two intersecting equations.
(ii) Compute the profit (or cost) at each extreme (ii) In case of maximization, maintain the same slope
point by substituting that point’s coordinates through a series of parallel lines, and move the line
into the objective function. upward towards the right until it touches the feasible
region at only one point. But in case of minimization,
move downward towards left until it touches only
one point in the feasible region.
(iii) Identify the optimal solution at that extreme (iii) Compute the coordinates of the point touched by
point with highest profit in a maximization prob- the iso-profit (or cost) line on the feasible region.
lem or lowest cost in a minimization problem. (iv) Compute the profit or cost.
3.4 SPECIAL CASES IN LINEAR PROGRAMMING
3.4.1 Alternative (or Multiple) Optimal Solutions

We have seen that the optimal solution of any linear programming problem occurs at an extreme point of
the feasible region and that the solution is unique, i.e. no other solution yields the same value of the Alternative optimal
objective function. However, in certain cases, a given LP problem may have more than one solution yielding solutions are
arrived only when
the same optimal objective function value. Each of such optimal solutions is termed as alternative optimal slope of the
solution. objective function is
There are two conditions that should be satisfied for an alternative optimal solution to exist: same as the slope
of a constraint in
(i) The slope of the objective function should be the same as that of the constraint forming the the LP problem.
boundary of the feasible solutions region, and
(ii) The constraint should form a boundary on the feasible region in the direction of optimal movement
of the objective function. In other words, the constraint should be an active constraint.
Remark The constraint is said to be active (binding or tight), if at the point of optimality, the left-hand
side of a constraint equals the right-hand side. In other words, an equality constraint is always active, and
inequality constraint may or may not be active.
Geometrically, an active constraint is one that passes through one of the extreme points of the feasible
solution space.
(i) 5x1 + 3x2 ≤ 30, (ii) x1 + 2x2 ≤ 18
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
Solution The constraints are plotted on a graph by first treating these as equations and then their
inequality signs are used to identify feasible region (shaded area) as shown in Fig. 3.20. The extreme points
of the region are O, A, B and C.
Fig. 3.20
Graphical Solution
— Multiple Optima
Since objective function (iso-profit line) is parallel to the line BC (first constraint : 5x1 + 3x2 = 30), which
also falls on the boundary of the feasible region. Thus, as the iso-profit line moves away from the origin,
it coincides with the line BC of the constraint equation line that falls on the boundary of the feasible region.
This implies that an optimal solution of LP problem can be obtained at any point between B and C including
extreme points B and C on the same line. Therefore, several combinations of values of x1 and x2 give the
same value of objective function.
The value of variables x1 and x2 obtained at extreme points B and C should only be considered to
establish that the solution to an LP problem will always lie at an extreme point of the feasible region.
The value of objective function at each of the extreme points is shown in Table 3.19.

(x1, x2) Z = 10x1 + 6x2
O (0, 0) 10(0) + 6(0) = 0
Table 3.19 A (0, 9) 10(0) + 6(9) = 54
Set of Feasible B (6/7, 60/7) 10(6/7) + 6(60/7) = 60
Solutions C (6, 0) 10(6) + 6(0) = 60
Since value (maximum) of objective function, Z = 60 at two different extreme points B and C is same,
therefore two alternative solutions: x1 = 6/7, x2 = 60/7 and x1= 6, x2 = 0 exist.
Unbounded Remark If slope of a constraint is parallel to the slope of the objective function, but it does not fall
solution exists on the boundary of the feasible region, the multiple solutions will not exist. This type of a constraint is
when the value of a
decision variables called redundant constraint (a constraint whose removal does not change the feasible region.)
can be made
infinitely large 3.4.2 Unbounded Solution
without violating any
of the LP problem Sometimes an LP problem may have an infinite solution. Such a solution is referred as an unbounded
constraints. solution. It happens when value of certain decision variables and the value of the objective function
(maximization case) are permitted to increase infinitely, without violating the feasibility condition.
It may be noted that there is a difference between unbounded feasible region and unbounded
solution to a LP problem. It is possible that for a particular LP problem the feasible region may be
unbounded but LP problem solution may not be unbounded, i.e. an unbounded feasible region may yield
some definite value of the objective function. In general, an unbounded LP problem solution exists due
to improper formulation of the real-life problem.
Example 3.21 Use the graphical method to solve the following LP problem:
(i) x1 – x2 = –1 (ii) – x1 + x2 ≤ 0
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
condition of each constraint to mark the feasible region (shaded area) as shown in Fig. 3.21.
Fig. 3.21
Unbounded
Solution
It may be noted from Fig. 3.21 that there exist an infinite number of points in the convex region for
which the value of the objective function increases as we move from the extreme point (origin), to the right.
That is, the value of variables x1 and x2 can be made arbitrarily large and accordingly the value of objective
function Z will also increase. Thus, the LP problem has an unbounded solution.
Example 3.22 Use graphical method to solve the following LP problem:
(i) x1 – x2 ≥ 1 (ii) x1 + x2 ≥ 3
and x1, x2 ≥ 0.
sign of each constraint to mark the feasible region (shaded area) as shown in Fig. 3.22.
It may be noted that the shaded region (solution space) is unbounded from above. The two corners of
the region are, A = (0, 3) and B = (2, 1). The value of the objective function at these corners is: Z(A) = 6 and
Z(B) = 8.
Fig. 3.22
Graphical Solution
of LP Problem
Since the given LP problem is of maximization, there exist a number of points in the shaded region
for which the value of the objective function is more than 8. For example, the point (2, 2) lies in the
region and the objective function value at this point is 10 which is more than 8. Thus, as value of
variables x 1 and x 2 increases arbitrarily large, the value of Z also starts increasing. Hence, the LP
problem has an unbounded solution.
Example 3.23 Use graphical method to solve the following LP problem:
(i) x1 – 2x2 ≥ 1, (ii) x1 + 2x2 ≥ 3
and x1, x2 ≥ 0 [PT Univ., BE, 2002]
Solution Constraints are plotted on a graph as usual as shown in Fig. 3.23. The solution space (shaded area)
is bounded from below and unbounded from above.
The two extreme points of the solution space are, A(0, 3/2) and B(2, 1/2). The value of objective function at
these points is Z(A) = 6 and Z(B) = 12. Since the given LP problem is of maximization, there exists a number of
points in the solution space where the value of objective function is much more than 12. Hence, the unique
value of Z cannot be found. The problem, therefore, has an unbounded solution.
Fig. 3.23
Unbounded
Solution
Example 3.24 Use graphical method to solve the following LP problem.

Maximize Z = – 4x1 + 3x2
(i) x1 – x2 ≤ 0, (ii) x1 ≤ 4
and x1, x2 ≥ 0. [Punjab Univ., B Com, 2009]
Solution The solution space satisfying the constraints is shown shaded in Fig 3.24. The line x1 – x2 = 0 is
drawn by joining origin point (0, 0) and has a slope of 45°. Also as x1 – x2 ≤ 0, i.e. x1 ≤ x2, the solution space due
to this line is in the upward direction.
An infeasible
solution lies
outside the feasible
region, it violates
one or more of the
given constraints.
Fig. 3.24
Unbounded
Solution
Since objective function is of maximization, therefore, the value of Z can be made arbitrarily large. Hence,
this LP problem has an unbounded solution. Value of variable x1 is limited to 4, while value of variable x2 can be
increased indefinitely.
3.4.3 Infeasible Solution

An infeasible solution to an LP problem arises when there is no solution that satisfies all the constraints
simultaneously. This happens when there is no unique (single) feasible region. This situation arises when
a LP model that has conflicting constraints. Any point lying outside the feasible region violates one or more
of the given constraints.
Maximize Z = 6x1 – 4x2
(i) 2x1 + 4x2 ≤ 4 (ii) 4x1 + 8x2 ≥ 16
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
Fig. 3.25
An Infeasible
Solution
Solution The constraints are plotted on graph as usual as shown in Fig. 3.25. Since there is no unique
feasible solution space, therefore a unique set of values of variables x1 and x2 that satisfy all the constraints
cannot be determined. Hence, there is no feasible solution to this LP problem because of the conflicting
constraints.
x2
Maximize Z = x1 +
2
(i) 3x1 + 2x2 ≤ 12 (ii) 5x1 = 10
(iii) x1 + x2 ≥ 8 (iv) – x1 + x2 ≥ 4
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
Solution The constraints are plotted on graph as usual and feasible regions are shaded as shown in
Fig. 3.26. The three shaded areas indicate non-overlapping regions. All of these can be considered feasible
solution space because they all satisfy some subsets of the constraints.
Fig. 3.26
An Infeasible
Solution
However, there is no unique point (x1, x2) in these shaded regions that can satisfy all the constraints
simultaneously. Thus, the LP problem has an infeasible solution.
Maximize Z = 3x + 2y
(i) – 2x + 3y ≤ 9, (ii) 3x – 2y ≤ –20
and x, y ≥ 0. [Punjab Univ., BE (Elect.) 2006]
Solution There are two solution spaces (shaded areas) shown in the Fig. 3.27. One of these solution space
is satisfying the constraint – 2x + 3y ≤ 9 while the other is satisfying the constraint 3x – 2y ≤ –20. These two
shaded regions in the first quadrant do not overlap and hence there is no point (x, y) common to both the
shaded regions. This implies that the feasible solution to the problem does not exist. Consequently, this LP
problem has one infeasible solution.
Redundancy is a
situation in which
one or more
constraints do not
affect the feasible
solution region.
Fig. 3.27
No Feasible
Solution
3.4.4 Redundancy
A redundant constraint is one that does not affect the feasible solution region (or space) and thus
redundancy of any constraint does not cause any difficulty in solving an LP problem graphically. As shown
in Fig. 3.16, constraint 8x1 + 4x2 ≥ 80 (Ex. 3.16) is redundant. In other words, a constraint is said to be
redundant when it may be more binding (restrictive) than another.
CONCEPTUAL QUESTIONS
1. Explain graphical method of solving an LP problem. 7. You have just formulated a maximization LP problem and are
2. Give a brief description of an LP problem with illustrations. How preparing to solve it graphically. What criteria should you
can it be solved graphically? consider in deciding whether it would be easier to solve the
3. What is meant by the term ‘feasible region’? Why must this be a problem by the extreme point enumeration method or the iso-
well-defined boundary for the maximization problem? profit line method.
4. Define iso-profit and iso-cost lines. How do these help us to 8. Under what condition is it possible for an LP problem to have
obtain a solution to an LP problem? more than one optimal solution? What do these alternative
optimal solutions represent?
5. Explain the procedure of generating extreme point solutions to
9. What is an infeasible solution, and how does it occur? How is
an LP problem, pointing out the assumptions made, if any.
this condition recognized in the graphical method?
6. It has been said that each LP problem, that has a feasible
region, has an infinite number of solutions. Explain. 10. What is an unbounded solution, and how is this condition
recognized in the graphical method?
SELF PRACTICE PROBLEMS
1. Comment on the solution of the following LP problems.

(i) Max Z = 4x1 + 4x2 (ii) Max Z = 5x1 + 3x2 (iii) Max Z = 4x1 + 2x2
subject to x1 + 2x2 ≤ 10 subject to 4x1 + 2x2 ≤ 8 subject to – x1 + 2x2 ≤ 6
6x1 + 6x2 ≤ 36 x1 ≥ 3 – x1 + x2 ≤ 2
x1 ≤ 6 x2 ≥ 7 and x1, x2 ≥ 0
and x 1, x 2 ≥ 0 and x1, x2 ≥ 0
(iv) Min Z = x1 – 2x2 (v) Max Z = 6x1 + 12x2 (vi) Max Z = 3x1 + 5x2
subject to – 2x1 + x2 ≤ 8 subject to x1 + 2x2 ≤ 10 subject to x1 + x2 ≥ 100
– x1 + 2x2 ≤ –24 2x1 – 5x2 ≤ 20 5x1 + 10x2 ≤ 400
and x 1, x 2 ≥ 0
x1 + x2 ≤ 15 6x1 + 8x2 ≤ 440
and x1, x2 ≥ 0 and x1, x2 ≥ 0
(vii) Max Z = 1.75 x1 + 1.5 x2 (viii) Max Z = 3x1 + 2x2 (ix) Max Z = 5x1 + 3x2
subject to 8x1 + 5x2 ≤ 320 subject to – 2x1 + 3x2 ≤ 9 subject to 3x1 + 5x2 ≤ 15
4x1 + 5x2 ≤ 20 x1 – 5x2 ≥ –20 5x1 + 2x2 ≤ 10
x1 ≥ 15; x2 ≥ 10 and x1, x2 ≥ 0 and x1, x2 ≥ 0
and x 1, x 2 ≥ 0
[Kerala, BSc (Engg.), 1995]
(x) Max Z = x1 + x2
subject to x1 + x2 ≤ 1
– 3x1 + x2 ≥ 3
and x 1, x 2 ≥ 0
2. Solve the following LP problems graphically and state what your solution indicates.
(i) Min Z = 4x1 – 2x2 (ii) Min Z = 3x1 + 5x2 (iii) Min Z = 20x1 + 10x2
subject to x1 + x2 ≤ 14 subject to – 3x1 + 4x2 ≤ 12 subject to x1 + 2x2 ≤ 40
3x1 + 2x2 ≥ 36 2x1 – x2 ≥– 2 3x1 + x2 ≥ 30
2x1 + x2 ≤ 24 2x1 + 3x2 ≥ 12 4x1 + 3x2 ≥ 60
and x1, x2 ≥ 0 x1 ≤ 4; x2 ≥ 2 and x1, x2 ≥ 0
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
(iv) Max Z = x1 + x2 are available per day. For belt B only 700 buckles are available per
subject to x1 – x2 ≥ 0 day. Solve this problem to determine how many units of the two
types of belts the company should manufacture in order to have
3x1 – x2 ≤ – 3
the maximum overall profit?
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
6. Consider a small plant which makes two types of automobile
3. A manufacturing firm produces two machine parts P1 and P2 parts, say A and B. It buys castings that are machined, bored
of a machine. For this it makes use of milling and grinding and polished. The capacity of machining is 25 per hour for A
machines. The different machining times required for each and 40 per hour for B, the capacity of boring is 28 per hour
part, the machining times available on different machines and for A and 35 per hour for B, and the capacity of polishing is
the profit on each machine part are as given below: 35 per hour for A and 25 per hour for B. Casting for part A
costs Rs 2 each and for part B it costs Rs 3 each. The
company sells these for Rs 5 and Rs 6, respectively. The
Manufacturing Maximum Time three machines have running costs of Rs 20, Rs 14 and Rs
Machine Time Required (min)
Available 17.50 per hour. Assuming that any combination of parts A and
P1 P2 per Week (min) B can be sold, what product mix would maximize profit? Solve
this problem using the graphical method.
Lathe 10 1.5 2,500
7. A company machines and drills two castings X and Y. The
Milling machine 14 10 2,000 time required to machine and drill one casting including
Grinding machine 11 1.5 2,450 machine set-up time is as follows:
Profit per unit (Rs) 50 100
Casting Machine Hours Drilling Hours
Determine the number of pieces of P 1 and P2 to be
manufactured per week in order to maximize profit. X 4 2
4. A furniture manufacturer makes two products: chairs and Y 2 5
tables. These products are processed using two machines –
A and B. A chair requires 2 hours on machine A and 6 hours There are two lathes and three drilling machines. The working
on machine B. A table requires 5 hours on machine A and no week is of 40 hours; there is no lost time and overtime.
time on machine B. There are 16 hours per day available on Variables costs for both castings are Rs 120 per unit while
machine A and 30 hours on machine B. The profit gained by total fixed costs amount to Rs 1,000 per week. The selling
the manufacturer from a chair is Rs 2 and from a table is Rs price of casting X is Rs 300 per unit and that of Y is Rs 360
10. Solve this problem to find the daily production of each of per unit. There are no limitations on the number of X and Y
the two products. casting that can be sold. The company wishes to maximize
5. A company produces two types of leather belts, A and B. Belt A is its profit. You are required to (i) formulate a linear programming
of a superior quality and B is of an inferior quality. The profit from model for the problem and (ii) solve this problem using the
the two are 40 and 30 paise per belt, respectively. Each belt of graphical method. [Delhi Univ., MBA, 2007]
type A requires twice as much time as required by a belt of type B. 8. A company possesses two manufacturing plants, each of
If all the belts were of type B, the company could produce 1,000 which can produce three products: X, Y and Z from a
belts per day. But the supply of leather is sufficient only for 800 common raw material. However, the proportions in which
belts per day. Belt A requires a fancy buckle and only 400 of them these products can be produced are different in each plant
and so are the plant’s operating costs per hour. The data on A and of Rs 120 for each unit of product B. With this
production per hour and costs together with current orders in information, formulate this problem as a linear programming
hand for each product, is as follows: model and determine the optimal level of output for the two
products using the graphic method.
Plant Products Operating Cost 13. A publisher of textbooks is in the process of bringing a new
X Y Z per Hour (Rs) book in the market. The book may be bound by either cloth
or hard paper. Each cloth-bound book sold contributes Rs 24
A 2 4 3 9 towards the profit and each paperbound book contributes
B 4 3 2 10 Rs 23. It takes 10 minutes to bind a cloth cover, and 9
Orders on hand 50 24 60 minutes to bind a paperback. The total available time for
binding is 80 hours. After considering a number of market
You are required to use the graphical method to find out the surveys, it is predicted that the cloth-cover sales will be
number of production hours needed to fulfil the orders on anything more than 10,000 copies, but the paperback sales
hand at minimum cost. will not be more than 6,000 copies. Formulate this problem as
9. A company manufactures two products: A and B. Product A a LP problem and solve it graphically.
yields a contribution of Rs 30 per unit and product B, Rs 40 14. PQR Feed Company markets two feed mixes for cattle. The
per unit, towards the fixed costs. It is estimated that the sales feed mix, Fertilex, requires at least twice as much wheat as
of product A for the coming month will not exceed 20 units. barley. The second mix, Multiplex, requires at least twice as
Sales of product B have not yet been estimated but the much barley as wheat. Wheat costs Rs 1.50 per kg, and only
company does have a contract to supply at least 10 units to 1,000 kg are available this month. Barley costs Rs 1.25 per kg
a regular customer. and 1,200 kg is available: Fertilex sells for Rs 1.80 per kg up to
There are 100 machine hours available for the coming month. It 99 kg and each additional kg over 99 sells for Rs 1.65. Multiplex
takes 4 hours to produce both – product A and product B. There sells at Rs 1.70 per kg up to 99 kg and each additional kg over
are 180 labour hours available and products A and B require 4 99 sells for Rs 1.55 per kg. Bharat Farms is sure to buy any and
hours and 6 hours of labour, respectively. Materials available are all amounts of both mixes that PQR Feed Company will mix.
restricted to 40 units for the two products. One unit of each Formulate this problem as a LP problem to determine the product
product requires one unit of material. The company wishes to mix so as to maximize the profits.
maximize its profits. Use the graphical method, to find the optimum 15. On October 1st, a company received a contract to supply
product mix. 6,000 units of a specialized product. The terms of contract
10. A company manufactures two kinds of machines, each requires that 1,000 units be shipped in the north of October;
requiring a different manufacturing technique. The deluxe 3,000 units in November and 2,000 units in December. The
machine requires 18 hours of labour, 8 hours of testing and company can manufacture 1,500 units per month on regular
yields a profit of Rs 400. The standard machine requires time and 750 units per month on overtime. The manufacturing
3 hours of labour, 4 hours of testing and yields a profit of cost per item produced during regular time is Rs 3 and the
Rs 200. There are 800 hours of labour and 600 hours of cost per item produced during overtime is Rs 5. The monthly
testing available each month. A marketing forecast has shown storage cost is Re 1. Formulate this problem as a linear
that the monthly demand for the standard machine is to be programming problem so as to minimize the total cost.
more than 150. The management wants to know the number 16. A small-scale manufacturer has production facilities for
of each model to be produced monthly that would maximize producing two different products. Each of the products requires
total profit. Formulate and solve this as a linear programming three different operations: grinding, assembly and testing.
problem. [Delhi Univ., MBA, 2003, 2008] Product I requires 15, 20 and 10 minutes to grind, assemble
11. A firm makes two types of furniture: chairs and tables. The and test, respectively, on the other hand product II requires
contribution to profit by each product as calculated by the 7.5, 40 and 45 minutes for grinding, assembling and testing,
accounting department is – Rs 20 per chair and Rs 30 per table. respectively. The production run calls for at least 7.5 hours
Both products are to be processed on three machines M1, M2 of grinding time, at least 20 hours of assembly and at least
and M3. The time required in hours by each product and total 15 hours of testing time. If manufacturing product I costs
time available in hours per week on each machine are as follows: Rs 60 and product II costs Rs 90, determine the number of
units of each product the firm should produce in order to
Machine Chair Table Available Time (hrs) minimize the cost of operation.
17. A firm is engaged in breeding pigs. The pigs are fed on
M1 3 3 36 various products grown in the farm. Because of the need to
M2 5 2 50 ensure certain nutrient constituents, it is necessary to
M3 2 6 60 additionaly buy one or two products (call them A and B).
How should the manufacturer schedule his production in The content of the various products (per unit) in the nutrient
order to maximize profit? constituents (e.g. vitamins, proteins, etc.) is given in the
following table:
12. The production of a certain manufacturing firm involves a
machining process that acquires raw materials and then
converts them into (unassembled) parts. These parts are Nutrient Nutrient Content in Minimum Amount
then sent to one of the two divisions for being assembly into Product of Nutrient
the final product. Division 1 is used for product A, and Division A B
2 for product B. Product A requires 40 units of raw material
and 10 hours of machine processing time. Product B requires M1 36 6 108
80 units of raw material and 4 hours of machine processing M2 3 12 36
time. During the period, 800 units of raw material and 80 hours
M3 20 10 100
of machine processing time are available. The capabilities of
the two assembly divisions during the period are 6 and 9
The last column of the above table gives the minimum quantity
units, respectively. The profit contribution per unit to profit and
of nutrient constituents M1, M2 and M3 that must be given to
overhead (fixed costs) is of Rs 200 for each unit of product
the pigs. If products A and B cost Rs 20 and Rs 40 per unit, 22. A manufacturer produces electric hand saws and electric
respectively, how much of each of these two products should drills, for which the demand exceeds his capacity. The
be bought so that the total cost is minimized? Solve this LP production cost of a saw is Rs 6 and the production cost of
problem graphically. a drill Rs 4. The shipping cost is 20 paise for a saw and 30
18. A company manufacturing television sets and radios has four paise for a drill. A saw sells for Rs 9 and a drill sells for Rs
5.50. The budget allows a maximum of Rs 2,400 for production
major departments: chassis, cabinet, assembly and final
costs and Rs 120 for shipping costs. Formulate this problem
testing. The monthly capacities of these are as follows:
as an LP model and solve it to determine the number of saws
and drills that should be produced in order to maximize the
Department Television Radio Capacity excess of sales over production and shipping costs.
Capacity
23. A company produces two types of pens, say A and B. Pen A
is of a superior quality and pen B is of an inferior quality. Profits
Chassis 1,500 or 4,500
on pen A and B are Rs 5 and Rs 3 per pen, respectively. The
Cabinet 1,000 or 8,000 raw material required for producing single pen A is twice as that
Assembly 2,000 or 4,000 of pen B. The supply of raw material is sufficient only for 1,000
Testing 3,000 or 9,000 pens of B per day. Pen A requires a special clip and only 400
such clips are available per day. For pen B, only 700 clips are
The contribution of television is Rs 150 each and the available per day. Solve this LP problem graphically to find the
contribution of radio is Rs 250 each. Assume that the product mix so that the company can make the maximum profit.
company can sell any quantity of either product. Formulate [Delhi Univ., MBA, Nov. 1998]
this problem as an LP problem and solve it to determine the 24. Two products A and B are to be manufactured. One single
optimal combination of output. unit of product A requires 2.4 minutes of punch press time
and 5 minutes of assembly time. The profit for product A is
19. The commander of a small tank has been ordered to win and Re 0.60 per unit. One single unit of product B requires 3
occupy a valley located in a river delta area. He has 4 heavy minutes of punch press time and 2.5 minutes of welding time.
tanks and 10 light tanks. Each heavy tank requires 4 men to The profit for product B is Re 0.70 per unit. The capacity of
operate, whereas the light tank requires 2 men. The total the punch press department available for these products is
number of men available is 29. The fire power of the heavy 1,200 minutes/week. The welding department has an idle
tank is three times that of the light tank. Yet the commander capacity of 600 minutes/week and the assembly department
feels that he should use more light tanks than heavy ones has the capacity of 1,500 minutes/week. Formulate this
since the light ones are more effective against guerillas. problem as an LP model to determine the quantities of
(i) Formulate this problem as an LP model so as to products A and B that would yield the maximum.
determine the number of tanks in each type to be sent 25. A rubber company is engaged in producing three different
into the combat, keeping in mind that the commander kinds of tyres A, B and C. These three different tyres are
wishes to maximize the total fire power. produced at two different plants of the company, which have
(ii) If you could persuade the commander that the rule different production capacities. In a normal 8-hour working
‘more light tanks than heavy tanks’ may not be day, Plant 1 produces 50, 100 and 100 tyres of types A, B
applicable due to the fact that guerilla warfare is and C, respectively. Plant 2, produces 60, 60 and 200 tyres
absent in the area, how many tanks of each type of types A, B and C, respectively. The monthly demand for
could be used? types A, B and C is 2,500, 3,000 and 7,000 units, respectively.
20. A timber company cuts raw timber – oak and pine logs – into The daily cost of operation of Plants 1 and 2 is Rs 2,500 and
wooden boards. Two steps are required to produce boards Rs 3,500, respectively. Formulate this problem as an LP
from logs. The first step involves removing the bark from the model and solve it to determine how the company can
logs. Two hours are required to remove the bark from 1,000 minimize the number of days on which it operates, per month,
feet of oak logs and three hours per 1,000 feet of pine logs. at the two plants, so that the total cost is also minimized, while
After the logs have been debarked, they must be cut into the demand is also met.
boards. It takes 2.4 hours per 1,000 feet of oak logs to be cut 26. Kishore Joshi mixes pet food in his basement on a small
into boards and 1.2 hours per 1,000 feet of pine logs. The bark scale. He advertises two types of pet food: Diet-Sup and
removing machines can operate for up to 60 hours per week, Gro-More. Contribution from Diet-Sup is Rs 1.50 a bag and
while for cutting machines this number is limited to 48 hours from Gro-More Rs 1.10 a bag. Both are mixed from two basic
per week. The company can buy a maximum of 18,000 feet ingredients – a protein source and a carbohydrate source.
of raw oak logs and 12,000 feet of raw pine logs each week. Diet-Sup and Gro-More require ingredients in these amounts:
The profit per 1,000 feet of processed logs is Rs 1,800 and
Rs 1,200 for oak and pine logs, respectively. Formulate this Protein Carbohydrate
problem as an LP model and solve it to determine how many
feet of each type of log should be processed each week in Diet-Sup (7 kg bag) 4 kg 3 kg
order to maximize the profit. Gro-More (3 kg bag) 2 kg 1 kg
21. Upon completing the construction of his house, Mr Sharma
discovers that 100 square feet of plywood scrap and 80 Kishore has the whole weekend ahead of him, but will not
square feet of white pine scrap are in unusable form, which be able to procure more ingredients over the weekend. He
can be used for the construction of tables and bookcases. It checks his bins and finds he has 700 kg of protein source
takes 16 square feet of plywood and 16 square feet of white and 500 kg of carbohydrate in the house. How many bags
pine to construct a book case. By selling the finished products of each food should he mix in order to maximize his profits?
to a local furniture store, Mr Sharma can realize a profit of Rs Formulate this problem as an LP model and solve it to
25 on each table and Rs 20 on each bookcase. How can he determine the optimum food-mix that would maximize the
most profitably use the leftover wood? Use the graphical profit.
method to solve this LP problem.
HINTS AND ANSWERS
1. (i) Alternative solutions (ii) Infeasible solution 8. Let x1 and x2 = number of production hours for plants A and
(iii) Unbounded solution B needed to complete the orders, respectively.
(iv) Unbounded solution (v) Redundant Min Z = 9x1 + 10x2
constraints are second and third (vi) Infeasible solution subject to (i) 2x1 + 4x2 ≥ 50 ; (ii) 4x1 + 3x2 ≥ 24
(vii) No feasible solution (viii) Unbounded (iii) 3x1 + 2x2 ≥ 60
solution and x1, x2 ≥ 0
(ix) x1 = 20/19, x2 = 45/19 and Max Z = 535/19 Ans. x1 = 35/2 and x2 = 15/4 and Min Z = Rs 195.
(x) No feasible solution
9. Let x1 and x2 = number of units of products A and B,
2. (i) x1 = 8, x2 = 6 and Min Z = 20 respectively.
(ii) x1 = 3, x2 = 2 and Min Z = 19 Max Z = 30x1 + 40x2
(iii) x1 = 6, x2 = 12 and Min Z = 240 subject to (i) x1 ≤ 20; x2 ≥ 10, (ii) 4x1 + 4x2 ≤ 100,
3. Let x1 and x2 = number of pieces of P1 and P2 to be (iii) 4x1 + 6x2 ≤ 180, (iv) x1 + x2 ≤ 40
manufactured, respectively. and x1, x2 ≥ 0
Max Z = 50x1 + 100x2 11. Let x1 and x2 = number of chairs and tables to be made,
subject to (i) 10x1 + 15x2 ≤ 2,500 respectively.
(ii) 4x1 + 10x2 ≤ 2,000 Max Z = 20x1 + 30x2
(iii) x1 + 15x2 ≤ 450 subject to (i) 3x1 + 3x2 ≤ 36 ; (ii) 5x1 + 2x2 ≤ 50
and x1, x2 ≥ 0 (iii) 2x1 + 6x2 ≤ 60
Ans. x1 = 187.5, x2 = 125 and Max Z = Rs 21,875. and x1, x2 ≥ 0
4. Let x1 and x2 = number of chairs and tables produced, respectively. Ans. x1 = 3, x2 = 9 and Max Z = Rs 330.
Max Z = 2x1 + 10x2 12. Let x1 and x2 = number of units to be produced of products A
subject to (i) 2x1 + 5x2≤ 16 ; (ii) 6x1 ≤ 30 and B, respectively.
and x1, x2 ≥ 0 Max Z = 200x1 + 120x2
Ans. x1 = 0, x2 = 3.2 and Max Z = Rs 32. subject to (i) 40x1 + 80x2 ≤ 800, (ii) 10x1 + 04x2 ≤ 80,
5. Let x1 and x2 = number of belts of types A and B produced, (iii) x1 ≤ 6; (iv) x2 ≤ 9
respectively. and x1, x2 ≥ 0
Max Z = 0.40x1 + 0.30x2 Ans. x1 = 5, x2 = 7.5 and Max Z = Rs 1,900.
subject to (i) x1 + x2 ≤ 800 ; (ii) 2x1 + x2 ≤ 1,000 17. Let x1 and x2 = number of units of products A and B to be
(ii) x1 ≤ 400 ; (iv) x2 ≤ 700 bought, respectively
and x1, x2 ≥ 0 Min (total cost) Z = 20x1 + 40x2
Ans. x1 = 200, x2 = 600 and Max = Rs 260. subject to (i) 36x1 + 6x2 ≥ 108 ; (ii) 3x1 + 12x2 ≥ 36
6. Let x1 and x2 = number of parts manufactured of automobile A (iii) 20x1 + l0x2 ≥ 100
and B, respectively.
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
Max Z = {5 − 2 + 20/ 25 + 14 / 28 + 17.5/ 35}x1
Ans. x1 = 4, x2 = 2 and Min Z = Rs 160.
+ {6 − 3 + 20/ 40 + 14/ 35 + 17.5/ 25}x2 18. Let x1 and x2 = number of units of television and radio tubes
Max Z = 4.80x1 + 4.60x2 produced, respectively.
subject to Max (total profit) Z = 150x1 + 250x2
x x x x x x
(i) 1 + 2 ≤ 1, (ii) 1 + 2 ≤ 1, (iii) 1 + 2 ≤ 1 subject to (i) x1/1,500 + x2/4,500 ≥ 1
25 40 28 35 35 25
(ii) x1/1,000 + x2/8,000 ≥ 1
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
(iii) x1/2,000 + x2/2,000 ≥ 1
7. Let x1 and x2 = number of units of casting X and Y to be
(iv) x1/3,000 + x2/9,000 ≥ 1
manufactured, respectively.
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
Max Z = (300x1 + 360x2) – (120x1 + 120x2) – 1,000
20. Let x1 and x2 = number of feet of raw oak logs and raw pine
= 180x1 + 240x2 – 1,000
logs to be processed each week, respectively
subject to (i) 4x1 + 2x2 ≤ 2 × 40
Max Z = 1,800x1 + 1,200x2
(ii) 2x1 + 5x2 ≤ 3 × 40
subject to (i) 2x1 + 3x2 ≤ 60, (ii) 2.4x1 + 1.2x2 ≤ 48,
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
(iii) x1 ≤ 18, (iv) x2 ≤ 12
Ans. x1 = 10, x2 = 20 and Max Z = 5,600.
and x1, x2 ≥ 0
CHAPTER SUMMARY
The graphical solution approaches (or methods) provide a conceptual basis for solving large and complex LP problems. A graphical
method is used to reach an optimal solution to an LP problem that has a number of constraints binding the objective function.
Both extreme point methods and the iso-profit (or cost) function line method are used for graphically solving any LP problem
that has only two decision variables.
CHAPTER CONCEPTS QUIZ
True or False Multiple Choice

1. The graphical method of solving linear programming problem 21. The graphical method of LP problem uses
is useful because of its applicability to many real life situations. (a) objective function equation
2. The problem of infeasibility in linear programming can only be (b) constraint equations
solved by making additional resources available which in turn (c) linear equations
changes the constraints of the problem. (d) all of the above
3. A linear programming problem is unbounded because 22. A feasible solution to an LP problem
constraints are incorrectly formulated. (a) must satisfy all of the problem’s constraints
4. If a LP problem has more than one solution yielding the same simultaneously
objective functional value, then such optimal solutions are (b) need not satisfy all of the constraints, only
known as alternative optimal solution. some of them
5. Since the constraints to a linear programming are always (c) must be a corner point of the feasible region
linear, we can graph them by locating only two different points (d) must optimize the value of the objective function
on a line. 23. Which of the following statements is true with respect to the
6. An optimal solution does not necessarily use up all the limited optimal solution of an LP problem
resources available. (a) every LP problem has an optimal solution
(b) optimal solution of an LP problem always occurs at an
7. The intersection of any two constraints is an extreme point extreme point
which is a corner of the feasible region. (c) at optimal solution all resources are completely used
8. When there are more than one optimal solution to the problem (d) if an optimal solution exists, there will always be at least
then the decision-maker will be unable to judge the best one at a corner
optimal solution among them. 24. An iso-profit line represents
9. If all the constraints are ≥ inequalities in a linear programming (a) an infinite number of solutions all of which yield the same
problem whose objective function is to be maximized, then the profit
solution of the problem is unbounded. (b) an infinite number of solution all of which yield the same
10. The problem caused by redundant constraints is that two cost
isoprofit lines may not be parallel to each other. (c) an infinite number of optimal solutions
(d) a boundary of the feasible region
Fill in the Blanks
25. If an iso-profit line yielding the optimal solution coincides with
11. Constraints in a linear programming requiring all variables to a constraint line, then
be zero or positive are known as ........................ constraints (a) the solution is unbounded
and rest from limited resources are referred as ........................ (b) the solution is infeasible
constraints. (c) the constraint which coincides is redundant
12. Instead of maximizing profit in linear programming problem, (d) none of the above
we ensure linearity of the objective function by maximizing 26. While plotting constraints on a graph paper, terminal points on
........................ both the axes are connected by a straight line because
13. The ........................ points of the convex set give the basic (a) the resources are limited in supply
feasible solution to the linear programming. (b) the objective function is a linear function
14. A basic feasible solution is said to be ........................ if the (c) the constraints are linear equations or inequalities
values of all ........................ variables are nonzero and positive. (d) all of the above
15. If an optimal solution to a linear programming problem exists, 27. A constraint in an LP model becomes redundant because
it will lie at ........................ of the feasible solution. (a) two iso-profit line may be parallel to each other
16. A constraint in linear programming must be expressed as a (b) the solution is unbounded
linear ........................ or a linear ........................ . (c) this constraint is not satisfied by the solution values
(d) none of the above
17. When more than one solution best meets the objective of the
linear programming problem then it is said to have 28. If two constraints do not intersect in the positive quadrant of
........................ solution. the graph, then
18. ........................ occurs when no value of the variable is able (a) the problem is infeasible
to satisfy all the constraints in linear programming problem (b) the solution is unbounded
simultaneously. (c) one of the constraints is redundant
19. An existence of objective of the problem for any firm is one
of the major ........................ of the linear programming problem. 29. Constraints in LP problem are called active if they
(a) represent optimal solution
20. Any two isoprofit or isocost lines for a given linear programming
problem are ........................ to each other. (b) at optimality do not consume all the available resources
(c) both of (a) and (b) (d) all of the above

(d) none of the above 33. While solving a LP problem, infeasibility may be removed by
30. The solution space (region) of an LP problem is unbounded (a) adding another constraint
due to (b) adding another variable
(a) an incorrect formulation of the LP model (c) removing a constraint
(b) objective function is unbounded (d) removing a variable
(c) neither (a) nor (b) 34. If a non-redundant constraint is removed from an LP problem,
(d) both (a) and (b) then
31. While solving a LP model graphically, the area bounded by the (a) feasible region will become larger
constraints is called (b) feasible region will become smaller
(a) feasible region (b) infeasible region (c) solution will become infeasible
(c) unbounded solution (d) none of the above (d) none of the above
32. Alternative solutions exist of an LP model when 35. If one of the constraint of an equation in an LP problem has
(a) one of the constraints is redundant an unbounded solution, then
(b) objective function equation is parallel to one of the (a) solution to such LP problem must be degenerate
constraints (b) feasible region should have a line segment
(c) two constraints are parallel (c) alternative solutions exist
Answers to Quiz
1. T 2. F 3. F 4. T 5. T 6. T 7. T 8. F 9. T 10. T
11. non-negative, structural 12. Contribution 13. extreme 14. non-degenerative, basic,
15. an extreme point 16. equation, inequality 17. alternative 18. infeasibility
19. requirement 20. parallel.
21. (d) 22. (a) 23. (d) 24. (a) 25. (d) 26. (c) 27. (d) 28. (a) 29. (a) 30. (c)
31. (a) 32. (b) 33. (c) 34. (a) 35. (b)
CASE STUDY
Case 3.1: Raman Traveller

Mr. Raman, a local travel agent is planning a charter trip to a famous sea resort. The eight-day seven-night package
includes the round-trip fare, surface transportation, boarding and lodging and selected tour options. The charter trip
is restricted to 200 persons and past experience indicates that there will not be any problem in arranging 200 passangers.
The problem faced by the travel agent is to determine the number of Deluxe Standard and Economy tour packages
to offer for this charter. In all three of these plans, each differ in terms of their seating and service for the flight, quality
of accommodation, meal plans and tour options. The following table summarizes the estimated prices of the three
packages and the corresponding expenses of the travel agent. The travel agent has hired an aircraft for a flat fee of
Rs 2,00,000 for the entire trip. The per person price and costs for the three packages are as follows:
Tour Plan Price (Rs) Hotel Meals and

Costs (Rs) Other Expenses (Rs)
Deluxe 10,000 3,000 4,750
Standard 7,000 2,200 2,500
Economy 6,500 1,900 2,200
In planning the trip, the following considerations have come up that need to be taken into account:
(i) At least 10 per cent of the packages must be of the deluxe type.
(ii) At least 35 per cent but not more than 70 per cent must be of the standard type.
(iii) At least 30 per cent must be of the economy type.
(iv) The maximum number of deluxe packages available in any aircraft is restricted to 60.
(v) The hotel desires that at least 120 of the tourists should be on the deluxe standard packages together.
Mr. Raman wishes to determine the number of packages to offer in each type of trip so as to maximize the total
profit.
Case 3.2: Jain Clothing Stores

Mr. Vipin Jain, owner of Clothing Stores, is planning annual sale of shirts and pants. Mr Jain is planning to use two
different forms of advertising, viz., radio and newspaper ads, in order to promote the sale. Based on past experience,
Mr Jain feels confident that each newspaper advertisement will reach 40,000 shirt customers and 80,000 pant
customers. Each radio advertisement, he believes, will reach 30,000 shirt customers and 20,000 pant customers. The
cost of each newspaper advertisement is Rs 30,000 and the cost of each radio spot is Rs 45,000. The advertising
agency will prepare the advertisements and it will require 5 man-hours of preparation for each newspaper advertisement
and 15 man-hours of preparation for each radio spot. Mr Jain’s sales manager says that a minimum of 75 man-hours
should be spent on preparation of advertising in order to fully utilize the services of advertising agency. Mr Jain feels
that in order to have a successful sale, the advertising must reach at least 3,60,000 shirt customers and at least 4,00,000
pant customers.
You as newly appointed management trainee are expected to suggest the media planning for advertisement at a
minimum cost and still attain the objective of Mr. Jain.

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C h a p t e r 3

After studying this chapter, you should be able to

3.3 GRAPHICAL SOLUTION METHODS OF LP PROBLEM

3.3.1 Extreme Point Solution Method

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

O (0, 0) 2(0) + 1(0) = 0

Extreme Coordinates Objective Function Value

A (0, 1) 0+2×1=2 Table 3.3

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

3.3.3 Examples on Minimization LP Problem

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

Food Units Content of Cost per

Let us define the following decision variables:

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

A (0, 40) 4(0) + 3(40) = 120

3.3.4 Examples on Mixed Constraints LP Problems

A (5/2, 1/4) 7(5/2) + 3(1/4) = 73/4

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

Extreme Coordinates Objective Function Value

(ii) 3x1 + 2x2 ≤ 34 (Labour hours)

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

Table 3.17 A (6, 6) 50(6) + 30(6) = 480

Solution Let us define the following decision variables:

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

A (3, 0) 5,00,000(3) + 1,00,000(0) = 15,00,000

3.3.5 Iso-profit (Cost) Function Line Method

Example 3.19 Consider the LP problem

3.3.3 Comparison of Two Graphical Solution Methods

Extreme Point Method Iso-Profit (or Cost) Method

3.4 SPECIAL CASES IN LINEAR PROGRAMMING

3.4.1 Alternative (or Multiple) Optimal Solutions

Extreme Point Coordinates Objective Function Value

Example 3.24 Use graphical method to solve the following LP problem.

3.4.3 Infeasible Solution

SELF PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. Comment on the solution of the following LP problems.

HINTS AND ANSWERS

CHAPTER CONCEPTS QUIZ

True or False Multiple Choice

(c) both of (a) and (b) (d) all of the above

Case 3.1: Raman Traveller

Tour Plan Price (Rs) Hotel Meals and

Case 3.2: Jain Clothing Stores

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