Chapter 7

Linear Programming Models:

Graphical and Computer
Methods

To accompany
Quantitative Analysis for Management, Tenth Edition,
by Render, Stair, and Hanna © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Power Point slides created by Jeff Heyl © 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
 Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter, students will be able to:
1. Understand the basic assumptions and
properties of linear programming (LP)
2. Graphically solve any LP problem that has
only two variables by both the corner point
and isoprofit line methods
3. Understand special issues in LP such as
infeasibility, unboundedness, redundancy,
and alternative optimal solutions
4. Understand the role of sensitivity analysis
5. Use Excel spreadsheets to solve LP
problems

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7–2

 Chapter Outline

7.1 Introduction
7.2 Requirements of a Linear Programming
Problem
7.3 Formulating LP Problems
7.4 Graphical Solution to an LP Problem
7.5 Solving Flair Furniture’s LP Problem using
QM for Windows and Excel
7.6 Solving Minimization Problems
7.7 Four Special Cases in LP
7.8 Sensitivity Analysis

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7–3

 Introduction

■ Many management decisions involve trying to

make the most effective use of limited resources
■ Machinery, labor, money, time, warehouse space, raw
materials
■ Linear programming (LP) is a widely used
mathematical modeling technique designed to
help managers in planning and decision making
relative to resource allocation
■ Belongs to the broader field of mathematical
programming
■ In this sense, programming refers to modeling and
solving a problem mathematically

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7–4

 Examples of Successful LP Applications
1. Development of a production schedule that will
􀂃 satisfy future demands for a firm’s production
􀂃 while minimizing total production and inventory costs

2. Selection of product mix in a factory to

􀂃 make best use of machine-hours and labor-hours available
􀂃 while maximizing the firm’s products

3.Determination of grades of petroleum products to yield the

maximum profit

4. Selection of different blends of raw materials to feed mills to

produce finished feed combinations at minimum cost

5. Determination of a distribution system that will minimize total

shipping cost from several warehouses to various market
locations

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7–5

 Requirements of a Linear
Programming Problem

■ LP has been applied in many areas over the past

50 years
■ All LP problems have 4 properties in common
1. All problems seek to maximize or minimize some
quantity (the objective function)
2. The presence of restrictions or constraints that limit the
degree to which we can pursue our objective
3. There must be alternative courses of action to choose
from
4. The objective and constraints in problems must be
expressed in terms of linear equations or inequalities

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7–6

 LP Properties and Assumptions
PROPERTIES OF LINEAR PROGRAMS
1. One objective function
2. One or more constraints
3. Alternative courses of action
4. Objective function and constraints are linear
ASSUMPTIONS OF LP
1. Certainty
2. Proportionality
3. Additivity
4. Divisibility
5. Nonnegative variables
Table 7.1
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7–7
 Basic Assumptions of LP
■ We assume conditions of certainty exist and
numbers in the objective and constraints are
known with certainty and do not change during
the period being studied
■ We assume proportionality exists in the objective
and constraints
■ We assume additivity in that the total of all
activities equals the sum of the individual
activities
■ We assume divisibility in that solutions need not
be whole numbers
■ All answers or variables are nonnegative

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7–8

 Formulating LP Problems
■ Formulating a linear program involves developing
a mathematical model to represent the managerial
problem
■ The steps in formulating a linear program are
1. Completely understand the managerial
problem being faced
2. Identify the objective and constraints
3. Define the decision variables
4. Use the decision variables to write
mathematical expressions for the objective
function and the constraints

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7–9

 Formulating LP Problems
■ One of the most common LP applications is the
product mix problem
■ Two or more products are produced using
limited resources such as personnel, machines,
and raw materials
■ The profit that the firm seeks to maximize is
based on the profit contribution per unit of each
product
■ The company would like to determine how
many units of each product it should produce
so as to maximize overall profit given its limited
resources

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 10

 Flair Furniture Company
■ The Flair Furniture Company produces
inexpensive tables and chairs
■ Processes are similar in that both require a certain
amount of hours of carpentry work and in the
painting and varnishing department
■ Each table takes 4 hours of carpentry and 2 hours
of painting and varnishing
■ Each chair requires 3 of carpentry and 1 hour of
painting and varnishing
■ There are 240 hours of carpentry time available
and 100 hours of painting and varnishing
■ Each table yields a profit of $70 and each chair a
profit of $50

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 11

 Flair Furniture Company
■ The company wants to determine the best
combination of tables and chairs to produce to
reach the maximum profit
HOURS REQUIRED TO
PRODUCE 1 UNIT
(T) (C) AVAILABLE HOURS
DEPARTMENT TABLES CHAIRS THIS WEEK
Carpentry 4 3 240

Painting and varnishing 2 1 100

Profit per unit $70 $50

Table 7.2

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 12

 Flair Furniture Company
■ The objective is to
Maximize profit
■ The constraints are
1. The hours of carpentry time used cannot
exceed 240 hours per week
2. The hours of painting and varnishing time
used cannot exceed 100 hours per week
■ The decision variables representing the actual
decisions we will make are
T = number of tables to be produced per week
C = number of chairs to be produced per week

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 13

 Flair Furniture Company

■ We create the LP objective function in terms of T

and C
Maximize profit = $70T + $50C
■ Develop mathematical relationships for the two
constraints
■ For carpentry, total time used is
(4 hours per table)(Number of tables produced)
+ (3 hours per chair)(Number of chairs produced)
■ We know that
Carpentry time used ≤ Carpentry time available
4T + 3C ≤ 240 (hours of carpentry time)

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 14

 Flair Furniture Company
■ Similarly
Painting and varnishing time used
≤ Painting and varnishing time available
2 T + 1C ≤ 100 (hours of painting and varnishing time)

This means that each table produced

requires two hours of painting and
varnishing time

■ Both of these constraints restrict production

capacity and affect total profit

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 15

 Flair Furniture Company
■ The values for T and C must be nonnegative

T ≥ 0 (number of tables produced is greater

than or equal to 0)
C≥0 (number of chairs produced is greater
than or equal to 0)

■ The complete problem stated mathematically

Maximize profit = $70T + $50C

subject to
4T + 3C ≤ 240 (carpentry
constraint)
2T + 1C ≤ 100 (painting and
varnishing constraint)
T, C ≥ 0 (nonnegativity © 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 16
 Graphical Solution to an LP Problem

■ The easiest way to solve a small LP

problems is with the graphical solution
approach
■ The graphical method only works when
there are just two decision variables
■ When there are more than two variables, a
more complex approach is needed as it is
not possible to plot the solution on a
two-dimensional graph
■ The graphical method provides valuable
insight into how other approaches work
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 17
 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint
C

100 –
– This Axis Represents the Constraint T ≥ 0
80 –
Number of Chairs

–
60 –
–
40 – This Axis Represents the
– Constraint C ≥ 0
20 –
–
–| | | | | | | | |
| | | T
0 20 40 60 80
Figure 7.1 Number of Tables
100

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 18

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint

■ The first step in solving the problem is to

identify a set or region of feasible
solutions
■ To do this we plot each constraint
equation on a graph
■ We start by graphing the equality portion
of the constraint equations
4T + 3C = 240
■ We solve for the axis intercepts and draw
the line

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 19

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint
■ When Flair produces no tables, the
carpentry constraint is
4(0) + 3C = 240
3C = 240
C = 80
■ Similarly for no chairs
4T + 3(0) = 240
4T = 240
T = 60
■ This line is shown on the following graph

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 20

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint
C
Graph of carpentry constraint equation
100 –
–
80 – (T = 0, C = 80)
Number of Chairs

–
60 –
–
40 –
–
(T = 60, C = 0)
20 –
–
–| | | | | | | | |
| | | T
0 20 40 60 80
Figure 7.2 Number of Tables
100

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 21

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint
C ■ Any point on or below the constraint
plot will not violate the restriction
100 –
■ Any point above the plot will violate
–
the restriction
80 –
Number of Chairs

–
60 –
–
40 – (30, 40) (70, 40)
–
20 –
– (30, 20)
–| | | | | | | | |
| | | T
0 20 40 60 80
Figure 7.3 Number of Tables
100

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 22

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint

■ The point (30, 40) lies on the plot and

exactly satisfies the constraint
4(30) + 3(40) = 240
■ The point (30, 20) lies below the plot and
satisfies the constraint
4(30) + 3(20) = 180
■ The point (30, 40) lies above the plot and
does not satisfy the constraint
4(70) + 3(40) = 400

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 23

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint
C

100 – (T = 0, C = 100)
–
80 –
Number of Chairs

Graph of painting and varnishing

– constraint equation
60 –
–
40 –
–
(T = 50, C = 0)
20 –
–
–| | | | | | | | |
| | | T
0 20 40 60 80
Figure 7.4 Number of Tables
100

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 24

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint

■ To produce tables and chairs, both

departments must be used
■ We need to find a solution that satisfies both
constraints simultaneously
■ A new graph shows both constraint plots
■ The feasible region (or area of feasible
solutions) is where all constraints are satisfied
■ Any point inside this region is a feasible
solution
■ Any point outside the region is an infeasible
solution

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 25

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint
C
■ Feasible solution region for Flair Furniture
100 –
–
80 –
Number of Chairs

Painting/Varnishing Constraint
–
60 –
–
40 –
–
20 – Feasible Carpentry Constraint
– Region
–| | | | | | | | |
| | | T
0 20 40 60 80
Figure 7.5 Number of Tables
100

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 26

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint
■ For the point (30, 20)

Carpentry 4T + 3C ≤ 240 hours available

constraint (4)(30) + (3)(20) = 180 hours used ✔
Painting 2T + 1C ≤ 100 hours available
constraint (2)(30) + (1)(20) = 80 hours used
✔

■ For the point (70, 40)

Carpentry 4T + 3C ≤ 240 hours available

constraint (4)(70) + (3)(40) = 400 hours used ��
Painting 2T + 1C ≤ 100 hours available
constraint (2)(70) + (1)(40) = 180 hours used ��

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 27

 Graphical Representation of a
Constraint
■ For the point (50, 5)

Carpentry 4T + 3C ≤ 240 hours available

constraint (4)(50) + (3)(5) = 215 hours used ✔
Painting 2T + 1C ≤ 100 hours available
constraint (2)(50) + (1)(5) = 105 hours used ��

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 28

 Isoprofit Line Solution Method
■ Once the feasible region has been graphed, we
need to find the optimal solution from the many
possible solutions
■ The speediest way to do this is to use the isoprofit
line method
■ Starting with a small but possible profit value, we
graph the objective function
■ We move the objective function line in the
direction of increasing profit while maintaining the
slope
■ The last point it touches in the feasible region is
the optimal solution

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 29

 Isoprofit Line Solution Method
■ For Flair Furniture, choose a profit of $2,100
■ The objective function is then
$2,100 = 70T + 50C
■ Solving for the axis intercepts, we can draw the
graph
■ This is obviously not the best possible solution
■ Further graphs can be created using larger profits
■ The further we move from the origin, the larger the
profit will be
■ The highest profit ($4,100) will be generated when
the isoprofit line passes through the point (30, 40)

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 30

Isoprofit Line Solution Method
C
■ Isoprofit line at $2,100
100 –
–
80 –
Number of Chairs

–
60 –
– $2,100 = $70T + $50C
(0, 42)
40 –
–
20 – (30, 0)
–
–| | | | | | | | |
| | | T
0 20 40 60 80
Figure 7.6 Number of Tables
100

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 31

Isoprofit Line Solution Method
C
■ Four isoprofit lines
100 –
–
$3,500 = $70T + $50C
80 –
Number of Chairs

–
$2,800 = $70T + $50C
60 –
– $2,100 = $70T + $50C
40 –
– $4,200 = $70T + $50C
20 –
–
–| | | | | | | | |
| | | T
0 20 40 60 80
Figure 7.7 Number of Tables
100

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 32

Isoprofit Line Solution Method
C
■ Optimal solution to the
100 – Flair Furniture problem
–
80 –
Number of Chairs

Maximum Profit Line

–
60 – Optimal Solution Point
– (T = 30, C = 40)
40 –
– $4,100 = $70T + $50C
20 –
–
–| | | | | | | | |
| | | T
0 20 40 60 80
Figure 7.8 Number of Tables
100

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 33

 Corner Point Solution Method
■ A second approach to solving LP problems
employs the corner point method
■ It involves looking at the profit at every
corner point of the feasible region
■ The mathematical theory behind LP is that
the optimal solution must lie at one of the
corner points, or extreme point, in the
feasible region
■ For Flair Furniture, the feasible region is a
four-sided polygon with four corner points
labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the graph
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 34
Corner Point Solution Method
C
■ Four corner points of
100 – the feasible region
2 –
80 –
Number of Chairs

–
60 –
–
3
40 –
–
20 –
–
1 –| | | | | | | | |
| | | T
0 20 4 40 60 80
Figure 7.9 Number of Tables
100

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 35

 Corner Point Solution Method
Point 1 : (T = 0, C = 0) Profit = $70(0) + $50(0) = $0
Point 2 : (T = 0, C = 80) Profit = $70(0) + $50(80) = $4,000
Point 4 : (T = 50, C = 0) Profit = $70(50) + $50(0) = $3,500
Point 3 : (T = 30, C = 40) Profit = $70(30) + $50(40) = $4,100

■ Because Point 3 returns the highest profit, this

is the optimal solution
■ To find the coordinates for Point 3 accurately we
have to solve for the intersection of the two
constraint lines
■ The details of this are on the following slide

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 36

 Corner Point Solution Method

■ Using the simultaneous equations method, we

multiply the painting equation by –2 and add it to
the carpentry equation
4T + 3C = 240 (carpentry line)
– 4T – 2C = –200 (painting line)
C = 40
■ Substituting 40 for C in either of the original
equations allows us to determine the value of T
4T + (3)(40) = 240 (carpentry line)
4T + 120 = 240
T =30
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 37
 Summary of Graphical Solution
Methods
ISOPROFIT METHOD
1. Graph all constraints and find the feasible region.
2. Select a specific profit (or cost) line and graph it to find the slope.
3. Move the objective function line in the direction of increasing profit (or
decreasing cost) while maintaining the slope. The last point it touches in the
feasible region is the optimal solution.
4. Find the values of the decision variables at this last point and compute the
profit (or cost).
CORNER POINT METHOD
1. Graph all constraints and find the feasible region.
2. Find the corner points of the feasible reason.
3. Compute the profit (or cost) at each of the feasible corner points.
4. select the corner point with the best value of the objective function found in
Step 3. This is the optimal solution.

Table 7.3

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 38

 Solving Flair Furniture’s LP Problem
Using QM for Windows and Excel

■ Most organizations have access to

software to solve big LP problems
■ While there are differences between
software implementations, the approach
each takes towards handling LP is
basically the same
■ Once you are experienced in dealing with
computerized LP algorithms, you can
easily adjust to minor changes

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 39

 Using QM for Windows

■ First select the Linear Programming module

■ Specify the number of constraints (non-negativity
is assumed)
■ Specify the number of decision variables
■ Specify whether the objective is to be maximized
or minimized
■ For the Flair Furniture problem there are two
constraints, two decision variables, and the
objective is to maximize profit

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 40

 Using QM for Windows

■ Computer screen for input of data

Program 7.1A

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 41

 Using QM for Windows

■ Computer screen for input of data

Program 7.1B

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 42

 Using QM for Windows

■ Computer screen for output of solution

Program 7.1C

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 43

 Using QM for Windows
■ Graphical output of solution

Program 7.1D

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 44

 Using Excel’s Solver Command to
Solve LP Problems

■ The Solver tool in Excel can be used to find

solutions to
■ LP problems
■ Integer programming problems
■ Noninteger programming problems
■ Solver may be sensitive to the initial values it uses
■ Solver is limited to 200 variables and 100
constraints
■ It can be used for small real world problems
■ Add-ins like What’sBest! Can be used to expand
Solver’s capabilities

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 45

 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem
■ Recall the model for Flair Furniture is

Maximize profit = $70T + $50C

Subject to 4T + 3C ≤ 240
2T + 1C ≤ 100

■ To use Solver, it is necessary to enter formulas

based on the initial model
■ Program 7.2A shows how the data and formulas
are entered into Solver to solve this problem
■ The following slide details the steps in creating
the Solver model

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 46

 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem
Program 7.2A

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 47

 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem
1. Enter the variable names and the coefficients for
the objective function and constraints
2. Specify cells where the values of the variables will
be located
3. Write a formula to compute the value of the
objective function
4. Write formulas to compute the left-hand sides of
the constraints
5. Indicate constraint signs (≤, =, and ≥) for display
purposes only
6. Input the right-hand side values for each
constraint
7. If desired, write a formula for the slack of each
constraint
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 48
 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem
■ Once the model has been entered, the following
steps can be used to solve the problem
1A. In Excel 2003, select Tools—Solver
1B. In Excel 2007, select the Data tab and then select
Solver in the Analysis group
If Solver does not appear in the indicated place,
follow the installation instructions in the text
2. Once Solver has been selected, a window will
open for the input of the Solver Parameters. Move
the cursor to the Set Target Cell box and fill in the
cell that is used to calculate the value of the
objective function.
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 49
 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem
3. Move the cursor to the By Changing Cells box
and input the cells that will contain the values for
the variables
4. Move the cursor to the Subject to the Constraints
box, and then select Add

Program 7.2B

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 50

 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem
5. The Cell Reference box is for the range of cells
that contain the left-hand sides of the constraints
6. Click the ≤ to change the type of constraint if
necessary (If there had been some ≥ or =
constraints in addition to the ≤ constraints, it
would be best to input all of one type [e.g., ≤]
first, and then select Add to input the other type
of constraint)
7. Move the cursor to the Constraint box to input the
right-hand sides of the constraints. Click Add to
finish this set of constraints and begin inputting
another set, or click OK if there are no other
constraints to add.

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 51

 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem
8. In the Solver Parameters window, click Options
and check Assume Linear Model and check
Assume Non-negative, as illustrated in Program
7.2C, then click OK
9. Review the information in the Solver window to
make sure it is correct, and click Solve
10. The Solver Solutions window in Program 7.2D is
displayed and indicates that a solution was
found. Select Keep Solver Solution, and the
values in the spreadsheet will be kept at the
optimal solution. You may select what sort of
additional information (e.g., Sensitivity) is to be
presented from the reports Window.

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 52

 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem

Program 7.2C

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 53

 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem

Program 7.2D
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 54
 Using Solver to Solve the Flair
Furniture Problem
■ Excel’s answer report for the Flair Furniture problem

Program 7.2E
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 55
 Solving Minimization Problems
■ Many LP problems involve minimizing an objective
such as cost instead of maximizing a profit
function
■ Minimization problems can be solved graphically
by first setting up the feasible solution region and
then using either the corner point method or an
isocost line approach (which is analogous to the
isoprofit approach in maximization problems) to
find the values of the decision variables (e.g., X1
and X2) that yield the minimum cost

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 56

 Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
■ The Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch is considering
buying two different brands of turkey feed and
blending them to provide a good, low-cost diet for
its turkeys
Let
X1 = number of pounds of brand 1 feed purchased
X2 = number of pounds of brand 2 feed purchased

Minimize cost (in cents) = 2X1 + 3X2

subject to:
5X1 + 10X2 ≥ 90 ounces (ingredient constraint A)
4X1 + 3X2 ≥ 48 ounces (ingredient constraint B)
0.5X1 ≥ 1.5 ounces (ingredient constraint C)
X1 ≥ 0 (nonnegativity constraint)
X2 ≥ 0 (nonnegativity constraint)
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 57
 Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
■ Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch data

COMPOSITION OF EACH POUND

OF FEED (OZ.) MINIMUM MONTHLY
REQUIREMENT PER
INGREDIENT BRAND 1 FEED BRAND 2 FEED TURKEY (OZ.)
A 5 10 90
B 4 3 48
C 0.5 0 1.5
Cost per pound 2 cents 3 cents

Table 7.4

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 58

 Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
–
X2
■ Using the corner
point method
20 –
■ First we construct
the feasible Ingredient C Constraint

Pounds of Brand 2
15 –
solution region
■ The optimal Feasible Region
10 –
solution will lie at a
on of the corners
as it would in a 5– Ingredient B Constraint
maximization Ingredient A Constraint
b
problem 0–
| | | | | | c
5 10 15 20 25 X1
Figure 7.10 Pounds of Brand 1
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 59
 Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
■ We solve for the values of the three corner points
■ Point a is the intersection of ingredient constraints
C and B
4X1 + 3X2 = 48
X1 = 3
■ Substituting 3 in the first equation, we find X2 = 12
■ Solving for point b with basic algebra we find X1 =
8.4 and X2 = 4.8
■ Solving for point c we find X1 = 18 and X2 = 0

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 60

 Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
■ Substituting these value back into the objective
function we find

Cost = 2X1 + 3X2

Cost at point a = 2(3) + 3(12) = 42
Cost at point b = 2(8.4) + 3(4.8) =
31.2
Cost at point c = 2(18) + 3(0) = 36
■ The lowest cost solution is to purchase 8.4
pounds of brand 1 feed and 4.8 pounds of brand 2
feed for a total cost of 31.2 cents per turkey

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 61

 Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
–
X2
■ Using the isocost
approach Feasible Region
20 –
■ Choosing an
initial cost of 54

Pounds of Brand 2
15 –
cents, it is clear
improvement is 54
¢=
Di 2X
possible 10 – re
cti 1 +3
on X
of 2 Iso
3 De co
5 –1.2¢ cr
ea st
Lin
=2 sin
X gC e
1 +3 os
X t
0– 2
(X1 = 8.4, X2 = 4.8)
| | | | | |
5 10 15 20 25 X1
Figure 7.11 Pounds of Brand 1
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 62
 Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
■ QM for Windows can also be used to solve the
Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch problem

Program 7.3

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 63

 Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
■ Setting up Solver to solve the Holiday Meal Turkey
Ranch problem

Program 7.4A
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 64
 Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
■ Solution to the Holiday Meal Turkey Ranch
problem using Solver

Program 7.4B
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 65
 Four Special Cases in LP

■ Four special cases and difficulties arise at

times when using the graphical approach
to solving LP problems
■ Infeasibility
■ Unboundedness
■ Redundancy
■ Alternate Optimal Solutions

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 66

 Four Special Cases in LP
■ No feasible solution
■ Exists when there is no solution to the
problem that satisfies all the constraint
equations
■ No feasible solution region exists
■ This is a common occurrence in the real world
■ Generally one or more constraints are relaxed
until a solution is found

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 67

 Four Special Cases in LP
■ A problem with no feasible solution

X2

8–
–
6–
–
Region Satisfying
4– Third Constraint
–
2–
–
0– | | | | | | |
| | | X1
2 4 6
Figure 7.12 Region
8 Satisfying First Two Constraints

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 68

 Four Special Cases in LP
■ Unboundedness
■ Sometimes a linear program will not have a
finite solution
■ In a maximization problem, one or more
solution variables, and the profit, can be made
infinitely large without violating any
constraints
■ In a graphical solution, the feasible region will
be open ended
■ This usually means the problem has been
formulated improperly

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 69

 Four Special Cases in LP
■ A solution region unbounded to the right
X2

15 –
X1 ≥ 5

10 –
X2 ≤ 10

5–
Feasible Region

0– X1 + 2X2 ≥ 15
| | | | |
5 10 15 X1

Figure 7.13
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 70
 Four Special Cases in LP
■ Redundancy
■ A redundant constraint is one that does not
affect the feasible solution region
■ One or more constraints may be more binding
■ This is a very common occurrence in the real
world
■ It causes no particular problems, but
eliminating redundant constraints simplifies
the model

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 71

 Four Special Cases in LP
■ A problem with X
302 –

a redundant
constraint 25 –

20 – 2X1 + X2 ≤ 30

15 – Redundant
Constraint
X1 ≤ 25
10 –

X1 + X2 ≤ 20
5–
Feasible
Region
0–
| | | | | |
Figure 7.14 5 10 15 20 25 30 X1
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 72
 Four Special Cases in LP

■ Alternate Optimal Solutions

■ Occasionally two or more optimal solutions
may exist
■ Graphically this occurs when the objective
function’s isoprofit or isocost line runs
perfectly parallel to one of the constraints
■ This actually allows management great
flexibility in deciding which combination to
select as the profit is the same at each
alternate solution

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 73

 Four Special Cases in LP
■ Example of X2
alternate 8–
optimal 7–
solutions
6 –A
Optimal Solution Consists of All
5– Combinations of X1 and X2 Along
the AB Segment
4–

3–
Isoprofit Line for $8
2–

1– B Isoprofit Line for $12

Feasible Overlays Line Segment AB
0 – Region
| | | | | | | |
Figure 7.15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 X1
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 74
 Sensitivity Analysis
■ Optimal solutions to LP problems thus far have
been found under what are called deterministic
assumptions
■ This means that we assume complete certainty in
the data and relationships of a problem
■ But in the real world, conditions are dynamic and
changing
■ We can analyze how sensitive a deterministic
solution is to changes in the assumptions of the
model
■ This is called sensitivity analysis, postoptimality
analysis, parametric programming, or optimality
analysis

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 75

 Sensitivity Analysis
■ Sensitivity analysis often involves a series of
what-if? questions concerning constraints,
variable coefficients, and the objective function
■ One way to do this is the trial-and-error method
where values are changed and the entire model is
resolved
■ The preferred way is to use an analytic
postoptimality analysis
■ After a problem has been solved, we determine a
range of changes in problem parameters that will
not affect the optimal solution or change the
variables in the solution

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 76

 High Note Sound Company
■ The High Note Sound Company manufactures
quality CD players and stereo receivers
■ Products require a certain amount of skilled
artisanship which is in limited supply
■ The firm has formulated the following product mix
LP model

Maximize profit = $50X1 + $120X2

Subject to 2X1 + 4X2 ≤ 80
(hours of
electrician’s time
available)
3X1 + 1X2 ≤ 60
(hours of audio
technician’s time
available)
X1, X2 ≥© 2009
0 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 77
 High Note Sound Company
■ The High Note Sound Company graphical solution
X2
(receivers)
60 –

–
Optimal Solution at Point a
40 – X1 = 0 CD Players
X2 = 20 Receivers
– Profits = $2,400
a = (0, 20)
20 – b = (16, 12)

10 – Isoprofit Line: $2,400 = 50X1 + 120X2

0–
| | | | | |
10 20 30 40 50 60 X1
Figure 7.16 c = (20, 0) (CD players)
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 78
 Changes in the
Objective Function Coefficient

■ In real-life problems, contribution rates in the

objective functions fluctuate periodically
■ Graphically, this means that although the feasible
solution region remains exactly the same, the
slope of the isoprofit or isocost line will change
■ We can often make modest increases or
decreases in the objective function coefficient of
any variable without changing the current optimal
corner point
■ We need to know how much an objective function
coefficient can change before the optimal solution
would be at a different corner point

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 79

 Changes in the
Objective Function Coefficient
■ Changes in the receiver contribution coefficients
40 –
X2

Profit Line for 50X1 + 80X2

30 – (Passes through Point b)

20 – Profit Line for 50X1 + 120X2

(Passes through Point a)
b
a 10 – Profit Line for 50X1 + 150X2
(Passes through Point a)

0–
| | | c | | |
10 20 30 40 50 60 X1
Figure 7.17

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 80

 QM for Windows and Changes in
Objective Function Coefficients
■ Input and sensitivity analysis for High Note Sound
data

Program 7.5A

Program 7.5B

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 81

 Excel Solver and Changes in
Objective Function Coefficients
■ Excel spreadsheet analysis of High Note Sound

Program 7.6A

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 82

 Excel Solver and Changes in
Objective Function Coefficients
■ Excel sensitivity analysis output

Program 7.6B
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 83
 Changes in the
Technological Coefficients

■ Changes in the technological coefficients often

reflect changes in the state of technology
■ If the amount of resources needed to produce a
product changes, coefficients in the constraint
equations will change
■ This does not change the objective function, but
it can produce a significant change in the shape
of the feasible region
■ This may cause a change in the optimal solution

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 84

 Changes in the
Technological Coefficients

■ Change in the technological coefficients for the

High Note Sound Company
(a) Original Problem (b) Change in Circled (c) Change in Circled
Coefficient Coefficient
X60
2 –
X60
2 –
X60
2 –
Stereo Receivers

40 – 40 – 2 X1 + 1X2 ≤ 60 40 –
3X1 + 1X2 ≤ 60 3X1 + 1X2 ≤ 60

20 – Optimal 20 – Still 20 – Optimal

a Solution a Optimal Solution
b d f
2X1 + 4X2 ≤ 80 2X1 + 4X2 ≤ 80 16 g 2X1 + 5 X2 ≤ 80
– – –
|c | | |e || | |c | |
0 20 40 X1 0 20 3040 X1 0 20 40 X1
CD Players

Figure 7.18

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 85

 Changes in Resources or
Right-Hand-Side Values
■ The right-hand-side values of the
constraints often represent resources
available to the firm
■ If additional resources were available, a
higher total profit could be realized
■ Sensitivity analysis about resources will
help answer questions about how much
should be paid for additional resources
and how much more of a resource would
be useful

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 86

 Changes in Resources or
Right-Hand-Side Values
■ If the right-hand side of a constraint is changed,
the feasible region will change (unless the
constraint is redundant)
■ Often the optimal solution will change
■ The amount of change in the objective function
value that results from a unit change in one of the
resources available is called the dual price or dual
value
■ The dual price for a constraint is the improvement
in the objective function value that results from a
one-unit increase in the right-hand side of the
constraint

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 87

 Changes in Resources or
Right-Hand-Side Values
■ However, the amount of possible increase in the
right-hand side of a resource is limited
■ If the number of hours increased beyond the
upper bound, then the objective function would no
longer increase by the dual price
■ There would simply be excess (slack) hours of a
resource or the objective function may change by
an amount different from the dual price
■ The dual price is relevant only within limits

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 88

 Changes in the Electrician's Time
for High Note Sound
60 –
X2 (a)

40 –

Constraint Representing 60 Hours of

20 – Audio Technician’s Time Resource
a
25 –
b Changed Constraint Representing 100 Hours
of Electrician’s Time Resource
–

| c
| | |
0 20 40 60 50 X1
Figure 7.19

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 89

 Changes in the Electrician's Time
for High Note Sound
60 –
X2 (b)

40 –

Constraint Representing 60 Hours of

20 – Audio Technician’s Time Resource

Changed Constraint Representing 60 Hours

a of Electrician’s Time Resource
15 –
–
b
|c | ||
0 20 40 3060 X1
Figure 7.19

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 90

 Changes in the Electrician's Time
for High Note Sound
60 –
X2 (c)

Changed Constraint Representing 240 Hours

40 – of Electrician’s Time Resource

20 –
Constraint
Representing
60 Hours of Audio
Technician’s
– Time Resource

| | | | | |
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
X1
Figure 7.19

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 91

 QM for Windows and Changes in
Right-Hand-Side Values
■ Input and sensitivity analysis for High Note Sound
data

Program 7.5A

Program 7.5B

© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 92

 Excel Solver and Changes in
Right-Hand-Side Values
■ Excel sensitivity analysis output

Program 7.6B
© 2009 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7 – 93