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Linear Programming and Graphic Solution of LP Problems

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17 views2 pages

Linear Programming and Graphic Solution of LP Problems

Uploaded by

Eyad Last
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Linear Programming And Graphic Solution Of LP Problems

What is linear programming?


Linear Programming is a mathematical optimizing technique that is used to minimize or
maximize an objective function under various constraints in order to find the optimal
solution.
Linear programming is constructed from two words:
Linear: Refers to the relationship among multiple variables. This means that a change in
one variable causes a proportional change in another variable.
Programming: Refers to the mathematical process of finding out the best solution using
scarce resources.
Linear Programming models were invented during World War II in 1947 by George B
Dantzing primarily for solving military logistics problems. But now it’s being greatly used
to solve problems in a wide variety of areas like:
Food and Agriculture: Linear programming techniques are used by farmers in their work
in order to increase their earnings by selecting what crops to cultivate, how much to
grow, and how to use them efficiently.
Nutrition: Linear programming aids in planning for dietary needs. In order to provide
healthy, low-cost food baskets for the consumers.
Transportation: Transportation systems rely upon linear programming for cost and time
efficiency. Schedules, travel time, and passengers must all be considered while planning
bus, train, and airplane routes. Linear programming is used to maximize earnings based
on variable seat prices and passenger demand.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing requires transforming raw materials into products that
maximize company revenue. Companies use linear programming to maximize profit
based on the raw materials and the time needed.
The main aim of the linear programming problem is to find the optimal solution.
Whether it is the highest or lowest value of the solution
What is the importance of linear programming?

1. Linear programming aids in obtaining the most efficient utilization of productive


resources. It also shows how a decision-maker can successfully use his productive
elements by selecting and distributing them.
2. Linear programming technique helps decision-makers to use their productive resources
effectively.
3. Linear programming technique enhances the quality of decisions.
4. The linear programming technique aids in finding the best solution to a decision
problem by taking into consideration resource restrictions.
5. The use of a linear programming approach to solve a decision issue reveals constraints
in the manufacturing process.

Disadvantages of linear programming

1. Reality: Linear programming is only effective if the model you use reflects the real
world. For instance, doubling the production will triple the sales, but in reality, it
saturates the market. Parametrics appearing in the models are assumed to be constant
but in real-life situations, they are neither known nor constant.
2. Modeling: To use linear programming, you must convert your problem into a
mathematical model.
3. Inflexibility: Some situations have too many possibilities to fit into a linear programming
formula. For example parameters like human behavior, weather conditions, the stress of
employees, demotivated employees cant be taken into account which can adversely
change and affect the organization. LP models don’t take into consideration all internal
and external factors which can be incorporated.
4. Linearity: Some decision variables have a non-linear effect. If you double your budget
for a business start-up, for example, that doesn't mean your first-year profits or
expenses will double as well. Efficiencies of scale also often do not relate to linear
effects.
The Components of LP Models
Decision variables depict the quantities that decision-makers determine. They are the
unknowns of a mathematical programming model. For example, the number of
firetrucks sent to extinguish a fire may vary depending on the size of the fire so the
decision-maker should do an estimation.
Objective Function is the value that you want to optimize whether it is maximized or
minimized. It is in the form of z = ax + by
A constraint is an equality or inequality defining restrictions on decisions. Such as labor,
space, and money.
Non-negativity means that all decision variables must have values equal to or greater
than zero. X ≥ 0

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