Linear Programming Answers
Linear Programming Answers
Optimization problems involve finding the best solution from all feasible solutions by maximizing or minimizing an
objective function. These problems occur in fields like engineering, economics, and logistics, and include constraints that
Bellmans Principle states: An optimal policy has the property that, whatever the initial state, the remaining decisions
must form an optimal policy with respect to the state resulting from the first decision. Its foundational to dynamic
Convexity refers to a set or function where any line segment connecting two points lies entirely within the set or below
the graph. In optimization, convex problems guarantee global optima, making them easier to solve compared to
non-convex problems.
The gradient method is an iterative optimization technique where one moves in the direction opposite to the gradient to
find the function's minimum. It's used in unconstrained optimization and machine learning to adjust variables for
The isoperimetric problem seeks a shape with the maximum area for a given perimeter. In calculus of variations, it's a
constraint optimization problem. The classic solution is a circle, which encloses the maximum area for a fixed boundary
length.
A degenerate solution in linear programming or transportation occurs when one or more basic variables are zero,
despite being in the basis. It can cause cycling in the simplex method and needs special handling to ensure algorithm
convergence.
Surplus variables are subtracted from constraints to convert them into equations in linear programming. They represent
excess over the required minimum and are always non-negative. Example: x + y - s = 10, where s 0.
An extremum is either a maximum or a minimum value of a function. It represents a point where the function reaches its
highest or lowest value within a certain domain. Calculus and optimization techniques help identify and classify extrema.
In the simplex method, the entering variable is chosen to increase or decrease the objective function, while the leaving
variable maintains feasibility by exiting the basis. This pivot operation moves the solution toward optimality while
3. Workforce scheduling
LPP helps in making cost-effective, resource-efficient decisions across industries using a structured mathematical
approach.
Let x_ij be units shipped from source i to destination j. Minimize Z = c_ij x_ij subject to: x_ij = a_i, x_ij = b_j, and x_ij 0.
It aims to minimize total transportation cost.
A degenerate transportation problem has fewer than m+n-1 allocations in a basic feasible solution. This may lead to an
undefined solution in optimality tests. To resolve this, a small is placed in an unallocated cell to maintain feasibility.
The Complementary Slackness Theorem connects primal and dual solutions in linear programming. If a primal
constraint is not tight (slack), its corresponding dual variable must be zero, and vice versa. It helps verify optimality of
solutions.
Forward planning starts from the projects beginning and calculates earliest start and finish times. Backward planning
starts from the end date and works backward to determine latest start times. Both help manage deadlines,
A convex function has a graph where a line joining any two points lies above the function. Example: f(x) = x2. For any
A saddle point is a point in a function where it is minimum in one direction and maximum in another. In optimization, it's
To optimize a function f(x, y) subject to a constraint g(x, y) = 0, use f = g. This gives necessary and sufficient conditions
for constrained maxima or minima in non-linear programming problems using Lagrange multipliers.