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Nonlinear Programming
Solution Techniques

D-1

D-2

Module D Nonlinear Programming Solution Techniques

ost mathematical techniques for solving nonlinear programming problems are

very complex. In this module two of the more well known but simpler mathematical methods will be demonstratedthe substitution method and the
method of Lagrange multipliers.

M
The Substitution Method
In the substitution method the
constraint equation is solved for
one variable in terms of another
and then substituted into the
objective function.

The least complex method for solving nonlinear programming problems is referred to as
substitution. This method is restricted to models that contain only equality constraints, and
typically only one of these. The method involves solving the constraint equation for one
variable in terms of another. This new expression is then substituted into the objective
function, effectively eliminating the constraint. In other words, a constrained optimization
model is transformed into an unconstrained model.
For an example of the substitution method we will use a profit analysis model. This is a
nonlinear model that we introduced in chapter 10 of the text. The demand function is a
constraint. The nonlinear programming model is formulated as
maximize Z  vp  cf  vcv
subject to
v  1,500  24.6p
The objective function in this model is nonlinear, because both v (volume) and p (price)
are variables and multiplying them (i.e., vp) creates a curvilinear relationship.
The constraint has already been solved for one variable (v) in terms of another (p); thus, we
can substitute this expression directly into the objective function. This results in the following
unconstrained function.
Z  1,500p  24.6p2  cf  1,500cv  24.6pcv
By substituting the constant values for cf ($10,000) and cv ($8), we obtain
Z  1,696.8p  24.6p2  22,000
Next, we solve this problem by differentiating the function Z and setting it equal to zero.
Z
 1,696.8  49.2p
p
0  1,696.8  49.2p
49.2p  1,696.8
p  $34.49

The Substitution Method

D-3

We will present another example as a further illustration of a nonlinear programming problem and the substitution method. In this example the Beaver Creek Pottery
Company produces bowls (x1) and mugs (x2). We will assume that the profit contribution for each product declines as the quantity of each item produced increases. Thus, for
bowls the per unit profit contribution is now expressed according to the relationship
$4  0.1x1
For mugs, the profit contribution per unit is
$5  0.2x2
(These relationships express the fact that production costs for each product increase as the
number of units sold increases.)
These profit relationships are on a per unit basis. Thus, the total profit contribution
from each product is determined by multiplying these relationships by the number of units
produced. For bowls, the profit contribution is
(4  0.1x1)x1
or
4x1  0.1x21
For mugs, the profit contribution is
(5  0.2x2)x2
or
5x2  0.2x22
Total profit is the sum of these two terms.
Z  $4x1  0.1x21  5x2  0.2x22
In this model, we will consider only a labor constraint, and we will treat it as an equality
rather than an inequality.
x1  2x2  40 hr
The complete nonlinear programming model is as follows.
maximize Z  $4x1  0.1x21  5x2  0.2x22
subject to
x1  2x2  40
The first step in the substitution method is to solve the constraint equation for one variable in terms of another. We will arbitrarily decide to solve for x1 as follows.
x1  40  2x2
Now wherever x1 appears in the nonlinear objective function, we will substitute the
expression 40  2x2.
Z  4(40  2x2)  0.1(40  2x2)2  5x2  0.2x22
 160  8x2  0.1(1,600  160x2  4x22)  5x2  0.2x22
 160  8x2  160  16x2  0.4x22  5x2  0.2x22
 13x2  0.6x22

D-4

Module D

Nonlinear Programming Solution Techniques

This is an unconstrained optimization function, and we can solve it by differentiating it
and setting it equal to zero.
Z
 13  1.2x2
x2
0  13  1.2x2
1.2x2  13
x2  10.8 mugs
To determine x1, we can substitute x2 into the constraint equation.
x1  2x2  40
x1  2(10.8)  40
x1  18.4 bowls
Substituting the values of x1 and x2 into the original objective function gives the total
profit, as follows.
Z  $4x1  0.1x21  5x2  0.2x22
 $4(18.4)  0.1(18.4)2  5(10.8)  0.2(10.8)2
 $70.42
Both of the examples presented in this section for solving nonlinear programming
problems exhibit the limitations of this approach. The objective functions were not very complex (i.e., the highest order of a variable was a power of two in the second example), there
were only two variables, and the single constraint in each example was an equation. This
method becomes very difficult if the constraint becomes complex. An alternative solution
approach that is not quite as restricted is the method of Lagrange multipliers.

The Method of Lagrange Multipliers

In the method of Lagrange
multipliers, constraints as
multiples of a multiplier, , are
subtracted from the objective
function, which is then
differentiated with respect to
each variable and solved.

The method of Lagrange multipliers is a general mathematical technique that can be used
for solving constrained optimization problems consisting of a nonlinear objective function
and one or more linear or nonlinear constraint equations. In this method, the constraints
as multiples of a Lagrange multiplier, , are subtracted from the objective function.
To demonstrate this method, we will use our modified pottery company example developed in the preceding section. This model was formulated as
maximize Z  4x1  0.1x21  5x2  0.2x22
subject to
x1  2x2  40
The first step is to transform the nonlinear objective function into a Lagrangian function. This is accomplished by transforming the constraint equation as follows.
x1  2x2  40  0
Next, this expression is multiplied by , the Lagrangian multiplier, and subtracted from the
objective function to form the Lagrangian function L.
L  4x1  0.1x21 5x2  0.2x22  (x1  2x2  40)

The Method of Lagrange Multipliers

The Lagrangian function is differentiated with respect to each

variable, and the resulting equations are solved simultaneously.

D-5

Because the constraint equation now equals zero, the subtraction of the constraint, multiplied by , from the objective function does not affect the value of the function. (We will
explain the exact meaning of  after a solution has been determined.)
Now we must determine the partial derivatives of the Lagrangian function with respect
to each of the three variables, x1, x2, and .
L
 4  0.2x1  
x1
L
 5  0.4x2  2
x2
L
  x1  2x2  40

These three equations are all set equal to zero and solved simultaneously to determine
the values of x1, x2, and .
4  0.2x1    0
5  0.4x2  2  0
x1  2x2  40  0
To solve these equations simultaneously, we multiply the first equation by 2 and add it
to the second equation, which eliminates .
8  0.4x1  2  0
5  0.4x2  2  0
3  0.4x1  0.4x2  0
This new equation and the original preceding third equation represent two equations
with two unknowns (x1 and x2). We multiply the preceding third equation by 0.4 and add it
to the new equation in order to eliminate x1.
0.4x1  0.8x2  16  0
0.4x1  0.4x2  3  0
1.2x2  13  0
The resulting equation is solved for x2 as follows.
1.2x2  13  0
1.2x2  13
x2  10.8 mugs
Substituting this value back into the previous equations gives the values of both x1 and .
x1  2x2  40  0
x1  2(10.8)  40
x1  18.3 bowls
5  0.4x2  2  0
5  0.4(10.8)  2
  0.33
Substituting the values for x1 and x2 into the original objective function yields the total
profit.
Z  $4x1  0.1x21 5x2  0.2x22
 $4(18.3)  0.1(18.3)2  5(10.8)  0.2(10.8)2
 $70.42

D-6

Module D

Nonlinear Programming Solution Techniques

This result can also be obtained by using the Lagrangian function, L, and multiplier, .
L  $4x1  0.1 x12  5x2  0.2 x22  (x1  2x2  40)
 $4(18.3)  0.1(18.3)2  5(10.8)  0.2(10.8)2  0.33(0)
 $70.42
To summarize, we have x1  18.3 bowls, x2  10.8 mugs, Z  $70.42, and   0.33.
This is the same answer obtained previously using the substitution method. However,
unlike the substitution method, the Lagrange multiplier approach can be used to solve
nonlinear programming problems with more complex constraint equations and inequality
constraints. In addition, it can encompass problems with more than two variables. We will
not pursue any examples, though, that demonstrate the complexities involved. The
Lagrange multiplier method must be altered to compensate for inequality constraints and
additional variables, and the resulting mathematics are very difficult. Even though the
Lagrange multiplier method is more flexible than the substitution method, it is practical
for solving only small problems. As the size of the problem increases, the mathematics
become overwhelmingly difficult.

The Meaning of 
The Lagrange multiplier, ,
reflects a change in the objective
function from a unit change in the
right-hand-side value of
a constraint.

The Lagrange multiplier, , in nonlinear programming problems is analogous to the dual

variables in a linear programming problem. It reflects the approximate change in the objective function resulting from a unit change in the quantity (right-hand-side) value of the
constraint equation. For our example, we will increase the quantity value in the constraint
equation from 40 to 41 hours of labor. (You will recall from the preceding calculations that
  0.33.)
x1  2x2  41

or

x1  2x2  41  0

This constraint equation will result in the following Lagrangian function.

L  4x1  0.1 x12  5x2  0.2 x22  (x1  2x2  41)
Solving this problem the same way we solved the original model gives the following
solution.
x1  18.7
x2  11.2
  0.27
Z  $70.75
This value for Z is $0.33 greater than the previous Z value of $70.42. Thus, a oneunit increase in the right-hand side of the constraint equation results in a  increase in
the objective function. More specifically, a unit increase in a resource (labor) results in
a $0.33 increase in profit. Thus, we would be willing to pay $0.33 for one additional hour
of labor. This is the same interpretation as that given for a dual variable in linear
programming.
In general, if  is positive, the optimal objective function value will increase if the quantity (absolute) value in the constraint equation is increased, and it will decrease if the quantity
(absolute) value is decreased. On the other hand, if  is negative, the optimal objective function value will increase if the quantity (absolute) value is decreased, and it will decrease if
the quantity (absolute) value is increased.

Problems

D-7

Problems
1. The Hickory Cabinet and Furniture Company makes chairs. The fixed cost per month of making
chairs is $7,500, and the variable cost per chair is $40. Price is related to demand according to the
following linear equation.
v  400  1.2p
Develop the nonlinear profit function for this company and determine the price that will maximize profit, the optimal volume, and the maximum profit per month.
2. Graphically illustrate the profit curve developed in problem 1. Indicate the optimal price and the
maximum profit per month.
3. The Rainwater Brewery produces beer. The annual fixed cost is $150,000, and the variable cost per
barrel is $16. Price is related to demand according to the following linear equation.
v  75,000  1,153.8p
Develop the nonlinear profit function for the brewery and determine the price that will maximize profit, the optimal volume, and the maximum profit per year.
4. The Rolling Creek Textile Mill makes denim. The monthly fixed cost is $8,000, and the variable cost
per yard of denim is $0.35. Price is related to demand according to the following linear equation.
v  17,000  5,666p
Develop the nonlinear profit function for the textile mill and determine the optimal price, the
optimal volume, and the maximum profit per month.
5. The Grady Tire Company recaps tires. The weekly fixed cost is $2,500, and the variable cost per tire
is $9. Price is related to demand according to the following linear equation.
v  200  4.75p
Develop the nonlinear profit function for the tire company and determine the optimal price,
the optimal volume, and the maximum profit per week.
6. Andy Mendoza makes handcrafted dolls, which he sells at craft fairs. He is considering massproducing the dolls to sell in stores. He estimates that the initial investment for plant and equipment
will be $25,000, while labor, material, packaging, and shipping will be about $10 per doll. He has
determined that sales volume is related to price according to the following linear equation.
v  4,000  80p
Develop the nonlinear profit function for Andy and determine the price that will maximize
profit, the optimal volume, and the maximum profit per month.
7. The Rainwater Brewery produces beer, which it sells to distributors in barrels. The brewery incurs
a monthly fixed cost of $12,000, and the variable cost per barrel is $17. The brewery has developed
the following profit function and demand constraint.
maximize Z  vp  $12,000  17v
subject to
v  800  15p

D-8

Module D

Nonlinear Programming Solution Techniques

Solve this nonlinear programming model for the optimal price (p) using the substitution
method.

8. The Beaver Creek Pottery Company has developed the following nonlinear programming
model to determine the optimal number of bowls (x1) and mugs (x2) to produce each day.
maximize Z  $7x1  0.3x21  8x2  0.4x22
subject to
4x1  5x2  100 hr
Determine the optimal solution to this nonlinear programming model using the substitution
method.
9. The Evergreen Fertilizer Company produces two types of fertilizers, Fastgro and Super Two. The
company has developed the following nonlinear programming model to determine the optimal
number of bags of Fastgro (x1) and Super Two (x2) that they must produce each day to maximize
profit, given a constraint for available potassium.
maximize Z  $30x1  2x21 25x2  0.5x22
subject to
3x1  6x2  300 lb
Determine the optimal solution to this nonlinear programming model using the substitution
method.
10. The Rolling Creek Textile Mill produces denim and brushed-cotton cloth. The company has developed the following nonlinear programming model to determine the optimal number of yards of
denim (x1) and brushed cotton (x2) to produce each day to maximize profit, subject to a labor
constraint.
maximize Z  $10x1  0.02x21  12x2  0.03x22
subject to
0.2x1  0.1x2  40 hr
Determine the optimal solution to this nonlinear programming model using the substitution
method.
11. Solve problem 8 using the method of Lagrange multipliers.
12. Solve problem 9 using the method of Lagrange multipliers.
13. Solve problem 10 using the method of Lagrange multipliers.
14. The Riverwood Paneling Company makes two kinds of wood paneling, Colonial and Western. The
company has developed the following nonlinear programming model to determine the optimal
number of sheets of Colonial paneling (x1) and Western paneling (x2) to produce to maximize
profit, subject to a labor constraint.
maximize Z  $25x1  0.8x21  30x2  1.2x22
subject to
x1  2x2  40 hr

Problems

D-9

Determine the optimal solution to this nonlinear programming model using the method of
Lagrange multipliers.
15. Interpret the meaning of , the Lagrange multiplier, in problem 14.