Scribd
Upload
0 views4 pages

Linear Programming Overview

Linear Programming (LP) involves decision variables, an objective function, and constraints to optimize a specific goal. Key components include the non-negativity restriction, which ensures practical solutions, and the limitations of LP, such as linearity and certainty assumptions. LP offers advantages like optimal solutions, flexibility, and effective resource allocation.

Uploaded by

9sfs8pfwjk
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0 views4 pages

Linear Programming Overview

Linear Programming (LP) involves decision variables, an objective function, and constraints to optimize a specific goal. Key components include the non-negativity restriction, which ensures practical solutions, and the limitations of LP, such as linearity and certainty assumptions. LP offers advantages like optimal solutions, flexibility, and effective resource allocation.

Uploaded by

9sfs8pfwjk
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 4

Linear Programming Key Concepts and Formulations

1. Key Concepts in Linear Programming (LP)


a. Decision Variables

Decision variables are the unknowns that we are solving for in an LP problem. They represent

choices available to the decision-maker, typically denoted by x1, x2, ..., xn. These variables can be

amounts of resources to allocate, quantities of products to produce, etc.

b. Objective Function

The objective function is a mathematical expression that defines the goal of the LP problem, which

can be either maximization or minimization. It is a linear function of the decision variables, typically

written as:

Maximize or Minimize Z = c1x1 + c2x2 + ... + cnxn

where Z is the objective function, ci are the coefficients representing the contribution of each

decision variable xi to the objective.

c. Constraints

Constraints are the restrictions or limitations on the decision variables. They are linear inequalities or

equations that the solution must satisfy, typically written as:

a11x1 + a12x2 + ... + a1nxn <=, >=, = b1

a21x1 + a22x2 + ... + a2nxn <=, >=, = b2

...

am1x1 + am2x2 + ... + amnxn <=, >=, = bm


where aij are the coefficients of the constraints and bi are the right-hand side constants.

2. Mathematical Formulation of LP Problems


A standard LP problem can be formulated as follows:

Objective Function:

Maximize or Minimize Z = c1x1 + c2x2 + ... + cnxn

Subject to Constraints:

a11x1 + a12x2 + ... + a1nxn <=, >=, = b1

a21x1 + a22x2 + ... + a2nxn <=, >=, = b2

...

am1x1 + am2x2 + ... + amnxn <=, >=, = bm

Non-negativity Constraints:

xi >= 0 for all i

3. Components of LPP and Significance of Non-Negativity Restriction


Components of LPP

1. Decision Variables: Variables that decisions are being made about.

2. Objective Function: The function to be maximized or minimized.

3. Constraints: Restrictions or limits on the decision variables.

4. Parameters: Coefficients in the objective function and constraints that are constants.

5. Non-negativity Restrictions: Conditions that all decision variables must be greater than or equal to

zero.
Significance of Non-Negativity Restriction

The non-negativity restriction ensures that the decision variables make practical sense in real-world

scenarios, where negative quantities often have no meaning (e.g., negative production quantities,

negative resource allocation).

4. Limitations of LPP
1. Linearity Assumption: LP assumes that both the objective function and the constraints are linear,

which may not always be the case in real-world problems.

2. Certainty Assumption: LP requires that all coefficients in the objective function and constraints are

known with certainty, which is not always realistic.

3. Divisibility: LP assumes that decision variables can take any values, including fractions, which

may not be applicable for indivisible items.

4. Single Objective: LP typically optimizes a single objective function, whereas real-world problems

may require balancing multiple objectives.

5. Proportionality: It assumes that the contribution of each decision variable is directly proportional to

its value, which may not hold true in all situations.

5. Assumptions and Advantages of LPP


Assumptions of LPP

1. Linearity: Relationships between variables are linear.

2. Certainty: All coefficients in the functions are known with certainty.

3. Non-negativity: Decision variables cannot take negative values.

4. Additivity: The total effect is the sum of individual effects.

5. Divisibility: Decision variables can take any non-negative real values.

Advantages of LPP

1. Optimal Solutions: Provides the most efficient solution to the problem, maximizing or minimizing
the objective function.

2. Flexibility: Can be applied to a wide range of problems in various industries.

3. Simplicity: The mathematical formulation and solution methods are well-established and

straightforward.

4. Resource Allocation: Helps in the efficient allocation of limited resources.

5. Sensitivity Analysis: Facilitates understanding of how changes in parameters affect the optimal

solution.

6. Decision Making: Assists managers in making informed and objective decisions.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy