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Linear Programming
Definition of Linear Programming

• Linear Programming is the process of finding the extreme values (maximum and minimum values) of a function for a region defined by inequalities.

Examples of Linear Programming

• Consider the function D = 5x + 4y.
  Let us find the minimum value of this function in the region defined by the inequalities
  x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0, x + 2y ≤ 4, and x + y ≤ 3.
  The feasible region determined by the given constraints is shown.

The vertices are (0,0), (3, 0), (2, 1), and (0, 2).
To find the minimum and maximum value of D, we evaluate the value of
D = 5x + 4y at each of the four vertices and we find that the minimum value of the function subject to the constraints is 0.
The process that we adopted in the example above is called Linear Programming.

Solved Example on Linear Programming

Find the maximum value of the function C = 6x + y subject to the constrains
x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0 , 5x + 3y ≤ 15.
Choices:
A. 18
B. 8
C. 5
D. 19
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Step 1: Objective function is C = 6x + y 
Step 2: Constraints are x ≥ 0, y ≥ 0 5x + 3y ≤ 15
Step 3: [Draw the graph.]
The feasible region determined by the given constraints is shown.

Step 4: From the graph, the three vertices are (0, 0), (3, 0), and (0, 5).
Step 5: To evaluate the minimum, maximum values of C, we evaluate C = 2x + y at each of the vertices.
Step 6:   [Substitute the values.]
At (0, 0) , C = 6(0) + (0) = 0
Step 7:   [Substitute the values.]
At (3, 0) , C = 6(3) + (0) = 18
Step 8:   [Substitute the values.]
At (0, 5) , C = 6(0) + (5) = 5
Step 9:   So, the maximum value of C is 18.

Related Terms for Linear Programming

• Extreme Values of a Function
• Region
• Inequalities

Additional Links for Linear Programming

• Click here for samples
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