1.
LINEAR PROGRAMMING
AND APPLICATION
SUBMITTED BY:-ADITYA SHARMA
INTRODUCTION
• In Mathematics, linear programming is a method of optimising
operations with some constraints. The main objective of linear
programming is to maximize or minimize the numerical value. It
consists of linear functions which are subjected to the constraints
in the form of linear equations or in the form of inequalities.
Linear programming is considered an important technique that is
used to find the optimum resource utilisation. The term “linear
programming” consists of two words as linear and programming.
The word “linear” defines the relationship between multiple
variables with degree one. The word “programming” defines the
process of selecting the best solution from various alternatives.
• Linear Programming is widely used in Mathematics and some other
fields such as economics, business, telecommunication, and
manufacturing fields. In this article, let us discuss the definition of
linear programming, its components, and different methods to
solve linear programming problems.
What is Linear Programming?
• Linear programming (LP) or Linear Optimisation may be defined as the problem of maximizing or minimizing a linear
function that is subjected to linear constraints. The constraints may be equalities or inequalities. The optimisation
problems involve the calculation of profit and loss. Linear programming problems are an important class of optimisation
problems, that helps to find the feasible region and optimise the solution in order to have the highest or lowest value of
the function.
•
• In other words, linear programming is considered as an optimization method to maximize or minimize the objective
function of the given mathematical model with the set of some requirements which are represented in the linear
relationship. The main aim of the linear programming problem is to find the optimal solution.
•
• Linear programming is the method of considering different inequalities relevant to a situation and calculating the best
value that is required to be obtained in those conditions. Some of the assumptions taken while working with linear
programming are:
•
• The number of constraints should be expressed in the quantitative terms
• The relationship between the constraints and the objective function should be linear
• The linear function (i.e., objective function) is to be optimised
Components of Linear Programming
Decision Variables
Constraints
Data
Objective Functions
Characteristics of Linear Programming
• The following are the five characteristics of the linear programming problem:
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• Constraints – The limitations should be expressed in the mathematical form, regarding the resource.
•
• Objective Function – In a problem, the objective function should be specified in a quantitative way.
•
• Linearity – The relationship between two or more variables in the function must be linear. It means that the degree of the variable is one.
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• Finiteness – There should be finite and infinite input and output numbers. In case, if the function has infinite factors, the optimal solution is not
feasible.
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• Non-negativity – The variable value should be positive or zero. It should not be a negative value.
•
• Decision Variables – The decision variable will decide the output. It gives the ultimate solution of the problem. For any problem, the first step is
to identify the decision variables.
Importance of Linear Programming
Linear programming is
• Linear programming is broadly applied in the field of optimisation
for many reasons. Many functional problems in operations analysis
can be represented as linear programming problems. Some special
problems of linear programming are such as network flow queries
and multi-commodity flow queries are deemed to be important to
have produced much research on functional algorithms for their
solution.
• A real-time example would be considering the limitations of labours and
materials and finding the best production levels for maximum profit in
particular circumstances. It is part of a vital area of mathematics known as
optimisation techniques. The applications of LP in some other fields are
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• Engineering – It solves design and manufacturing problems as it is helpful for
doing shape optimisation
• Efficient Manufacturing – To maximise profit, companies use linear expressions
• Energy Industry – It provides methods to optimise the electric power system.
• Transportation Optimisation – For cost and time efficiency.
What are the Applications of Linear
Equations?
• real life, the applications of linear equations are vast. To tackle real-life problems using algebra, we
convert the given situation into mathematical statements in such a way that it clearly illustrates the
relationship between the unknowns (variables) and the information provided. The following steps are
involved while restating a situation into a mathematical statement:
•
• Translate the problem statement into a mathematical statement and set it up in the form of algebraic
expression in a manner it illustrates the problem aptly.
• Identify the unknowns in the problem and assign variables (quantity whose value can change depending
upon the mathematical context) to these unknown quantities.
• Read the problem thoroughly multiple times and cite the data, phrases and keywords. Organize the
information obtained sequentially.
• Frame an equation with the help of the algebraic expression and the data provided in the problem
statement and solve it using systematic techniques of equation solving.
• Retrace your solution to the problem statement and analyze if it suits the criterion of the problem.
• There you go!! Using these steps and applications of linear equations word problems can be solved easily.
