Linear Programming (LP) - Linear Optimization
- a type of mathematical optimization that achieves the best outcome (e.g. maximum profit or lowest cost) in a mathematical model whose requirements are represented by linear relationships
LP - Example Problems
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Toy Problem
given:
- a toy company make 2 toys: x1 and x2
- these toys are made of 2 materials: A and B
- to make toy x1, it needs 5 units of A and 2 units of B
- to make toy x2, it needs 3 units of A and 3 units of B
- there is a maximum of 30 units of A
- there is a maximum of 20 units of B
- each toy x1 can be sold for $10
- each toy x2 can be sold for $7
what is the optimum product mix that maximizes the profit?
LP - Ways to Structure an LP Problem
refer to: Ways Structuring Problem
LP - Ways to Solve an LP Problem
refer to: Algorithms Solving Problem
LP - Theorems
Theorem #1
If an LP has an optimal solution, then the optimal solution would be at the corner point of the feasible region
Theorem #2
every LP either:
- has a unique optimal solution
- has multiple/infinite optimal solutions
- infeasible - no feasible solution
- unbounded - no feasible solution that is maximal