Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 1
Chapter 6
Linear Programming: ModelFormulation and Graphical Solution
Introduction to Management Science
8th Edition
by
Bernard W. Taylor III
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 2
Chapter Topics
Model Formulation
A Maximization Model Example
Graphical Solutions of Linear Programming Models
A Minimization Model Example
Irregular Types of Linear Programming Models
Characteristics of Linear Programming Problems
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 3
Objectives of business firms frequently include maximizing profit or minimizing costs.
Linear programming is an analysis technique in which linear algebraic relationships represent a firm’s decisions given a business objective and resource constraints.
Steps in application:
Identify problem as solvable by linear programming.
Formulate a mathematical model of the unstructured problem.
Solve the model.
Linear ProgrammingAn Overview
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 4
Decision variables - mathematical symbols representing levels of activity of a firm.
Objective function - a linear mathematical relationship describing an objective of the firm, in terms of decision variables, that is maximized or minimized
Constraints - restrictions placed on the firm by the operating environment stated in linear relationships of the decision variables.
Parameters - numerical coefficients and constants used in the objective function and constraint equations.
Model Components and Formulation
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 5
Resource Requirements
Product Labor
(hr/unit) Clay
(lb/unit) Profit
($/unit)
Bowl 1 4 40
Mug 2 3 50
Problem DefinitionA Maximization Model Example (1 of 2)
Product mix problem - Beaver Creek Pottery Company
How many bowls and mugs should be produced to maximize profits given labor and materials constraints?
Product resource requirements and unit profit:
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 6
Problem DefinitionA Maximization Model Example (2 of 3)
Resource 40 hrs of labor per dayAvailability: 120 lbs of clay
Decision x1 = number of bowls to produce per day
Variables: x2 = number of mugs to produce per day
Objective Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
Function: Where Z = profit per day
Resource 1x1 + 2x2 40 hours of laborConstraints: 4x1 + 3x2 120 pounds of clay
Non-Negativity x1 0; x2 0 Constraints:
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 7
Problem DefinitionA Maximization Model Example (3 of 3)
Complete Linear Programming Model:
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40
4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 8
A feasible solution does not violate any of the constraints:
Example x1 = 5 bowls
x2 = 10 mugs
Z = $40x1 + $50x2 = $700
Labor constraint check:
1(5) + 2(10) = 25 < 40 hours, within constraint
Clay constraint check:
4(5) + 3(10) = 50 < 120 pounds, within constraint
Feasible Solutions
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 9
An infeasible solution violates at least one of the constraints:
Example x1 = 10 bowls
x2 = 20 mugs
Z = $1400
Labor constraint check:
1(10) + 2(20) = 50 > 40 hours, violates constraint
Infeasible Solutions
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 10
Graphical solution is limited to linear programming models containing only two decision variables (can be used with three variables but only with great difficulty).
Graphical methods provide visualization of how a solution for a linear programming problem is obtained.
Graphical Solution of Linear Programming Models
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 11
Coordinate AxesGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (1 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.1Coordinates for Graphical Analysis
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 12
Labor ConstraintGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (2 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.1Graph of Labor Constraint
Find the boundary first,where 1x1 + 2x2 = 40
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 13
Labor Constraint AreaGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (3 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.3Labor Constraint Area
Determine which side is allowed, by checking if the easiest choice, x1 = 0 = x2 satisfies the inequality.
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 14
Clay Constraint AreaGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (4 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.4Clay Constraint Area
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 15
Both ConstraintsGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (5 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.5Graph of Both Model Constraints
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 16
Feasible Solution AreaGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (6 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0T: violates both constraints;S: violates the 1st constraint;R: feasible.
Figure 6.6Feasible Solution Area
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 17
Objective Solution = $800Graphical Solution of Maximization Model (7 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0Plot the profit function, Z, forA sample value, Z = $800.
Figure 6.7Objection Function Line for Z = $800
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 18
Alternative Objective Function Solution LinesGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (8 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0Plot the profit function for afew more sample values.
Figure 6.8Alternative Objective Function Lines
Z increases
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 19
Optimal SolutionGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (9 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.9Identification of Optimal Solution
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 20
Optimal Solution CoordinatesGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (10 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0The point B is determined asthe common solution to
4x1 + 3x2 = 120 x1 + 2x2 = 40
Solve this system of equations…
Figure 6.10Optimal Solution Coordinates
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 21
Corner Point SolutionsGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (11 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.11Profit at Each Corner Point
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 22
Optimal Solution for New Objective FunctionGraphical Solution of Maximization Model (12 of 12)
Maximize Z = $70x1 + $20x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.12Optimal Solution with Z’ = 70x1 + 20x2
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 23
Standard form requires that all constraints be in the form of equations.
A slack variable is added to an inequality (≤ or ≥) constraint to convert it to an equation (=).
A slack variable represents unused resources.
A slack variable contributes nothing to the objective function (total profit, cost, etc.) value.
Slack Variables
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 24
Linear Programming ModelStandard Form
Max Z = 40x1 + 50x2
subject to:1x1 + 2x2 + s1 = 40 4x1 + 3x2 + s2 = 120 x1, x2, s1, s2 0Where:
x1 = number of bowls x2 = number of mugs s1, s2 are slack variables
Figure 6.13Solution Points A, B, and C with Slack
s2
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 25
Problem DefinitionA Minimization Model Example (1 of 7)
Chemical Contribution
Brand Nitrogen (lb/bag)
Phosphate (lb/bag)
Super-gro 2 4
Crop-quick 4 3
Two brands of fertilizer available - Super-Gro, Crop-Quick.
Field requires at least 16 pounds of nitrogen and 24 pounds of phosphate.
Super-Gro costs $6 per bag, Crop-Quick $3 per bag.
Problem: How much of each brand to purchase to minimize total cost of fertilizer given following data ?
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 26
Problem DefinitionA Minimization Model Example (2 of 7)
Decision Variables: x1 = bags of Super-Gro
x2 = bags of Crop-Quick
The Objective Function:Minimize Z = $6x1 + 3x2
Where: $6x1 = cost of bags of Super-Gro $3x2 = cost of bags of Crop-Quick
Model Constraints:2x1 + 4x2 16 lb (nitrogen constraint)4x1 + 3x2 24 lb (phosphate constraint)x1, x2 0 (non-negativity constraint)
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 27
Model Formulation and Constraint GraphA Minimization Model Example (3 of 7)
Minimize Z = $6x1 + $3x2
subject to: 2x1 + 4x2 16 4x1 + 3x2 24
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.14Graph of Both Model Constraints
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 28
Feasible Solution AreaA Minimization Model Example (4 of 7)
Minimize Z = $6x1 + $3x2
subject to: 2x1 + 4x2 16 4x1 + 3x2 24
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.15Feasible Solution Area
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 29
Optimal Solution PointA Minimization Model Example (5 of 7)
Minimize Z = $6x1 + $3x2
subject to: 2x1 + 4x2 16 4x1 + 3x2 24
x1, x2 0
Figure 6.16Optimum Solution Point
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 30
Surplus VariablesA Minimization Model Example (6 of 7)
A surplus variable is subtracted from an inequality (≥ or ≤) constraint to convert it to an equation (=).
A surplus variable represents an excess above a constraint requirement level.
Surplus variables contribute nothing to the calculated value of the objective function.
Subtracting slack variables in the farmer problem constraints:
2x1 + 4x2 - s1 = 16 (nitrogen)
4x1 + 3x2 - s2 = 24 (phosphate)
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 31
Minimize Z = $6x1 + $3x2 + 0s1 + 0s2
subject to: 2x1 + 4x2 – s1 = 16 4x1 + 3x2 – s2 = 24
x1, x2, s1, s2 0
Figure 6.17Graph of Fertilizer Example
Graphical SolutionsA Minimization Model Example (7 of 7)
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 32
For some linear programming models, the general rules do not apply.
Special types of problems include those with:
Multiple optimal solutions
Infeasible solutions
Unbounded solutions
Irregular Types of Linear Programming Problems
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 33
Objective function is parallel to a constraint line.
Maximize Z=$40x1 + 30x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40 4x1 + 3x2 120 x1, x2 0Where:x1 = number of bowlsx2 = number of mugs
Figure 6.18Example with Multiple Optimal Solutions
Multiple Optimal SolutionsBeaver Creek Pottery Example
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 34
An Infeasible Problem
Every possible solution violates at least one constraint:
Maximize Z = 5x1 + 3x2
subject to: 4x1 + 2x2 8 x1 4 x2 6 x1, x2 0
Figure 6.19Graph of an Infeasible Problem
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 35
Value of objective function increases indefinitely:
Maximize Z = 4x1 + 2x2
subject to: x1 4 x2 2 x1, x2 0
An Unbounded Problem
Figure 6.20Graph of an Unbounded Problem
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 36
Characteristics of Linear Programming Problems
A linear programming problem requires a decision—a choice amongst alternative courses of action.
The decision is represented in the model by decision variables, of which any mix represents a choice.
The problem encompasses a goal, expressed as an objective function, that the decision maker wants to achieve (optimize = minimize or maximize, as appropriate).
Constraints exist that limit the extent of achievement of the objective.
The objective and constraints must be definable by linear mathematical functional relationships.
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 37
Proportionality - The rate of change (slope) of the objective function and constraint equations is constant.
Additivity - Terms in the objective function and constraint equations must be additive.
Divisibility -Decision variables can take on any fractional value and are therefore continuous as opposed to integer in nature.
Certainty - Values of all the model parameters are assumed to be known with certainty (non-probabilistic).
Properties of Linear Programming Models
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 38
Problem StatementExample Problem No. 1 (1 of 4)
Hot dog mixture in 1000-pound batches.
Two ingredients, chicken ($3/lb) and beef ($5/lb).
Recipe requirements:
at least 500 pounds of chicken
at least 200 pounds of beef
Ratio of chicken to beef must be at least 2 to 1.
Determine optimal mixture of ingredients that will minimize costs.
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 39
Step 1:
Identify decision variables.
x1 = lb of chicken
x2 = lb of beef
Step 2:
Formulate the objective function.
Minimize Z = $3x1 + $5x2
where Z = cost per 1,000-lb batch $3x1 = cost of chicken $5x2 = cost of beef
SolutionExample Problem No. 1 (2 of 4)
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 40
SolutionExample Problem No. 1 (3 of 4)
Step 3:
Establish Model Constraints x1 + x2 = 1,000 lb x1 500 lb of chicken x2 200 lb of beef x1/x2 2/1, or x1 2 x2, or x1 - 2x2 0 x1, x2 0
The Model: Minimize Z = $3x1 + 5x2
subject to: x1 + x2 = 1,000 lb x1 500 x2 200 x1 - 2x2 0 x1,x2 0
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 41
SolutionExample Problem No. 1 (3 of 4)
Step 4:
Determine the corners: x2 200 lb of beef x1 + x2 = 1,000 lb x1 - 2x2 0
B
.B
A
.AA: x2=200 & x1+x2=1,000 (x1,x2)=(800,200)
Z(A) = $3x1+$5x2=$3,400
B: x1=2x2 & x1+x2=1,000 (x1,x2)=(667,333)
Z(B) = $3x1+$5x2=$3,667 B is the optimal choice!
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 42
Solve the following model graphically:
Maximize Z = 4x1 + 5x2
subject to: x1 + 2x2 10
6x1 + 6x2 36
x1 4
x1, x2 0
Step 1: Plot the constraints as equations
Example Problem No. 2 (1 of 3)
Figure 6.21Constraint Equations
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 43
Example Problem No. 2 (2 of 3)
Maximize Z = 4x1 + 5x2
subject to: x1 + 2x2 10
6x1 + 6x2 36
x1 4
x1, x2 0
Step 2: Determine the feasible solution space
Figure 6.22Feasible Solution Space and Extreme Points
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 44
Example Problem No. 2 (3 of 3)
Maximize Z = 4x1 + 5x2
subject to: x1 + 2x2 10
6x1 + 6x2 36
x1 4
x1, x2 0
Step 3: Determine the corners;
Step 4: Evaluate the objective function and identify the optimal solution.
Figure 6.22Optimal Solution Point
Chapter 6 - Linear Programming: Model Formulation and Graphical Solution 45