Programming:
Model Formulation
and Graphical
Solution
Prepared
by
JOSEPH GEORGE KONNULLY
2-1
Topics
Linear Programming – An overview
Model Formulation
Characteristics of Linear Programming
Problems
Assumptions of a Linear Programming
Model
Advantages and Limitations of a Linear
Programming.
A Maximization Model Example
Graphical Solutions of Linear Programming
Models
2-2
Linear Programming: An
Overview
Objectives of business decisions frequently
involve maximizing profit or minimizing
costs.
Linear programming uses linear algebraic
relationships to represent a firm’s
decisions, given a business objective, and
resource constraints.
Steps in application:
1. Identify problem as solvable by linear
programming.
2. Formulate a mathematical model of the
unstructured problem. 2-3
Model Components
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 - this function is to
be maximized or minimized.
Constraints – requirements or 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
constraints.
2-4
Summary of Model Formulation
Steps
Step 1 : Clearly define the decision
variables
Step 2 : Construct the objective
function
Step 3 : Formulate the constraints
2-5
Characteristics of Linear
Programming Problems
A decision amongst alternative courses of action
is required.
The decision is represented in the model by
decision variables.
The problem encompasses a goal, expressed as
an objective function, that the decision maker
wants to achieve.
Restrictions (represented by constraints) exist
that limit the extent of achievement of the
objective.
The objective and constraints must be definable
by linear mathematical functional relationships.
2-6
Assumptions of Linear
Programming Model
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).
2-7
Advantages of Linear
Programming Model
It helps decision - makers to use their productive
resource effectively.
The decision-making approach of the user
becomes more objective and less subjective.
In a production process, bottle necks may occur.
For example, in a factory some machines may be
in great demand while others may lie idle for
some time. A significant advantage of linear
programming is highlighting of such bottle
necks.
2-8
Limitations of Linear
Programming Model
Linear programming is applicable only to
problems where the constraints and objective
function are linear i.e., where they can be
expressed as equations which represent straight
lines. In real life situations, when constraints or
objective functions are not linear, this technique
cannot be used.
Factors such as uncertainty, and time are not
taken into consideration.
Parameters in the model are assumed to be
constant but in real life situations they are not
constants.
Linear programming deals with only single
objective , whereas in real life situations may
have multiple and conflicting objectives.
2-9
LP Model Formulation
A Maximization Example (1 of 4)
Product mix problem - Beaver Creek Pottery
Company
How many bowls and mugs should be produced to
maximize profits given labor and materials
constraints?
Resource Requirements
Product resource requirements and unit profit:
Labor Clay Profit
Product
(Hr./Unit) (Lb./Unit) ($/Unit)
Bowl 1 4 40
Mug 2 3 50
2-10
LP Model Formulation
A Maximization Example (2 of 4)
2-11
LP Model Formulation
A Maximization Example (3 of 4)
Resource 40 hrs of labor per day
Availability: 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 labor
Constraints: 4x1 + 3x2 120 pounds of clay
Non-Negativity x1 0; x2 0
2-12
LP Model Formulation
A Maximization Example (4 of 4)
Complete Linear Programming Model:
Maximize Z = $40x1 + $50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40
4x2 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
2-13
Feasible Solutions
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
Clay constraint check: 4(5) + 3(10) = 70 <
120 pounds
2-14
Infeasible Solutions
An infeasible solution violates at least
one of the constraints:
Example: x1 = 10 bowls
x2 = 20 mugs
Z = $40x1 + $50x2 = $1400
Labor constraint check: 1(10) + 2(20) = 50 >
40 hours
2-15
Graphical Solution of LP
Models
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 methods can be classified under two
categories:
1. Iso-Profit(Cost) Line Method
2. Extreme-point evaluation Method.
2-16
Coordinate Axes
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (1 of 12)
X2 is mugs
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
X1 is bowls
Figure 2.2 Coordinates for
Graphical Analysis 2-17
Labor Constraint
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (2 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.3 Graph of Labor
Constraint 2-18
Labor Constraint Area
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (3 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.4 Labor Constraint
Area 2-19
Clay Constraint Area
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (4 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.5 Clay Constraint
Area 2-20
Both Constraints
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (5 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.6 Graph of Both Model
Constraints 2-21
Feasible Solution Area
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (6 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.7 Feasible
Solution Area 2-22
Objective Function Solution = $800
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (7 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.8 Objection Function Line
for Z = $800 2-23
Alternative Objective Function Solution
Lines
Graphical Solution of Maximization Model
(8 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.9 Alternative Objective
Function Lines 2-24
Optimal Solution
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (9 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.10 Identification of Optimal
Solution Point 2-25
Optimal Solution Coordinates
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (10 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.11 Optimal Solution
Coordinates 2-26
Extreme (Corner) Point Solutions
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (11 of 12)
Maximize Z = $40x1 +
$50x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.12 Solutions at All
Corner Points 2-27
Optimal Solution for New Objective
Function
Graphical Solution of Maximization
Model (12 of 12)
Maximize Z = $70x1 +
$20x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2
40
4x2 + 3x2
120
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.13 Optimal Solution with Z =
2-28
Slack Variables
Standard form requires that all constraints
be in the form of equations (equalities).
A slack variable is added to a constraint
(weak inequality) to convert it to an
equation (=).
A slack variable typically represents an
unused resource.
A slack variable contributes nothing to
the objective function value.
2-29
Linear Programming Model:
Standard Form
Max Z = 40x1 + 50x2 + s1
+ s2
subject to:1x1 + 2x2 + s1 =
40
4x2 + 3x2 + s2 =
120
x1, x2, s1, s2 0
Where:
x1 = number of bowls
x2 = number of mugs
s1, s2 are slack variables
Figure 2.14 Solution Points A, B, and C
2-30
LP Model Formulation – Minimization
(1 of 8)
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
?
2-31
LP Model Formulation – Minimization
(2 of 8)
Figure 2.15
Fertilizing farmer’s
field
2-32
LP Model Formulation –
Minimization (3 of 8)
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)
2-33
Constraint Graph – Minimization
(4 of 8)
Minimize Z = $6x1 + $3x2
subject to: 2x1 + 4x2 16
4x2 + 3x2 24
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.16 Graph of Both Model
Constraints 2-34
Feasible Region– Minimization
(5 of 8)
Minimize Z = $6x1 + $3x2
subject to: 2x1 + 4x2 16
4x2 + 3x2 24
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.17 Feasible Solution
Area 2-35
Optimal Solution Point –
Minimization (6 of 8)
Minimize Z = $6x1 + $3x2
subject to: 2x1 + 4x2 16
4x2 + 3x2 24
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.18 Optimum
Solution Point 2-36
Surplus Variables – Minimization (7
of 8)
A surplus variable is subtracted from a
constraint to convert it to an equation (=).
A surplus variable represents an excess
above a constraint requirement level.
A surplus variable contributes nothing to
the calculated value of the objective
function.
Subtracting surplus variables in the farmer
problem constraints:
2x1 + 4x2 - s1 = 16
(nitrogen)
4x1 + 3x2 - s2 = 24 2-37
Graphical Solutions – Minimization
(8 of 8)
Minimize Z = $6x1 + $3x2 + 0s1
+ 0s2
subject to: 2x1 + 4x2 – s1 = 16
4x2 + 3x2 – s2 = 24
x1, x2, s1, s2 0
Figure 2.19 Graph of Fertilizer
Example 2-38
Irregular Types of Linear
Programming Problems
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
2-39
Multiple Optimal Solutions Beaver
Creek Pottery
The objective function is
parallel to a constraint
line.
Maximize Z=$40x1 + 30x2
subject to: 1x1 + 2x2 40
4x2 + 3x2 120
x1, x2 0
Where:
x1 = number of bowls
x2 = number of mugs
Figure 2.20 Example with Multiple
Optimal Solutions 2-40
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 2.21 Graph of an Infeasible
Problem 2-41
An Unbounded Problem
Value of the objective
function increases
indefinitely:
Maximize Z = 4x1 + 2x2
subject to: x1 4
x2 2
x1, x2 0
Figure 2.22 Graph of an Unbounded
Problem 2-42
Problem Statement
Example Problem No. 1 (1 of 3)
■ 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.
2-43
Solution
Example Problem No. 1 (2 of 3)
Step 1:
Identify decision variables.
x1 = lb of chicken in mixture
x2 = lb of beef in mixture
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
2-44
Solution
Example Problem No. 1 (3 of 3)
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 - 2x2 0
x1, x2 0
The Model: Minimize Z = $3x1 + 5x2
subject to: x1 + x2 = 1,000 lb
x1 50
x2 200
x1 - 2x2 0
2-45
Example Problem No. 2 (1 of 3)
Solve the following
model graphically:
Maximize Z = 4x1 + 5x2
subject to: x1 + 2x2
10
6x1 + 6x2
36
x1 4
x 1, x 2 0
Step 1: Plot the
constraints as equations
Figure 2.23 Constraint
Equations 2-46
Example Problem No. 2 (2 of 3)
Maximize Z = 4x1 + 5x2
subject to: x1 + 2x2
10
6x1 + 6x2
36
x1 4
x 1, x 2 0
Step 2: Determine the
feasible solution space
Figure 2.24 Feasible Solution Space and
Extreme Points 2-47
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 and 4:
Determine the solution
points and optimal
solution
Figure 2.25 Optimal Solution
Point 2-48