Linear Programming Calculator

Solve linear programming problems step by step

This online calculator solves linear programming problems using the simplex algorithm.
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The Linear Programming Calculator is designed to help you solve complex optimization problems quickly and accurately. If you are looking for solutions to problems with a linear objective function and constraints, this calculator is for you.

How to Use the Linear Programming Calculator?

  • Select a Calculator

    If looking to solve a standard LP problem, choose a calculator like the Simplex Method Calculator.

  • Input

    Enter your objective function and define if you're aiming to maximize or minimize. Input constraints, ensuring you use the correct inequality symbols.

  • Calculation

    Click the "Calculate" button. Wait until the data is processed and the result is displayed.

  • Result

    Study the result.

What Is Linear Programming?

Linear Programming (LP), also called linear optimization, is one of the most important optimization techniques that provide an optimal solution for a given linear objective function with linear constraints. The main goal of this method is to determine the values of variables that increase or decrease a given objective function to a maximum or minimum level. In this context, the objective function denotes the quantity to be optimized, and the constraints set the boundaries. Linear programming mainly includes:

  • Objective Function
  • Constraints
  • Data
  • Decision Variables

Formulation

Objective Function. It can be expressed in the following way:

$$Z=c_1x_1+c_2x_2+\ldots+c_nx_n,$$

where:

  • $$$Z$$$ is the objective to be maximized or minimized.
  • $$$c_1,c_2,\ldots,c_n$$$ are the coefficients of the objective function.
  • $$$x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_n$$$ are the decision variables.

Constraints. These are a set of inequalities or equations:

$$a_{11}x_1+a_{12}x_2+\ldots+a_{1n}x_n\le b_1$$$$a_{21}x_1+a_{22}x_2+\ldots+a_{2n}x_n\le b_2$$$$\ldots$$$$a_{k1}x_1+a_{k2}x_2+\ldots+a_{kn}x_n\le b_k,$$

where:

  • $$$a_{ij}$$$ are the coefficients of the constraints.
  • $$$b_1,b_2,\ldots,b_k$$$ are the right-hand side values of the constraints.

Methods

  • Graphical Method. We can use the graphical method for small LP problems with two variables:

    • Draw the constraint lines on a graph.
    • Identify the feasible region, i.e., the area where all constraints overlap.
    • Graph the objective function as a straight line.
    • Slide the objective function line towards the direction of maximization or minimization without exiting the feasible region.
    • The optimal solution is the point where the objective function leaves the feasible region last.
  • Simplex Method. For larger problems, the graphical method becomes cumbersome. The Simplex Method, an iterative algorithm, can handle multiple constraints and variables. It works by moving along the edges of the feasible region formed by the constraints to find the optimal solution.

Linear Programming provides systematic methods for solving optimization problems in manufacturing, logistics, finance, etc. By mathematically formulating the objective and its constraints, methods such as the simplex and graphical can be used to determine the optimal solution.

What Calculators Does eMathHelp Offer?

Simplex Method Calculator

Efficiently solve linear programming problems using the simplex algorithm. Get your objective function's optimal solution in a matter of seconds.

FAQ

What is the Simplex Method Calculator?

The Simplex Method Calculator is a specialized tool for solving linear programming problems. It uses the simplex algorithm, an iterative method that moves through the feasible solutions space to find the optimal solution for a given objective function.

What do you mean by linear programming?

Linear programming (LP) is a mathematical technique for optimizing a linear objective function subject to linear constraints. Essentially, LP aims to find the best possible solution (like maximizing profit or minimizing cost) within given boundaries or limitations represented by linear relationships.

How many methods are there to solve a linear programming problem?

There are several methods to solve a linear programming problem. The most prominent ones include the Simplex Method, the Graphical Method (primarily for two-variable problems), and the Dual Simplex Method. Additionally, interior point methods are also used in certain scenarios.

What is the real-life use of linear programming?

Linear programming has a wide array of real-life applications. It's commonly used in industries like manufacturing (for production scheduling and inventory management), logistics (for transportation and routing optimization), finance (for portfolio design), and even agriculture (for crop mix optimization to maximize profit). Essentially, any situation where resources are limited and there is an objective can be solved using linear programming methods (if the objective and constraints are linear).