Mathematics in the Modern World Chapter 6: Linear Programming

Intended Learning Outcomes

1. Define linear programming and explain its use
2. Setup a simple decision making problems as linear programming models
3. Apply graphical method in linear programming

Activity

Suppose a candy manufacturer wants to maximize his profit by producing chocolate and caramel
flavors. The net profit of producing the said flavors is P0.15 and P0.20 per piece, respectively. What would
be the equation that would represent the maximization of profit?

Suppose the manufacturer has only at most 15 kilos of sugar to produce the candies and that 2 kilos
of flour are needed to produce chocolate candies and 5 workers are needed to produce caramel candies,
what equation would represent the constraints described?

Processing

The manufacturer’s objective function is to maximize profit from the production of the two flavors
so that the linear programming model for the problem is:
Objective function: Max 𝑧 = 0.15𝑥 + 0.20𝑦

The constraints can be represented by:

Subject to: 2𝑥 + 5𝑦 ≤ 15 (constraints on ingredients)

The formulation of linear programming model is similar to translating word problems in Algebra.
Like Polya’s Strategy, careful reading and understanding the problem is a must.

Abstraction

Basic Concept of Linear Programming

Linear programming is mathematical approach to find an optimal solution to a problem using linear
equations and inequalities. The term optimal may mean maximizing profits or minimizing cost when
applied to real-life situations. Linear programming is meant to assist an individual or an organization in
their decision-making.

Properties of Linear Programming Model

1. Optimization is done by either maximization or minimization.
2. There may be constraints which can restrict the activities to carry out the objectives.
3. Equations are considered linear.
4. Decision variables are considered non-negative.

The carry out the formulation of a linear programming model, one must follow the guide below:
1. Identify the objective and the objective function of the decision maker.
2. Identify the decision variables of the problem
3. Determine the coefficients of the decision variables in the objective function.
4. Determine the resource capacity of the decision maker
5. Identify the linkage between the decision and the resources taking note of the coefficients and the
unit of measurement.
6. Identify the constraints and put all the information together to generate the model.

Example:
A company produces two types of laptops: entry-level and heavy duty. There is an expected
demand of at least 1000 units of the entry-level and 800 units of the heavy duty type. The company can
only produce 300 and 200 units in a day of each type respectively. The shipping contract should at least be
for 250 units of laptops. Each entry-level unit results in a P50.00 loss while the heavy duty kind results in a
P100 profit. How many of each type should be made daily to maximize the net profit?

Course Code Course Title Date Effective: Rev. No. Prepared by: Page No.:

G113 Mathematics in the Modern World 1st Sem. S.Y. 2020-2021 00 E. T. Domingo 1 of 2
Mathematics in the Modern World Chapter 6: Linear Programming

Solution:

Objective: Maximize the net profit (P)

Decision Variables: How many of each type of laptops should be made daily?
Let: x – no. of entry-level laptops
y – no. of heavy-duty laptops
Coefficients of the
Decision Variables: -50x (P50.00 loss for entry-level laptops)
+100y (P100.00 profit for heavy duty laptops)

Resource capacity: There is a demand of at least 1000 units of entry-level laptops.

There is a demand of at least 800 units of heavy duty laptops.

The company can only produce 300 entry-level laptops daily.

The company can only produce 300 entry-level laptops daily.

Assessment Tasks

Adam, J. A. (2003), Mathematics in Nature: Modeling Patterns in the Natural World., Princeton University
Press, New Jersey.

Baltazar, et. al (2018), Mathematics in the Modern World., C&E Publishing, Inc., Quezon City

Johnson, D. (2012), Mathematics: A Practical Odyssey, 7e. Brookes/Cole Cengage Learning, USA.

Smith, K.J. (2010), The Nature of Mathematics 12 th ed., Santa Rosa Junior College, Brookes/Cole Cengage
Learning, USA.

Stewart, I. ( 1995), Nature’s Numbers: The Unreal Reality of Mathematics, Basic Books, New York

Course Code Course Title Date Effective: Rev. No. Prepared by: Page No.:

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