Concept and Definition
Concept and Definition
Concept and Definition
Operations research seeks the optimum state in all conditions and thus provides optimum
solution to organizational problems.
Characteristics of OR (Features)
The essential characteristics of OR are
1. Inter-disciplinary team approach – The optimum solution is found by a team of
scientists selected from various disciplines.
2. Wholistic approach to the system – OR takes into account all significant factors and
finds the best optimum solution to the total organization.
3. Imperfectness of solutions – Improves the quality of solution.
4. Use of scientific research – Uses scientific research to reach optimum solution.
5. To optimize the total output – It tries to optimize by maximizing the profit and
minimizing the loss.
Phases of OR
OR study generally involves the following major phases
1. Defining the problem and gathering data
2. Formulating a mathematical model
3. Deriving solutions from the model
Principles of Modeling
The model building and their uses both should be consciously aware of the following ten
principles
1. Do not build up a complicated model when simple one will suffice
2. Beware of molding the problem to fit the technique
3. The deduction phase of modeling must be conducted rigorously
4. Models should be validated prior to implementation
5. A model should never be taken too literally
6. A model should neither be pressed to do nor criticized for failing to do that for which it
was never intended
7. Beware of over-selling a model
8. Some of the primary benefits of modeling are associated with the process of developing
the model
9. A model cannot be any better than the information that goes into it
10. Models cannot replace decision makers
Simplifications of OR Models
While constructing a model, two conflicting objectives usually strike in our mind
1. The model should be as accurate as possible
2. It should be as easy as possible in solving
Besides, the management must be able to understand the solution of the model and must be
capable of using it. So the reality of the problem under study should be simplified to the extent
when there is no loss of accuracy. The model can be simplified by
Omitting certain variable
Changing the nature of variables
Aggregating the variables
Changing the relationship between variables
Modifying the constraints, etc
The methods applied for solving a linear programming problem are basically simple problems; a
solution can be obtained by a set of simultaneous equations. However a unique solution for a set
of simultaneous equations in n-variables (x1, x2 … xn), at least one of them is non-zero, can be
obtained if there are exactly n relations. When the number of relations is greater than or less than
n, a unique solution does not exist but a number of trial solutions can be found.
In various practical situations, the problems are seen in which the number of relations is not
equal to the number of the number of variables and many of the relations are in the form of
inequalities (≤ or ≥) to maximize or minimize a linear function of the variables subject to such
conditions. Such problems are known as Linear Programming Problem (LPP).
Definition – The general LPP calls for optimizing (maximizing / minimizing) a linear function
of variables called the ‘Objective function’ subject to a set of linear equations and / or
inequalities called the ‘Constraints’ or ‘Restrictions’.
.
.
am1x1 + am2x2 + ……….+amnxn (≤ or ≥) bm
and
x1 ≥ 0, x2 ≥ 0,…, xn ≥ 0
Where
Z = value of overall measure of performance
xj = level of activity (for j = 1, 2, ..., n)
cj = increase in Z that would result from each unit increase in level of activity j
bi = amount of resource i that is available for allocation to activities (for i = 1,2, …, m)
aij = amount of resource i consumed by each unit of activity j
Resource usage per unit of activity
Resource Amount of resource
Activity
available
1 2 …………………….. n
1 a11 a12 …………………….a1n b1
2 a21 a22 …………………….a2n b2
. . .
. . .
. . .
m am1 am2 …………………….amn bm
Contribution to Z
c1 c2 ………………………..cn
per unit of activity
Formulation of LP Problems
Example 1
A firm manufactures two types of products A and B and sells them at a profit of Rs. 2 on type A
and Rs. 3 on type B. Each product is processed on two machines G and H. Type A requires 1
minute of processing time on G and 2 minutes on H; type B requires 1 minute on G and 1 minute
on H. The machine G is available for not more than 6 hours 40 minutes while machine H is
available for 10 hours during any working day. Formulate the problem as a linear programming
problem.
Solution
Let x1 be the number of products of type A
x2 be the number of products of type B
After understanding the problem, the given information can be systematically arranged in the
form of the following table.
Type of products (minutes)
Available
Machine Type A (x1 units) Type B (x2 units)
time (mins)
G 1 1 400
H 2 1 600
Profit per unit Rs. 2 Rs. 3
Since the profit on type A is Rs. 2 per product, 2 x1 will be the profit on selling x1 units of type A.
similarly, 3x2 will be the profit on selling x2 units of type B. Therefore, total profit on selling x1
units of A and x2 units of type B is given by
Maximize Z = 2 x1+3 x2 (objective function)
Since machine G takes 1 minute time on type A and 1 minute time on type B, the total number of
minutes required on machine G is given by x1+ x2.
Similarly, the total number of minutes required on machine H is given by 2x1 + 3x2.
But, machine G is not available for more than 6 hours 40 minutes (400 minutes). Therefore,
x1+ x2 ≤ 400 (first constraint)
Also, the machine H is available for 10 hours (600 minutes) only, therefore,
2 x1 + 3x2 ≤ 600 (second constraint)
Example 3
A firm manufactures 3 products A, B and C. The profits are Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Rs. 4 respectively.
The firm has 2 machines and below is given the required processing time in minutes for each
machine on each product.
Products
Machine A B C
X 4 3 5
Y 2 2 4
Machine X and Y have 2000 and 2500 machine minutes. The firm must manufacture 100 A’s,
200 B’s and 50 C’s type, but not more than 150 A’s.
Solution
Let x1 be the number of units of product A, x2 be the number of units of product B
x3 be the number of units of product C
Products
Machine A B C Availability
X 4 3 5 2000
Y 2 2 4 2500
Profit 3 2 4
Max Z = 3x1 + 2x2 + 4x3
Subject to
4x1 + 3x2 + 5x3 ≤ 2000
2x1 + 2x2 + 4x3 ≤ 2500
100 ≤ x1 ≤ 150
x2 ≥ 200
x3 ≥ 50
Example 4
A company owns 2 oil mills A and B which have different production capacities for low, high
and medium grade oil. The company enters into a contract to supply oil to a firm every week
with 12, 8, 24 barrels of each grade respectively. It costs the company Rs 1000 and Rs 800 per
day to run the mills A and B. On a day A produces 6, 2, 4 barrels of each grade and B produces
2, 2, 12 barrels of each grade. Formulate an LPP to determine number of days per week each mill
will be operated in order to meet the contract economically.
Solution
Let x1 be the no. of days a week the mill A has to work
x2 be the no. of days per week the mill B has to work
Grade A B Minimum requirement
Low 6 2 12
High 2 2 8
Medium 4 12 24
Cost per day Rs 1000 Rs 800
Minimize Z = 1000x1 + 800 x2
Subject to
6x1 + 2x2 ≥ 12
2x1 + 2x2 ≥ 8
4x1 +12x2 ≥ 24
x1 ≥ 0 , x2 ≥ 0
Example 5
A company has 3 operational departments weaving, processing and packing with the capacity to
produce 3 different types of clothes that are suiting, shirting and woolen yielding with the profit
of Rs. 2, Rs. 4 and Rs. 3 per meters respectively. 1m suiting requires 3mins in weaving 2 mins in
processing and 1 min in packing. Similarly 1m of shirting requires 4 mins in weaving 1 min in
processing and 3 mins in packing while 1m of woolen requires 3 mins in each department. In a
week total run time of each department is 60, 40 and 80 hours for weaving, processing and
packing department respectively. Formulate a LPP to find the product to maximize the profit.
Solution
Letx1 be the number of units of suiting , x2 be the number of units of shirting
x3 be the number of units of woolen
Suiting Shirting Woolen Available time
Weaving 3 4 3 60
Processing 2 1 3 40
Packing 1 3 3 80
Profit 2 4 3
Maximize Z = 2x1 + 4x2 + 3x3
Subject to
3x1 + 4x2 + 3x3 ≤ 60
2x1 + 1x2 + 3x3 ≤ 40
x1 + 3x2 + 3x3 ≤ 80
x1≥0, x2 ≥0, x3≥0
Example 6
ABC Company produces both interior and exterior paints from 2 raw materials m1 and m2. The
following table produces basic data of problem.
Exterior paint Interior paint Availability
M1 6 4 24
M2 1 2 6
Profit per ton 5 4
A market survey indicates that daily demand for interior paint cannot exceed that for exterior
paint by more than 1 ton. Also maximum daily demand for interior paint is 2 tons. Formulate
LPP to determine the best product mix of interior and exterior paints that maximizes the daily
total profit.
Solution
Let x1 be the number of units of exterior paint
x2 be the number of units of interior paint
Maximize Z = 5x1 + 4x2
Subject to
6x1 + 4x2 ≤ 24
x1 + 2x2 ≤ 6
x2 – x1≤ 1
x2≤ 2
x1≥0, x2 ≥0
b) The maximum daily demand for exterior paint is atmost 2.5 tons
x1≤ 2.5
c) Daily demand for interior paint is atleast 2 tons
x2 ≥ 2
d) Daily demand for interior paint is exactly 1 ton higher than that for exterior paint.
x2 > x1 + 1
CS6704 RMT UNIT -1 Page 11
SRI VIDYA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY COURSE MATERIAL (LECTURE NOTES)
Example 7
A company produces 2 types of hats. Each hat of the I type requires twice as much as labour time
as the II type. The company can produce a total of 500 hats a day. The market limits daily sales
of I and II types to 150 and 250 hats. Assuming that the profit per hat are Rs.8 for type A and Rs.
5 for type B. Formulate a LPP models in order to determine the number of hats to be produced of
each type so as to maximize the profit.
Solution
Let x1 be the number of hats produced by type A
Let x2 be the number of hats produced by type B
Maximize Z = 8x1 + 5x2
Subject to
2x1 + x2 ≤ 500 (labour time)
x1 ≤ 150
x2 ≤ 250
x1≥0, x2 ≥0
Example 8
A manufacturer produces 3 models (I, II and III) of a certain product. He uses 2 raw materials A
and B of which 4000 and 6000 units respectively are available. The raw materials per unit of 3
models are given below.
Raw materials I II III
A 2 3 5
B 4 2 7
The labour time for each unit of model I is twice that of model II and thrice that of model III.
The entire labour force of factory can produce an equivalent of 2500 units of model I. A model
survey indicates that the minimum demand of 3 models is 500, 500 and 375 units respectively.
However the ratio of number of units produced must be equal to 3:2:5. Assume that profits per
unit of model are 60, 40 and 100 respectively. Formulate a LPP.
Solution
Let x1 be the number of units of model I ,x2 be the number of units of model II
x3 be the number of units of model III
Minimum
800 200 700
Requirement
Definitions
1. Solution – Any specification of the values for decision variable among (x1, x2… xn) is
called a solution.
2. Feasible solution is a solution for which all constraints are satisfied.
3. Infeasible solution is a solution for which atleast one constraint is not satisfied.
4. Feasible region is a collection of all feasible solutions.
5. Optimal solution is a feasible solution that has the most favorable value of the objective
function.
6. Most favorable value is the largest value if the objective function is to be maximized,
whereas it is the smallest value if the objective function is to be minimized.
7. Multiple optimal solution – More than one solution with the same optimal value of the
objective function.
8. Unbounded solution – If the value of the objective function can be increased or
decreased indefinitely such solutions are called unbounded solution.
9. Feasible region – The region containing all the solutions of an inequality
10. Corner point feasible solution is a solution that lies at the corner of the feasible region.
Example problems
Example 1
Solve 3x + 5y < 15 graphically
Solution
Write the given constraint in the form of equation i.e. 3x + 5y = 15
Put x=0 then the value y=3
Put y=0 then the value x=5
Therefore the coordinates are (0, 3) and (5, 0). Thus these points are joined to form a straight line
as shown in the graph.
Put x=0, y=0 in the given constraint then
0<15, the condition is true. (0, 0) is solution nearer to origin. So shade the region below the line,
which is the feasible region.
Example 2
Solve 3x + 5y >15
Solution
Write the given constraint in the form of equation i.e. 3x + 5y = 15
Put x=0, then y=3
Put y=0, then x=5
So the coordinates are (0, 3) and (5, 0)
Put x =0, y =0 in the given constraint, the condition turns out to be false i.e. 0 > 15 is false.
So the region does not contain (0, 0) as solution. The feasible region lies on the outer part of the
line as shown in the graph.
Example 3
Max Z = 80x1 + 55x2
Subject to
4x1+ 2x2 ≤ 40
2x1 + 4x2 ≤ 32
x1 ≥ 0 , x2 ≥ 0
Solution
The first constraint 4x1+ 2 x2 ≤ 40, written in a form of equation
4x1+ 2 x2 = 40
Put x1 =0, then x2 = 20
Put x2 =0, then x1 = 10
The coordinates are (0, 20) and (10, 0)
The corner points of feasible region are A, B and C. So the coordinates for the corner points are
A (0, 8)
B (8, 4) (Solve the two equations 4x1+ 2 x2 = 40 and 2x1 + 4x2 =32 to get the coordinates)
C (10, 0)
At B (8, 4)
Z = 80(8) + 55(4) = 860
At C (10, 0)
Z = 80(10) + 55(0) = 800
The maximum value is obtained at the point B. Therefore Max Z = 860 and x1 = 8, x2 = 4
Example 4
Minimize Z = 10x1 + 4x2
Subject to
3x1 + 2x2 ≥ 60
7x1 + 2x2 ≥ 84
3x1 +6x2 ≥ 72
x1 ≥ 0 , x2 ≥ 0
Solution
The first constraint 3x1 + 2x2 ≥ 60, written in a form of equation
3x1 + 2x2 = 60
Put x1 =0, then x2 = 30
Put x2 =0, then x1 = 20
The corner points of feasible region are A, B, C and D. So the coordinates for the corner points
are
A (0, 42)
B (6, 21) (Solve the two equations 7x1 + 2x2 = 84 and 3x1 + 2x2 = 60 to get the coordinates)
C (18, 3) Solve the two equations 3x1 +6x2 = 72 and 3x1 + 2x2 = 60 to get the coordinates)
D (24, 0)
At B (6, 21)
Z = 10(6) + 4(21) = 144
At C (18, 3)
Z = 10(18) + 4(3) = 192
At D (24, 0)
Z = 10(24) + 4(0) = 240
The minimum value is obtained at the point B. Therefore Min Z = 144 and x1 = 6, x2 = 21
Example 5
A manufacturer of furniture makes two products – chairs and tables. Processing of this product is
done on two machines A and B. A chair requires 2 hours on machine A and 6 hours on machine
B. A table requires 5 hours on machine A and no time on machine B. There are 16 hours of time
per day available on machine A and 30 hours on machine B. Profit gained by the manufacturer
from a chair and a table is Rs 2 and Rs 10 respectively. What should be the daily production of
each of two products?
Solution
LPP
Max Z = 2x1 + 10x2
Subject to
2x1+ 5x2 ≤ 16
6x1 + 0x2 ≤ 30
x1 ≥ 0 , x2 ≥ 0
Solving graphically
The first constraint 2x1+ 5x2 ≤ 16, written in a form of equation
2x1+ 5x2 = 16
Put x1 = 0, then x2 = 16/5 = 3.2
Put x2 = 0, then x1 = 8
The coordinates are (0, 3.2) and (8, 0)
The second constraint 6x1 + 0x2 ≤ 30, written in a form of equation
6x1 = 30 → x1 =5
The corner points of feasible region are A, B and C. So the coordinates for the corner points are
A (0, 3.2)
B (5, 1.2) (Solve the two equations 2x1+ 5x2 = 16 and x1 =5 to get the coordinates)
C (5, 0)
At B (5, 1.2)
Z = 2(5) + 10(1.2) = 22
At C (5, 0)
Z = 2(5) + 10(0) = 10
Example 1
Solve by using graphical method
Max Z = 4x1 + 3x2
Subject to
4x1+ 3x2 ≤ 24
x1 ≤ 4.5
x2 ≤ 6
x1 ≥ 0 , x2 ≥ 0
Solution
The first constraint 4x1+ 3x2 ≤ 24, written in a form of equation
4x1+ 3x2 = 24
Put x1 =0, then x2 = 8
Put x2 =0, then x1 = 6
The coordinates are (0, 8) and (6, 0)
The corner points of feasible region are A, B, C and D. So the coordinates for the corner points
are
A (0, 6)
B (1.5, 6) (Solve the two equations 4x1+ 3x2 = 24 and x2 = 6 to get the coordinates)
C (4.5, 2) (Solve the two equations 4x1+ 3x2 = 24 and x1 = 4.5 to get the coordinates)
D (4.5, 0)
At B (1.5, 6)
Z = 4(1.5) + 3(6) = 24
At C (4.5, 2)
Z = 4(4.5) + 3(2) = 24
At D (4.5, 0)
Z = 4(4.5) + 3(0) = 18
Max Z = 24, which is achieved at both B and C corner points. It can be achieved not only at B
and C but every point between B and C. Hence the given problem has multiple optimal solutions.
Example 1
Solve graphically
Max Z = 3x1 + 2x2
Subject to
x1+ x2 ≤ 1
x1+ x2 ≥ 3
x1 ≥ 0 , x2 ≥ 0
Solution
The first constraint x1+ x2 ≤ 1, written in a form of equation
x1+ x2 = 1
Put x1 =0, then x2 = 1
Put x2 =0, then x1 = 1
The coordinates are (0, 1) and (1, 0)
x1+ x2 = 3
Put x1 =0, then x2 = 3
Put x2 =0, then x1 = 3
The coordinates are (0, 3) and (3, 0)
There is no common feasible region generated by two constraints together i.e. we cannot identify
even a single point satisfying the constraints. Hence there is no optimal solution.
Example
Solve by graphical method
Max Z = 3x1 + 5x2
Subject to
2x1+ x2 ≥ 7
x1+ x2 ≥ 6
x1+ 3x2 ≥ 9
x1 ≥ 0 , x2 ≥ 0
Solution
The first constraint 2x1+ x2 ≥ 7, written in a form of equation
2x1+ x2 = 7
Put x1 =0, then x2 = 7
Put x2 =0, then x1 = 3.5
The coordinates are (0, 7) and (3.5, 0)
The corner points of feasible region are A, B, C and D. So the coordinates for the corner points
re
A (0, 7)
B (1, 5) (Solve the two equations 2x1+ x2 = 7 and x1+ x2 = 6 to get the coordinates)
C (4.5, 1.5) (Solve the two equations x1+ x2 = 6 and x1+ 3x2 = 9 to get the coordinates)
D (9, 0)
We know that Max Z = 3x1 + 5x2
At A (0, 7)
Z = 3(0) + 5(7) = 35
At B (1, 5)
Z = 3(1) + 5(5) = 28
At C (4.5, 1.5)
Z = 3(4.5) + 5(1.5) = 21
At D (9, 0)
Z = 3(9) + 5(0) = 27
The values of objective function at corner points are 35, 28, 21 and 27. But there exists infinite
number of points in the feasible region which is unbounded. The value of objective function will
be more than the value of these four corner points i.e. the maximum value of the objective
function occurs at a point at ∞. Hence the given problem has unbounded solution.
Introduction
General Linear Programming Problem (GLPP)
Maximize / Minimize Z = c1x1 + c2x2 + c3x3 +……………..+ cnxn
Subject to constraints
a11x1 + a12x2 + …..........+a1nxn (≤ or ≥) b1
a21x1 + a22x2 + ………..+a2nxn (≤ or ≥) b2
.
.
.
am1x1 + am2x2 + ……….+amnxn (≤ or ≥) bm
and
x1 ≥ 0, x2 ≥ 0,…, xn ≥ 0
Where constraints may be in the form of any inequality (≤ or ≥) or even in the form of an
equation (=) and finally satisfy the non-negativity restrictions.
Introduction to Simplex Method
It was developed by G. Danztig in 1947. The simplex method provides an algorithm (a rule of
procedure usually involving repetitive application of a prescribed operation) which is based on
the fundamental theorem of linear programming.
The Simplex algorithm is an iterative procedure for solving LP problems in a finite number of
steps. It consists of
Having a trial basic feasible solution to constraint-equations
Solution
Cj → 3 2 0 0
Basic CB XB X1 X2 S1 S2 Min ratio
Variables XB /Xk
s1 0 4 1 1 1 0
s2 0 2 1 -1 0 1
Z= CB XB Δj
Step 4 – Calculation of Z and Δj and test the basic feasible solution for optimality by the rules
given.
Z= CB XB
= 0 *4 + 0 * 2 = 0
Δj = Zj – Cj
= CB Xj – Cj
Δ1 = CB X1 – Cj = 0 * 1 + 0 * 1 – 3 = -3
Δ2 = CB X2 – Cj = 0 * 1 + 0 * -1 – 2 = -2
Δ3 = CB X3 – Cj = 0 * 1 + 0 * 0 – 0 = 0
Δ4 = CB X4 – Cj = 0 * 0 + 0 * 1 – 0 = 0
Procedure to test the basic feasible solution for optimality by the rules given
Rule 1 – If all Δj ≥ 0, the solution under the test will be optimal. Alternate optimal solution will
exist if any non-basic Δj is also zero.
Rule 2 – If atleast one Δj is negative, the solution is not optimal and then proceeds to improve the
solution in the next step.
Rule 3 – If corresponding to any negative Δj, all elements of the column Xj are negative or zero,
then the solution under test will be unbounded.
In this problem it is observed that Δ1 and Δ2 are negative. Hence proceed to improve this solution
Step 5 – To improve the basic feasible solution, the vector entering the basis matrix and the
vector to be removed from the basis matrix are determined.
Incoming vector
The incoming vector Xk is always selected corresponding to the most negative value of
Δj. It is indicated by (↑).
Outgoing vector
The outgoing vector is selected corresponding to the least positive value of minimum
ratio. It is indicated by (→).
Step 6 – Mark the key element or pivot element by ‘1’‘.The element at the intersection of
outgoing vector and incoming vector is the pivot element.
Cj → 3 2 0 0
s2 0 2 1 -1 0 1 2 / 1 = 2 → outgoing
↑incoming
Z= CB XB = 0 Δ1= -3 Δ2= -2 Δ3=0 Δ4=0
If the number in the marked position is other than unity, divide all the elements of that
row by the key element.
Then subtract appropriate multiples of this new row from the remaining rows, so as to
obtain zeroes in the remaining position of the column Xk.
Step 7 – Now repeat step 4 through step 6 until an optimal solution is obtained.
Solution
SLPP
Cj → 5 3 0 0
Basic CB XB X1 X2 S1 S2 Min ratio
Variables XB /Xk
s1 0 15 3 5 1 0 15 / 3 = 5
s2 0 10 5 2 0 1 10 / 5 = 2 → outgoing
↑incoming
Z= CB XB = 0 Δ1= -5 Δ2= -3 Δ3=0 Δ4=0
(R1=R1– 3R2)
s1 0 9 0 19/5 1 -3/5 9/19/5 = 45/19 →
(R2=R2 /5)
x1 5 2 1 2/5 0 1/5 2/2/5 = 5
↑
Z = 10 Δ1=0 Δ2= -1 Δ3=0 Δ4=1
(R1=R1 / 19/5)
x2 3 45/19 0 1 5/19 -3/19
Since all Δj ≥ 0, optimal basic feasible solution is obtained. Therefore the solution is Max Z =
235/19, x1 = 20/19 and x2 = 45/19
Example 3
Maximize Z = 5x1 + 7x2
Subject to
x1 + x2 ≤ 4
3x1 – 8x2 ≤ 24
10x1 + 7x2 ≤ 35
and x1 ≥ 0, x2 ≥ 0
Solution
SLPP
Maximize Z = 5x1 + 7x2 + 0s1 + 0s2 + 0s3
Subject to
x1 + x2 + s1= 4
3x1 – 8x2 + s2= 24
10x1 + 7x2 + s3= 35
x1 ≥ 0, x2 ≥ 0, s1 ≥ 0, s2 ≥ 0, s3 ≥ 0
Cj → 5 7 0 0 0
Basic CB XB X1 X2 S1 S2 S3 Min ratio
Variables XB /Xk
s1 0 4 1 1 1 0 0 4 /1 = 4→outgoing
s2 0 24 3 -8 0 1 0 –
s3 0 35 10 7 0 0 1 35 / 7 = 5
↑incoming
Z= CB XB = 0 -5 -7 0 0 0 ←Δj
x2 7 4 1 1 1 0 0
(R2 = R2 + 8R1)
s2 0 56 11 0 8 1 0
(R3 = R3 – 7R1)
s3 0 7 3 0 -7 0 1
Z = 28 2 0 7 0 0 ←Δj
Since all Δj ≥ 0, optimal basic feasible solution is obtained
Step 2 – Add non-negative artificial variable to the left side of each of the equations
corresponding to the constraints of the type ‘≥’ or ‘=’.
When artificial variables are added, it causes violation of the corresponding constraints. This
difficulty is removed by introducing a condition which ensures that artificial variables will be
zero in the final solution (provided the solution of the problem exists).
On the other hand, if the problem does not have a solution, at least one of the artificial variables
will appear in the final solution with positive value. This is achieved by assigning a very large
price (per unit penalty) to these variables in the objective function. Such large price will be
designated by –M for maximization problems (+M for minimizing problem), where M > 0.
Step 3 – In the last, use the artificial variables for the starting solution and proceed with the usual
simplex routine until the optimal solution is obtained.
Solution
SLPP
Max Z = -2x1 - x2 + 0s1 + 0s2 - M a1 - M a2
Subject to
3x1 + x2 + a1= 3
4x1 + 3x2 – s1 + a2 = 6
x1 + 2x2 + s2 = 4
x1 , x2 , s1, s2, a1, a2 ≥ 0
Cj → -2 -1 0 0 -M -M
Basic Min ratio
CB XB X1 X2 S1 S2 A1 A2
Variables XB /Xk
a1 -M 3 3 1 0 0 1 0 3 /3 = 1→
a2 -M 6 4 3 -1 0 0 1 6 / 4 =1.5
s2 0 4 1 2 0 1 0 0 4/1=4
↑
Z = -9M 2 – 7M 1 – 4M M 0 0 0 ←Δj
x1 -2 1 1 1/3 0 0 X 0 1/1/3 =3
a2 -M 2 0 5/3 -1 0 X 1 6/5/3 =1.2→
s2 0 3 0 5/3 0 1 X 0 4/5/3=1.8
0 0 X 0 ←Δj
Z = -2 – 2M 0
x1 -2 3/5 1 0 1/5 0 X X
x2 -1 6/5 0 1 -3/5 0 X X
s2 0 1 0 0 1 1 X X
Z = -12/5 0 0 1/5 0 X X
Example 2
Max Z = 3x1 - x2
Subject to
2x1 + x2 ≥ 2
x1 + 3x2 ≤ 3
x2 ≤ 4
and x1 ≥ 0, x2 ≥ 0
Solution
SLPP
Max Z = 3x1 - x2 + 0s1 + 0s2 + 0s3 - M a1
Subject to
2x1 + x2 – s1+ a1= 2
x1 + 3x2 + s2 = 3
x2 + s3 = 4
x1 , x2 , s1, s2, s3, a1 ≥ 0
Cj → 3 -1 0 0 0 -M
Basic Min ratio
CB XB X1 X2 S1 S2 S3 A1
Variables XB /Xk
a1 -M 2 2 1 -1 0 0 1 2 / 2 = 1→
s2 0 3 1 3 0 1 0 0 3/1=3
s3 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 -
↑
Z = -2M -2M-3 -M+1 M 0 0 0 ←Δj
x1 3 1 1 1/2 -1/2 0 0 X -
s2 0 2 0 5/2 1/2 1 0 X 2/1/2 = 4→
s3 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 X -
↑
Z=3 0 5/2 -3/2 0 0 X ←Δj
x1 3 3 1 3 0 1/2 0 X
s1 0 4 0 5 1 2 0 X
s3 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 X
Z=9 0 10 0 3/2 0 X
Since all Δj ≥ 0, optimal basic feasible solution is obtained. Therefore the solution is Max Z = 9,
x1 = 3, x2 = 0
The process of eliminating artificial variables is performed in phase-I of the solution and phase-
II is used to get an optimal solution. Since the solution of LPP is computed in two phases, it is
called as Two-Phase Simplex Method.
Phase I – In this phase, the simplex method is applied to a specially constructed auxiliary linear
programming problem leading to a final simplex table containing a basic feasible solution to
the original problem.
Step 1 – Assign a cost -1 to each artificial variable and a cost 0 to all other variables in
the objective function.
Step 2 – Construct the Auxiliary LPP in which the new objective function Z* is to be
maximized subject to the given set of constraints.
Step 3 – Solve the auxiliary problem by simplex method until either of the following
three possibilities do arise
i. Max Z* < 0 and atleast one artificial vector appear in the optimum basis at
a positive level (Δj ≥ 0). In this case, given problem does not possess any
feasible solution.
ii. Max Z* = 0 and at least one artificial vector appears in the optimum basis
at a zero level. In this case proceed to phase-II.
iii. Max Z* = 0 and no one artificial vector appears in the optimum basis. In
this case also proceed to phase-II.
Phase II – Now assign the actual cost to the variables in the objective function and a zero cost to
every artificial variable that appears in the basis at the zero level. This new objective function is
now maximized by simplex method subject to the given constraints.
Simplex method is applied to the modified simplex table obtained at the end of phase-I, until an
optimum basic feasible solution has been attained. The artificial variables which are non-basic at
the end of phase-I are removed.
Worked Examples
Example 1
Max Z = 3x1 - x2
Subject to
2x1 + x2 ≥ 2
x1 + 3x2 ≤ 2
x2 ≤ 4
and x1 ≥ 0, x2 ≥ 0
Solution
Standard LPP
Max Z = 3x1 - x2
Subject to
2x1 + x2 – s1+ a1= 2
x1 + 3x2 + s2 = 2
x2 + s3 = 4
x1 , x2 , s1, s2, s3,a1 ≥ 0
Auxiliary LPP
Max Z* = 0x1 - 0x2 + 0s1 + 0s2 + 0s3 -1a1
Subject to
2x1 + x2 – s1+ a1= 2
x1 + 3x2 + s2 = 2
x2 + s3 = 4
x1 , x2 , s1, s2, s3,a1 ≥ 0
Phase I
Cj → 0 0 0 0 0 -1
Basic Min ratio
CB XB X1 X2 S1 S2 S3 A1
Variables XB /Xk
a1 -1 2 2 1 -1 0 0 1 1→
s2 0 2 1 3 0 1 0 0 2
s3 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 -
↑
Z* = -2 -2 -1 1 0 0 0 ←Δj
x1 0 1 1 1/2 -1/2 0 0 X
s2 0 1 0 5/2 1/2 1 0 X
s3 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 X
Z* = 0 0 0 0 0 0 X ←Δj
Since all Δj ≥ 0, Max Z* = 0 and no artificial vector appears in the basis, we proceed to phase II.
Phase II
Cj → 3 -1 0 0 0
Basic Min ratio
CB XB X1 X2 S1 S2 S3
Variables XB /Xk
x1 3 1 1 1/2 -1/2 0 0 -
s2 0 1 0 5/2 1/2 1 0 2→
s3 0 4 0 1 0 0 1 -
↑
Z=3 0 5/2 -3/2 0 0 ←Δj
x1 3 2 1 3 0 1 0
s1 0 2 0 5 1 2 0
s3 0 4 0 1 0 0 1
Z=6 0 10 0 3 0 ←Δj
Example 2
Max Z = 5x1 + 8x2
Subject to
3x1 + 2x2 ≥ 3
x1 + 4x2 ≥ 4
x1 + x2 ≤ 5
and x1 ≥ 0, x2 ≥ 0
Solution
Standard LPP
Auxiliary LPP
Max Z* = 0x1 + 0x2 + 0s1 + 0s2 + 0s3 -1a1 -1a2
Subject to
3x1 + 2x2 – s1+ a1 = 3
x1 + 4x2 – s2+ a2 = 4
x1 + x2 + s3 = 5
x1 , x2 , s1, s2, s3, a1, a2 ≥ 0
Phase I
Cj → 0 0 0 0 0 -1 -1
Basic Min ratio
CB XB X1 X2 S1 S2 S3 A1 A2
Variables XB /Xk
a1 -1 3 3 2 -1 0 0 1 0 3/2
a2 -1 4 1 4 0 -1 0 0 1 1→
s3 0 5 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 5
↑
Z* = -7 -4 -6 1 1 0 0 0 ←Δj
Z* = 0 0 0 0 0 0 X X ←Δj
Since all Δj ≥ 0, Max Z* = 0 and no artificial vector appears in the basis, we proceed to phase II.
Phase II
Cj → 5 8 0 0 0
Basic Min ratio
CB XB X1 X2 S1 S2 S3
Variables XB /Xk
x1 5 2/5 1 0 -2/5 1/5 0 2→
x2 8 9/10 0 1 1/10 -3/10 0 -
s3 0 37/10 0 0 3/10 1/10 1 37
↑
Z = 46/5 0 0 -6/5 -7/5 0 ←Δj
s2 0 2 5 0 -2 1 0 -
x2 8 3/2 3/2 1 -1/2 0 0 -
s3 0 7/2 -1/2 0 1/2 0 1 7→
↑
Z = 12 7 0 -4 0 0 ←Δj
s2 0 16 3 0 0 1 2
x2 8 5 1 1 0 0 1/2
s1 0 7 -1 0 1 0 2
Z = 40 3 0 0 0 4
Since all Δj ≥ 0, optimal basic feasible solution is obtained. Therefore the solution is Max Z = 40,
x1 = 0, x2 = 5
on the computer, as it computes and stores only the relevant information needed currently for
esting and / or improving the current solution. i.e. it needs only
The net evaluation row Δj to determine the non-basic variable that enters the basis.
The pivot column
The current basis variables and their values (XB column) to determine the minimum
positive ratio and then identify the basis variable to leave the basis.
The above information is directly obtained from the original equations by making use of the
inverse of the current basis matrix at any iteration.
Column vector corresponding to Z is usually denoted by e1. It is the first column of the basis
matrix B1, which is usually denoted as B1 = [β0(1), β1(1), β2(1) … βn(1)]
Hence the column β0(1), β1(1), β2(1) constitutes the basis matrix B1 (whose inverse B1-1 is also B1)
B1-1
Basic e1 a1 (1) a2 (1)
β1(1) β2(1) XB Xk XB / Xk
variables (Z)
Z 1 0 0 0 -2 -1
s1 0 1 0 6 3 4
s2 0 0 1 3 6 1
Both Δ1 and Δ2 are negative. So find the most negative value and determine the incoming
vector.
Therefore most negative value is Δ1 = -2. This indicates a1 (1) (x1) is incoming vector.
Xk = B1-1 * a1 (1)
Stp 6 – Determine the outgoing vector. We are not supposed to calculate for Z row.
B1-1
Basic e1
variables β1(1) β2(1) XB Xk XB / Xk
(Z)
Z 1 0 0 0 -2 -
s1 0 1 0 6 3 2
s2 0 0 1 3 6 1/2→outgoing
↑
incoming
Column e1 will never change, x1 is incoming so place it outside the rectangular boundary
β1(1) β2(1) XB X1
R1 0 0 0 -2
R2 1 0 6 3
R3 0 1 3 6
Make the pivot element as 1 and the respective column elements to zero.
β1(1) β2(1) XB X1
R1 0 1/3 1 0
R2 1 -1/2 9/2 0
R3 0 1/6 1/2 1
Δ4 = 1 * 0 + 0 * 0 + 1/3 *1 = 1/3
Δ2 = 1 * -1 + 0 * 4 + 1/3 *1 = -2/3
β1(1) β2(1) XB X2
R1 0 1/3 1 -2/3
R2 1 -1/2 9/2 7/2
R3 0 1/6 1/2 1/6
β1(1) β2(1) XB X2
R1 4/21 5/21 13/7 0
R2 2/7 -1/7 9/7 1
R3 -1/21 8/42 2/7 0
B1-1
Basic e1 a4 (1) a3 (1)
β1(1) β2(1) XB Xk XB / Xk
variables (Z)
Z 1 4/21 5/21 13/7 0 0
x2 0 2/7 -1/7 9/7 0 1
x1 0 -1/21 8/42 2/7 1 0
Δ4 and Δ3 are positive. Therefore optimal solution is Max Z = 13/7, x1= 2/7, x2 = 9/7