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linear programming

linear programming

1 6.0
A math method to find the best result when rules use only adding and multiplying by numbers
  • noun
  • /ˈlɪniər ˈprɒɡræmɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : programación lineal
  • Linear programming (LP) is one of the most significant mathematical tools used in solving problems of practical importance.
  • linear programming model

But in general linear programming says the variable values are real.

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Examples

  • Linear programming is often used to develop strategic and tactical forecasts.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Ops research and linear programming are two techniques that essentially allow us to make better decisions and optimize systems.

    Blog text (11)
  • We first use a linear programming model.

  • Consider the standard problem of linear programming.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Second, Berger et al. use a linear programming model to solve the equilibrium.

    Academic text (1993)
  • The formulation of the problem as a linear programming model automatically considers each of these scenarios as it uses the shadow price on the demand constraints to determine price.

    Academic text (2001)
  • The optimum is often attained on the boundary of the feasible region (such as in linear programming) - precisely where the model is most likely to be incorrect.

    Academic text (2017)
  • Using linear programming allows companies to efficiently allocate resources and achieve their profit goals.

  • In linear programming, constraints are expressed as linear inequalities to facilitate effective problem-solving.

  • Many organizations use linear programming techniques to optimize complex logistical challenges.

Surface Forms

Morphology

linear + programming

The components 'linear' and 'programming' give learners partial cues: 'linear' points to straight-line/linear relationships and 'programming' suggests planning or algorithmic procedures, so a learner might guess it is a technical mathematical/computational method involving linear things. However, the specific sense of an optimization technique (maximizing or minimizing a linear function under constraints) is specialized and not directly derivable from the everyday sense of 'programming,' so a B1 learner who knows the words but has not seen the term is unlikely to recover the full meaning without exposure.

Etymology

Linear programming comes from the words linear (straight lines) and programming ('planning'). Imagine drawing straight-line limits on a graph and picking the corner that gives the 'best' result. So, the phrase means a method to find the best value while following simple straight-line rules.