simplex algorithm

1 8.6

A way to find the best solution of linear programming problems by checking corner points

noun
/ˈsɪmplɛks ˈælɡərɪðəm/

Specialized

: algoritmo simplex

Learning how the simplex algorithm works is critical for students studying linear programming.

Examples

The simplex algorithm is widely used in operations research.
The simplex algorithm is widely used in operations research to solve large-scale optimization problems.
After setting up the constraints, she implemented the simplex algorithm to find the maximum profit.
Can you explain how the simplex algorithm works?
The simplex algorithm is widely used in operations research to optimize resource allocation in production.
To solve this linear programming problem, we must implement the simplex algorithm to find the best solution.
Using the simplex algorithm, the team successfully minimized costs while maximizing efficiency.

Synonyms

simplex method

vssimplex algorithm

Specialized

8.1

A way to find the best solution for problems with many rules by moving between allowed choices

is the same procedure but labeled with an alternative technical term

Surface Forms

simplex algorithm singular

simplex algorithms plural

Morphology

simplex + algorithm

The phrase literally combines 'simplex' (a geometric/simplex object) and 'algorithm' (a procedure), so a learner who knows both words can infer it is a mathematical procedure involving simplexes. However, the specific sense—an algorithm for solving linear programming by moving between feasible vertices—is specialized and not predictable from the constituents alone, so domain knowledge is required.

Etymology

Simplex algorithm comes from the geometric word simplex, a simple shape with corners like a triangle or a small pyramid. The method moves from corner to corner of that shape until it finds the 'best' value, so it means a step-by-step way to find the 'best' solution in linear problems.