Illustrated Guide to Linear Programming

Entertaining, nontechnical introduction covers basic concepts of linear programming and its relationship to operations research; geometric interpretation and problem solving, solution techniques, network problems, much more. Only high-school algebra needed. "I would not hesitate to recommend the book." - Industrial Engineering Linear programming is an extremely effective problem-solving tool, with applications in business, agriculture, government, manufacturing, transportation, engineering, and many other areas. This very readable book presents an elementary introduction to linear programming in a refreshing, often humorous style. Requiring no math beyond high-school algebra, the book shows how linear programming can help anyone reach the optimum solution for a host of diverse problems. Chapter One introduces the basic concepts of linear programming and discusses its relationship to other mathematical models. Chapter Two discusses the formulation of linear-programming problems, including detailed treatment of problems involving diet, catering, assignment, and activity analysis. Chapter Three briefly introduces solution techniques for linear-programming problems, emphasizing the graphical approach. The final chapter describes and formulates a number of important applications, including network problems, traveling-salesman problems and the relationship between linear programming and the theory of games. Finally, a useful appendix offers precise statements of definitions, theorems and techniques, as well as additional computational procedures. Enlivened with over 70 excellent illustrations, this book represents a very accessible introduction to basic linear programming.