Linear Programming:

MINIMIZATION
Reporter: Diana Rose Mustacisa
 STEPS TO SOLVE A MINIMIZATION PROBLEM

1. Write the decision variables and the objective function.

2. Write the constraints. For standard minimization, the form is ax + by ≥ c. Since the
variables are non-negative, include the constraints: x ≥ 0; y ≥ 0.
3. Graph the constraints.
4. Shade the feasibility region.
5. Find the corner points.
6. Determine the corner point that gives the minimum value.
WORD PROBLEM STEP 1
Decision Variables:
At a university, the Professor wishes to employ
x = no. of hours per week John is employed
two people, John and Mary, to grade papers for his
y = no. of hours per week Mary is employed
classes. John can grade 20 papers per hour and he
earns $15, while Mary can grade 30 papers per hour
and she earns $25 per hour for it. Each must be
employed at least one hour a week to justify their Objective Function:
employment. Minimize C = 15x + 25y

If the Professor has at least 110 papers to be graded

each week, how many hours per week should he STEP 2
employ each person to minimize the cost? Constraints:
x ≥ 1 and y ≥ 1
20x + 30y ≥ 110
x ≥ 0 and  y ≥ 0
Minimize C = 15x + 25y STEP 3
Subject to:
x ≥ 1 and y ≥ 1

20x + 30y ≥ 110

x ≥ 0 and y ≥ 0

x=1
y=1
20x + 30y = 110
x y

0 3.6

5.5 0
STEP 4

Test points
(0,0):

NO
x ≥ 1 and y ≥ 1 0 ≥ 1 and 0 ≥ 1
20x + 30y ≥ 110 20(0) + 30(0) ≥ 110

(4,6):
x ≥ 1 and y ≥ 1 4 ≥ 1 and 6 ≥ 1
20x + 30y ≥ 110
YES
20(4) + 30(6) ≥ 110
260 ≥ 110
 -20 (x = 1) 20x + 30y = 110 STEP 5
-20x = -20 20x + 30(3) = 110
20x + 30y = 110 20x + 90 = 110
20x = 110-90
30y = 90 20x = 20
y=3 x=1
(1,3)

-30 (y = 1) 20x + 30y = 110

-30y = -30 20(4) + 30y = 110
20x + 30y = 110 80 + 30y = 110
30y = 110-80
20x = 80 30y = 30
x=4 y=1
(4,1)
 STEP 6
Minimize C = 15x + 25y The point (4, 1) gives the least cost, and
that cost is $85. Therefore, we conclude
(1,3) 15x + 25y = C that in order to minimize grading costs, the
15(1) + 25(3) = $90 Professor should employ John 4 hours a
(4,1) 15x + 25y = C week, and Mary 1 hour a week at a cost of
15(4) + 25(1) = $85 $85 per week.
THAT’S ALL FOR MINIMIZATION!