Chapter 1 & 2

FORMULATION OF LINEAR PROGRAMMING PROBLEM

INTRODUCTION TO LINEAR PROGRAMMING

Linear Programming is a problem solving approach that has been developed to help managers
to make decisions.
Linear Programming is a mathematical technique for determining the optimum allocation of
resources and obtaining a particular objective when there are alternative uses of the resources,
money, manpower, material, machine and other facilities.

THE NATURE OF LINEAR PROGRAMMING PROBLEM

Two of the most common are:
1. The product-mix problem
2. The blending Problem
In the product- mix problem there are two or more product also called candidates or activities
competing for limited resources. The problem is to find out which products to include in
production plan and in what quantities these should be produced or sold in order to maximize
profit, market share or sales revenue.
The blending problem involves the determination of the best blend of available ingredients to
form a certain quantity of a product under strict specifications. The best blend means the least
cost blend of the required inputs.

FORMULATION OF THE LINEAR PROGRAMMING MODEL

Three components are:
1. The decision variable
2. The environment (uncontrollable) parameters
3. The result (dependent) variable

The Decision Variable

Objective Function

The Constraints

Linear Programming Model is composed of the same components

TERMINOLOGY USED IN LINEAR PROGRAMMING PROBLEM

1. Components of LP Problem: Every LPP is composed of a. Decision Variable, b.
Objective Function, c. Constraints.
2. Optimization: Linear Programming attempts to either maximise or minimize the values of
the objective function.
3. Profit of Cost Coefficient: The coefficient of the variable in the objective function
express the rate at which the value of the objective function increases or decreases by
including in the solution one unit of each of the decision variable.

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4. Constraints: The maximisation (or minimisation) is performed subject to a set of
constraints. Therefore LP can be defined as a constrained optimisation problem. They reflect
the limitations of the resources.
5. Input-Output coefficients: The coefficient of constraint variables are called the Input-
Output Coefficients. They indicate the rate at which a given resource is unitized or depleted.
They appear on the left side of the constraints.
6. Capacities: The capacities or availability of the various resources are given on the right
hand side of the constraints.

THE MATHEMATICAL EXPRESSION OF THE LP MODEL

The general LP Model can be expressed in mathematical terms as shown below:
Let
Oij = Input-Output Coefficient
Cj = Cost (Profit) Coefficient
bi = Capacities (Right Hand Side)
Xj = Decision Variables
Find a vector (x1, x2, x3 ..........xn) that minimise or maximise a linear objective function F(x)
where F(x) = c1x1 + c2x2 + ................+ cnxn
subject to linear constraints
a1x1 + a2x2 + ................+ anxn = b2
a1x1 + a2x2 + ................+ anxn b2
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
.......................................................
am1x1 + am2x2 + ................+ amnxn b2
and non-negativity constraints
x1 0, x2 0, .................., xn 0

FORMULATION OF LPP
STEPS
1. Identify decision variables
2. Write objective function
3. Formulate constraints
EXAMPLE 1. (PRODUCTION ALLOCATION PROBLEM)
A firm produces three products. These products are processed on three different machines.
The time required to manufacture one unit of each of the three products and the daily capacity
of the three machines are given in the table below:
Time per unit (Minutes) Machine Capacity
Machine Product 1 Product 2 Product 3 (minutes/day)
M1 2 3 2 440
M2 4 - 3 470
M3 2 5 - 430

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It is required to determine the daily number of units to be manufactured for each product. The
profit per unit for product 1, 2 and 3 is Rs. 4, Rs.3 and Rs.6 respectively. It is assumed that all
the amounts produced are consumed in the market. Formulate the mathematical (L.P.) model
that will maximise the daily profit.
Formulation of Linear Programming Model
Step 1
From the study of the situation find the key-decision to be made. In the given situation key
decision is to decide the extent of products 1, 2 and 3, as the extents are permitted to vary.
Step 2
Assume symbols for variable quantities noticed in step 1. Let the extents (amounts) of
products 1, 2 and 3 manufactured daily be x1, x2 and x3 units respectively.
Step 3
Express the feasible alternatives mathematically in terms of variable. Feasible alternatives are
those which are physically, economically and financially possible. In the given situation
feasible alternatives are sets of values of x1, x2 and x3 units respectively.
where x1, x2 and x3 .
since negative production has no meaning and is not feasible.
Step 4
Mention the objective function quantitatively and express it as a linear function of variables.
In the present situation, objective is to maximize the profit.
i.e., Z = 4x1+ 3x2 + 6x3
Step 5
Put into words the influencing factors or constraints. These occur generally because of
constraints on availability (resources) or requirements (demands). Express these constraints
also as linear equations/inequalities in terms of variables.
Here, constraints are on the machine capacities and can be mathematically expressed as
2x1+ 3x2 + 2x3
4x1+ 0x2 + 3x3
2x1+ 5x2 + 0x3
EXAMPLE 2: PRODUCT MIX PROBLEM
A factory manufactures two products A and B. To manufacture one unit of A, 1.5 machine
hours and 2.5 labour hours are required. To manufacture product B, 2.5 machine hours and
1.5 labour hours are required. In a month, 300 machine hours and 240 labour hours are
available.
Profit per unit for A is Rs. 50 and for B is Rs. 40. Formulate as LPP.
Solution:
Products Resource/unit
Machine Labour
A 1.5 2.5
B 2.5 1.5
Availability 300 hrs 240 hrs
There will be two constraints. One for machine hours availability and for labour hours
availability.
Decision variables

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 X1 = Number of units of A manufactured per month.
X2 = Number of units of B manufactured per month.
The objective function:
Max Z = 50x1+ 40x2
Subjective Constraints
For machine hours
1.5x1+ 2.5x2
For labour hours
2.5x1+ 1.5x2 0
Non negativity
x1, x2 0
EXAMPLE: 3
A company produces three products A, B, C.
For manufacturing three raw materials P, Q and R are used.
Profit per unit
A - Rs. 5, B - Rs. 3, C - Rs. 4
Resource requirements/unit
Raw Material P Q R
Product
A - 20 50
B 20 30 -
C 30 20 40
Maximum raw material availability:
P - 80 units; Q - 100 units; R - 150 units. Formulate LPP.
Solution:
Decision variables:
x1 = Number of units of A
x2 = Number of units of B
x3 = Number of units of C
Objective Function
Since Profit per unit is given, objective function is maximisation
Max Z = 5x1+ 3x2 + 4x3
Constraints:
For P:
0x1+ 20x2 + 30x3
For Q:
20x1+ 30x2 + 20x3
For R:
50x1+ 0x2 + 40x3
(for B, R is not required)
X1, X2, X3 0
EXAMPLE 4: PORTFOLIO SELECTION (INVESTMENT DECISIONS)
An investor is considering investing in two securities 'A' and 'B'. The risk and return
associated with these securities is different.

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Security 'A' gives a return of 9% and has a risk factor of 5 on a scale of zero to 10. Security
'B' gives return of 15% but has risk factor of 8.
Total amount to be invested is Rs. 5, 00, 000/- Total minimum returns on the investment
should be 12%. Maximum combined risk should not be more than 6. Formulate as LPP.
Solution:
Decision Variables:
X1 = Amount invested in Security A
X2 = Amount invested in Security B
Objective Function:
The objective is to maximise the return on total investment.
Max Z = 0.09 X1 + 0.015 X2 ((% = 0.09, 15% = 0.15)
Constraints:
1. Related to Total Investment:
X1 + X2 = 5, 00, 000
2. Related to Risk:
5X1 + 8X2 = (6 X 5, 00, 000)
5X1 + 8X2 = 30, 00, 000
3. Related to Returns:
0.09X1 + 0.15X2 = (0.12 X 5, 00, 000)
0.09X1 + 0.15X2 = 60, 000
4. Non-negativity
X1, X2
EXAMPLE 5: INSPECTION PROBLEM
A company has two grades of inspectors, I and II to undertake quality control inspection. At
least 1, 500 pieces must be inspected in an 8-hour day. Grade I inspector can check 20 pieces
in an hour with an accuracy of 96%. Grade II inspector checks 14 pieces an hour with an
accuracy of 92%.
Wages of grade I inspector are Rs. 5 per hour while those of grade II inspector are Rs. 4 per
hour. Any error made by an inspector costs Rs. 3 to the company. If there are, in all, 10 grade
I inspectors and 15 grade II inspectors in the company, find the optimal assignment of
inspectors that minimise the daily inspection cost.
Solution:
Let x1 and x2 denote the number of grade I and grade II inspectors that may be assigned the
job of quality control inspection.
The objective is to minimise the daily cost of inspection. Now the company has to incur two
types of costs; wages paid to the inspectors and the cost of their inspection errors. The cost of
grade I inspector/hour is
Rs. (5 + 3 X 0.04 X 20) = Rs. 7.40.
Similarly, cost of grade II inspector/hour is
Rs. (4 + 3 X 0.08 X 14) = Rs. 7.36.
The objective function is
minimise Z = 8(7.40x1 + 7.36x2) = 59.20 x1 + 58.88x2.
Constraints are
on the number of grade I inspectors: x1

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on the number of grade II inspectors: x2
on the number of pieces to be inspected daily: 20 x 8x1 + 14 x 8x2
or 160x1 + 112x2
where, x1, x2
EXAMPLE 6: TRIM LOSS PROBLEM
A manufacturer of cylindrical containers receives tin sheets in widths of 30 cm and 60 cm
respectively. For these containers the sheets are to be cut to three different widths of 15 cm,
21 cm and 27 cm respectively. The number of containers to be manufactured from these three
widths are 400, 200 and 300 respectively. The bottom plates and top covers of the containers
are purchased directly from the market. There is no limit on the lengths of standard tin sheets.
Formulate the LPP for the production schedule that minimises the trim losses.
Solution:
Key decision is to determine how each of the two standard widths of tin sheets be cut to the
require widths so that trim losses are minimum.
From the available widths of 30 cm and 60 cm, several combinations of the three required
widths of 15 cm, 21 cm and 27 cm are possible.
Let xij represent these combinations. Each combination results in certain trim loss.
Constraints can be formulated as follows:
The possible cutting combinations (plans) for both types of sheets are shown in the table
below:
Width i = I (30 cm) i = II (60 cm)
(cm)
X11 X12 X13 X21 X22 X23 X24 X25 X26
15 2 0 0 4 2 2 1 0 0
21 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 0
27 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 2
Trim Loss 0 9 3 0 9 3 3 12 6
(cm)
Thus, the constraints are
2x11 + 4x21 + 2x22 + 2x23 + x24
x12 + x22 + 2x24 + x25
x13 +x23 + x25 + x26
Objective is to maximise the trim losses.
i.e., minimise Z = 9x12 + 3x13 + 9x22 + 3x23 + 3x24 + 12x25 + 6x26
where x11, x12, x13, x21, x22, x23, x24, x25, x26
EXAMPLE 7: MEDIA SELECTION
An advertising agency is planning to launch an ad campaign. Media under consideration are
T.V., Radio & Newspaper. Each medium has different reach potential and different cost.
Minimum 10, 000, 000 households are to be reached through T.V. Expenditure on
newspapers should not be more than Rs. 10, 00, 000. Total advertising budget is Rs. 20
million.
Following data is available:
Medium Cost per Unit Reach per unit
(Rs.) (No. of households)
Television 2, 00, 000 20, 00, 000

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 Radio 80, 000 10, 00, 000
Newspaper 40, 000 2, 00, 000
Solution:
Decision Variables:
x1 = Number of units of T.V. ads,
x2 = Number of units of Radio ads,
x3 = Number of units of Newspaper ads.
Objective function: (Maximise reach)
Max. Z = 20, 00, 000 x1 + 10, 00, 000 x2 + 2, 00, 000x3
Subject to constraints:
20, 00, 000 x1 10, 000, 000 ........ (for T.V.)
40, 000 x3
2, 00, 000x1 + 80, 000x2 + 40, 000x3 20, 000, 000 .......... (Ad. budget)
x1, x2, x3
Simplifying constraints:
for T.V. 2 x1 x1
for Newspaper 4 x3 x3
Ad. Budget
20 x1 + 8 x2 + 4 x3
5 x1 + 2x2 + x3
x1, x2, x3
EXAMPLE 8: DIET PROBLEM
Vitamins B1 and B2 are found in two foods F1 and F2. 1 unit of F1 contains 3 units of B1 and 4
units of B2. 1 unit of F2 contains 5 units of B1 and 3 units of B2 respectively.
Minimum daily prescribed consumption of B1 & B2 is 50 and 60 units respectively. Cost per
unit of F1 & F2 is Rs. 6 & Rs. 3 respectively.
Formulate as LPP.
Solution:
Vitamins Foods Minimum
F1 F2 Consumption
B1 3 5 30
B2 5 7 40
Decision Variables:
x1 = No. of units of P1 per day.
x2 = No. of units of P2 per day.
Objective function:
Min. Z = 100 x1 + 150 x2
Subject to constraints:
3x1+ 5x2 1)
5x1+ 7x2 2)
x1, x2
EXAMPLE 9: BLENDING PROBLEM
A manager at an oil company wants to find optimal mix of two blending processes.
Formulate LPP.

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Data:
Process Input (Crude Oil) Output (Gasoline)
Grade A Grade B X Y
P1 6 4 6 9
P2 5 6 5 5
Profit per operation: Process 1 (P1) = Rs. 4, 000
Process 2 (P2) = Rs. 5, 000
Maximum availability of crude oil: Grade A = 500 units
Grade B = 400 units
Minimum Demand for Gasoline: X = 300 units
Y = 200 units
Solution:
Decision Variables:
x1 = No. of operations of P1
x2 = No. of operations of P2
Objective Function:
Max. Z = 4000 x1 + 5000 x2
Subjective to constraints:
6x1+ 5x2
4x1+ 6x2
6x1+ 5x2
9x1+ 5x2
x1, x2
EXAMPLE 10: FARM PLANNING
A farmer has 200 acres of land. He produces three products X, Y & Z. Average yield per acre
for X, Y & Z is 4000, 6000 and 2000 kg.
Selling price of X, Y & Z is Rs. 2, 1.5 & 4 per kg respectively. Each product needs fertilizers.
Cost of fertilizer is Rs. 1 per kg. Per acre need for fertilizer for X, Y & Z is 200, 200 & 100
kg respectively. Labour requirements for X, Y & Z is 10, 12 & 10 man hours per acre. Cost
of labour is Rs. 40 per man hour. Maximum availability of labour is 20, 000 man hours.
Formulate as LPP to maximise profit.
Solution:
Decision variables:
The production/yield of three products X, Y & Z is given as per acre.
Hence,
x1 = No. of acres allocated to X
x2 = No. of acres allocated to Y
x3 = No. of acres allocated to Z
Objective Function:
Profit = Revenue - Cost
Profit = Revenue - (Fertiliser Cost + Labour Cost)
Product X Y Z
Revenue 2 (4000) x1 1.5 (6000) x2 4 (2000) x3
(-) Less:

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Fertiliser Cost 1 (200) x1 1 (200) x2 1 (100) x3
Labour Cost 40 (10) x1 40 (12) x2 40 (10) x3
Profit 7400 x1 8320 x2 7500 x3
Objective function
Max. = 7400 x1 + 8320 x2 + 7500 x3
Subject to constraints:
x1 + x2 + x3 = 200 (Total Land)
10 x1 + 12 x2 + 10 x3 (Max Man hours)
x1, x2, x3

MERITS OF LPP
1. Helps management to make efficient use of resources.
2. Provides quality in decision making.
3. Excellent tools for adjusting to meet changing demands.
4. Fast determination of the solution if a computer is used.
5. Provides a natural sensitivity analysis.
6. Finds solution to problems with a very large or infinite number of possible solution.

DEMERITS OF LPP
1. Existence of non-linear equation: The primary requirements of Linear Programming is
the objective function and constraint function should be linear. Practically linear relationship
do not exist in all cases.
2. Interaction between variables: LP fails in a situation where non-linearity in the equation
emerge due to joint interaction between some of the activities like total effectiveness.
3. Fractional Value: In LPP fractional values are permitted for the decision variable.
4. Knowledge of Coefficients of the equation: It may not be possible to state all coefficients
in the objective function and constraints with certainty.

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EXERCISES
1. Explain what is meant by decision variables, objective function and constraints in Linear
Programming.
2. Give the mathematical formulation of the linear programming problems.
3. What are the components of LPP? What is the significance of non-negativity restriction?
4. State the limitations of LPP.
5. Give the assumptions and advantages of LPP.
6. An investor wants to identify how much to invest in two funds, one equity and one debt.
Total amount available is Rs. 5, 00, 000. Not more than Rs. 3, 00, 000 should be invested in a
single fund. Returns expected are 30% in equity and 8% in debt. Minimum return on total
investment should be 15%. Formulate as LPP.
7. A company manufactures two products P 1 and P2. Profit per unit for P1 is Rs. 200 and for
P2 is Rs. 300. Three raw materials M1, M2 and M3 are required. One unit of P1 needs 5 units of
M1 and 10 units of M2. One unit of P2 needs 18 units of M2 and 10 units of M3. Availability is
50 units of M1, 90 units of M2 and 50 units of M3. Formulate as LPP.
8. A firm produces two products X and Y. Minimum 50 units of X should be produced. There
is no limit for producing Y. Profit per unit is Rs. 100 for X and Rs. 150 for Y.
Product Resource Requirement Resource Availability
X 20 Machine Hours Machine Hours = 2500
10 Labour Hours Labour Hours = 3000
Y 10 Machine Hours
15 Labour Hours
Formulate as LPP.
9. A patient has been recommended two nutrients N1 and N2 everyday. Minimum intake is
10g for N1 and 15g for N2 everyday.
These nutrients are available in two products P1 and P2. One unit of P1 contains 2g of N1 and
3g of N2. One unit of P2 contains 1g of N1 and 2g of N2. Cost per unit is Rs. 200 for P1 and
Rs. 150 for P2.
Formulate as LPP such that nutrient requirement can be fulfilled at the lowest cost.
10. Two vitamins A and B are to be given as health supplements on daily basis to students.
There are two products Alpha & Beta which contain vitamins A and B. One unit of Alpha
contains 2g of A and 1g of B. One unit of Beta contains 1g of A and 2g of B. Daily
requirements for A and B are atleast 10g each. Cost per unit of Alpha is Rs. 20 and of Beta is
Rs. 30. Formulate as LPP to satisfy the requirements at minimum cost.

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 UNIT 3
LINEAR PROGRAMMING SOLUTION - GRAPHICAL METHOD
INTRODUCTION
There are two methods available to find optimal solution to a Linear Programming Problem.
One is graphical method and the other is simplex method.

Graphical method can be used only for a two variables problem i.e. a problem which involves
two decision variables. The two axes of the graph (X & Y axis) represent the two decision
variables X1 & X2.

METHODOLOGY OF GRAPHICAL METHOD

Step 1: Formulation of LPP (Linear Programming Problem)
Use the given data to formulate the LPP.
Maximisation
Example 1
A company manufactures two products A and B. Both products are processed on two
machines M1 & M2.
M1 M2
A 6 Hrs/Unit 2 Hrs/Unit
B 4 Hrs/Unit 4 Hrs/Unit
Availability 7200 Hrs/month 4000 Hrs/month
Profit per unit for A is Rs. 100 and for B is Rs. 80. Find out the monthly production of A and
B to maximise profit by graphical method.
Formulation of LPP
X1 = No. of units of A/Month
X2 = No. of units of B/Month
Max Z = 100 X1 + 80 X2
Subject to constraints:
6 X1 + 4 X2 7200
2 X1 + 4 X2 4000
X1, X2 0
Step 2: Determination of each axis
Horizontal (X) axis: Product A (X1)
Vertical (Y) axis: Product B (X2)
Step 3: Finding co-ordinates of constraint lines to represent constraint lines on the
graph.
The constraints are presently in the form of inequality ( ). We should convert them into
equality to obtain co-ordinates.
Constraint No. 1: 6 X1 + 4 X2 7200
Converting into equality:
6 X1 + 4 X2 7200
X1 is the intercept on X axis and X2 is the intercept on Y axis.
To find X1, let X2 = 0
6 X1 = 7200

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6 X1 = 7200 X1 = 1200; X2 = 0 (1200, 0)
To find X2, let X1 = 0
4 X2 = 7200 X2 = 1800; X1 = 0 (0, 1800)
Hence the two points which make the constraint line are:
(1200, 0) and (0, 1800)
Note: When we write co-ordinates of any point, we always write (X1, X2). The value of X1 is
written first and then value of X2. Hence, if for a point X1 is 1200 and X2 is zero, then its co-
ordinates will be (1200, 0).
Similarly, for second point, X1 is 0 and X2 is 1800. Hence, its co-ordinates are (0, 1800).
Constraint No. 2:
2 X1 + 4 X2 4000
To find X1, let X2 = 0
2 X1 = 4000 X1 = 2000; X2 = 0 (2000, 0)
To find X2, let X1 = 0
4 X2 4000 X2 = 1000; X1 = 0 (0, 1000)
Each constraint will be represented by a single straight line on the graph. There are two
constraints, hence there will be two straight lines.
The co-ordinates of points are:
1. Constraint No. 1: (1200, 0) and (0, 1800)
2. Constraint No. 2: (2000, 0) and (0, 1000)

Step 4: Representing constraint lines on graph

To mark the points on the graph, we need to select appropriate scale. Which scale to take will
depend on maximum value of X1 & X2 from co-ordinates.
For X1, we have 2 values 1200 and 2000
Max. value for X2 = 2000
For X2, we have 2 values 1800 and 1000
Max. value for X2 = 1800
Assuming that we have a graph paper 20 X 30 cm. We need to accommodate our lines such
that for X-axis, maximum value of 2000 contains in 20 cm.
Scale 1 cm = 200 units
2000 units = 10 cm (X-axis)
1800 units = 9 cm (Y-axis)
The scale should be such that the diagram should not be too small.
Constraint No. 1:
The line joining the two points (1200, 0) and (0, 1800) represents the constraint
6 X1 + 4 X2 7200.

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Fig 1.
(0, 1800) 6 X1 + 4 X2 7200.

(1200, 0)
Every point on the line will satisfy the equation (equality) 6 X1 + 4 X2 7200.
Every point below the line will satisfy the inequality (less than) 6 X1 + 4 X2 7200.

Constraint No. 2:
The line joining the two points (2000, 0) and (0, 1000) represents the constraint
2 X1 + 4 X2 4000
Every point on the line will satisfy the equation (equality) 2 X 1 + 4 X2 4000.
Every point below the line will satisfy the inequality (less than) 2 X1 + 4 X2 4000.

Fig 2

(0, 1000)

2 X1 + 4 X2 4000.

(2000, 0)

Now the final graph will look like this:

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 (0, 1800) Fig. 3

(0, 1000) 6 X1 + 4 X2 7200 Feasible region: OABC

2 X1 + 4 X2 4000.

(1200, 0) (2000, 0)

Step 5: Identification of Feasible Region

The feasible region is the region bounded by constraint lines. All points inside the feasible
region or on the boundary of the feasible region or at the corner of the feasible region satisfy
all constraints.
Both the constraints are 'less than or equal to' ( ) type. Hence, the feasible region should be
inside both constraint lines.
Hence, the feasible region is the polygon OABC. 'O' is the origin whose coordinates are (0,
0). O, A, B and C are called vertices of the feasible region.

Fig 3 Scale 1 cm = 200 units

(0, 1800)

(0, 1000) A 6 X1 + 4 X2 7200

2 X1 + 4 X2 4000

O (1200, 0) C (2000, 0)
Step 6: Finding the optimal Solution
The optimal solution always lies at one of the vertices or corners of the feasible region.
To find optimal solution:
We use corner point method. We find coordinates (X1, X2 Values) for each vertex or corner
point. From this we fine 'Z' value for each corner point.
Vertex Co-ordinates Z = 100 X1 + 80 X2
O X1 = 0, X2 = 0 Z=0
From Graph
A X1 = 0, X2 = 1000 Z = Rs. 80, 000
From Graph

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B X1 = 800, X2 = 600 Z = Rs. 1, 28, 000
From Simultaneous equations
C X1 = 1200, X2 = 0 Z = Rs. 1, 20, 000
From Graph
Max. Z = Rs. 1, 28, 000 (At point B)
For B B is at the intersection of two constraint lines 6 X1 + 4 X2 7200 and 2 X1 + 4
X2 4000. Hence, values of X1 and X2 at B must satisfy both the equations.
We have two equations and two unknowns, X1 and X2. Solving simultaneously.
6 X1 + 4 X2 7200 (1)
2 X1 + 4 X2 4000 (2)
4 X1 = 3200 Subtracting (2) from (1)
X1 = 800
Substituting value of X1 in equation (1), we get
4 X2 = 2400 X2 = 600
Solution
Optimal Profit = Max Z = Rs. 1, 28, 000
Product Mix:
X1 = No. of units of A / Month = 800
X2 = No. of units of A / Month = 600
ISO Profit line:
ISO profit line is the line which passes through the points of optimal solution (Maximum
Profit). The slope of the iso-profit line depends on the objective function.
In the above example, the objective function is:
Max. Z = 100 X1 + 80 X2
How to find slope of iso-profit line:
Equation of a straight line: y = mx + c
where, m = slope of the straight line
In our case, y means ' X2' and x means ' X1'.
c means 'Z'.
X2 = m . X1 + Z
Converting original objective function in this format:
Max. Z = 100 X1 + 80 X2
80 X2 = Z - 100 X1 = - 100 X1 + Z
X2 = X1 +
X2 = X1 +
Slope of ISO profit line =
Negative sign indicates that the line will slope from left to right downwards. And slope will
be 5/4. Every 4 units on X-axis for 5 units on Y-axis.

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 Slope of ISO - profit line

S Direction away from Origin for Profit

Maximisation

As we start from the origin and go away from origin to maximise profit, 'B' is the last point
on the feasible region that is intersected by the iso-profit line. Hence, B is the optimal
solution.
MINIMISATION
Example 2
A firm is engaged in animal breeding. The animals are to be given nutrition supplements
everyday. There are two products A and B which contain the three required nutrients.
Nutrients Quantity/unit Minimum Requirement
A B
1 72 12 216
2 6 24 72
3 40 20 200
Product cost per unit are: A: rs. 40; B: Rs. 80. Find out quantity of product A & B to be given
to provide minimum nutritional requirement.
Step 1: Formulation as LPP
X1 - Number of units of A
X2 - Number of units of B
Z - Total Cost
Min. Z = 40 X1 + 80 X2
Subject to constraints:
72 X1 + 12 X2 216
6 X1 + 24 X2 72
40 X1 + 20 X2 200
X1, X2 0.
Step 2: Determination of each axis
Horizontal (X) axis: Product A (X1)
Vertical (Y) axis: Product B (X2)
Step 3: Finding co-ordinates of constraint lines to represent the graph
All constraints are 'greater than or equal to' type. We should convert them into equality:
1. Constraint No. 1: 72 X1 + 12 X2 216
Converting into equality

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72 X1 + 12 X2 216
To find X1, let X2 = 0
72 X1 = 216 X1 = 3, X2 = 0 (3, 0)
To find X2, let X1 = 0
12 X2 216 X1 = 0, X2 = 18 (0, 18)
2. Constraint No. 2:
6 X1 + 24 X2 72
To find X1, let X2 = 0
6 X1 = 72 X1 = 12, X2 = 0 (12, 0)
To find X2, let X1 = 0
24 X2 = 72 X1 = 0, X2 = 3 (0, 3)
3. Constraint No. 3:
40 X1 + 20 X2 200
To find X1, let X2 = 0
40 X1 = 200 X1 = 5, X2 = 0 (5, 0)
To find X2, let X1 = 0
20 X2 200 X1 = 0, X2 = 10 (0, 10)
The co-ordinates of points are:
1. Constraint No. 1: (3, 0) & (0, 18)
2. Constraint No. 2: (12, 0) & (0, 3)
3. Constraint No. 3: (5, 0) & (0, 5)
Every point on the line will satisfy the equation (equality) 72 X1 + 12 X2 216.
Every point above the line will satisfy the inequality (greater than) 72 X1 + 12 X2 216.
Similarly, we can draw lines for other two constraints.
Step 5: Feasible Region

(0, 18) A 72 X1 + 12 X2 216 Feasible Region

40 X1 + 20 X2 200
(0, 10)

B
6 X1 + 24 X2 72

(0, 3) C

D
(3, 0) (5, 0) (10, 0)
All constraints are greater than or equal to ( ) type. Hence, feasible region should be above
(to the right of) all constraints.
The vertices of the feasible region are A, B, C & D.

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Step 6: Finding the optimal solution
Corner Point Method
Vertex Co-ordinates Z = 40 X1 + 80 X2
A X1 = 0, X2 = 18 Z = 1, 440
From Graph
B X1 = 2, X2 = 6 Z = 560
From Simultaneous Equations
C X1 = 4, X2 = 2 Z = 320
From Simultaneous Equations
D X1 = 12, X2 = 0 Z = 480
From graph
Min. Z = Rs. 320 (At point 'C')
For B - Point B is at intersection of constraint lines '72 X1 + 12 X2 216' and '40 X1 + 20 X2
200'. Hence, point B should satisfy both the equations.
72 X1 + 12 X2 216 (1)
40 X1 + 20 X2 = 200 (2)
360 X1 + 60 X2 = 1080 (1) x 5
120 X1 + 60 X2 = 600 (2) x 3
240 X1 = 480
X1 = 2
Substituting value of X1 in equation (1), we get:
12 X2 216 - 144 = 72
X2 6
For C - Point C is at intersection of constraint lines '6 X1 + 24 X2 72' and '40 X1 + 20 X2 =
200'. Hence, point C should satisfy both the equations.
6 X1 + 24 X2 72 (1)
40 X1 + 20 X2 = 200 (2)
30 X1 + 120 X2 = 360 (1) x 5
240 X1 + 120 X2 = 1200 (2) x 6
210 X1 = 840
X1 = 4
Substituting value of X1 in equation (1), we get
24 X2 72 - 24 = 48
X2 2
Solution
Optimal Cost = Z min = Rs. 320
Optimal Product Mix:
X1 = No. of units of product A = 4
X2 = No. of units of product B = 2
ISO Cost Line
ISO Cost line passes through the point of optimal solution (Minimum cost)
Objective function: Z = 40 X1 + 80 X2
Equation of straight line: y = mx + c
where m = slope

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In this case, y is X2 & x is X1
Z = 40 X1 + 80 X2
80 X2 = - 40 X1 + Z
X2 = -1/2x1 + Z/80
Slope of ISO-cost line = -1/2
Sloping from left to right downwards

Slope of ISO-cost line

Direction for minimisation

Point C is the nearest to the origin.

MAXIMISATION-MIXED CONSTRAINTS
Example 1
A firm makes two products P1 & P2 and has production capacity of 18 tonnes per day. P 1 &
P2 require same production capacity. The firm must supply at least 4 t of P 1 & 6 t of P2 per
day. Each tonne of P1 & P2 requires 60 hours of machine work each. Maximum machine
hours available are 720. Profit per tonne for P1 is Rs. 160 & P2 is Rs. 240. Find optimal
solution by graphical method.
LPP Formulation
X1 = Tonnes of P1 / Day
X2 = Tonnes of P2 / Day
Max. Z = 160 X1 + 240 X2
Subject to constraints
X1 4
X2 6
X1 + X2 18
60 X1 + 60 X2 720
X1, X2 0
Coordinates for constraint lines:
1. X1 4 (4, 0) .... No value for X2, X2 = 0
2. X2 6 (0, 6) .... No value for X1, X1 = 0
3. X1 + X2 18 (18, 0) (0, 18)
4. 60 X1 + 60 X2 720 (12, 0) (0, 12)
If X1 = 0, 60 X2 = 720 X2 = 12 (0, 12)

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If X2 = 0, 60 X1 = 720 X1 = 12 ( 12, 0)
Graph: X1: X Axis
X2: Y Axis
Scale:
Maximum value for X1 = 18; Maximum value for X2 = 18; Scale: 1 cm = 2 Tonnes.

(0, 18) X1 4

X1 + X2 18
(0, 12)

60 X1 + 60 X2 720
A
(0, 6) B C X2 6

(0, 0) (4, 0) (12, 0) (18, 0)

Two constraints are 'greater than or equal to' type. Hence, feasible region will be above or to
the right of these constraint lines. Two constraints are 'less than or equal to' type. Hence,
feasible region will be below or to the left of these constraint lines. Hence, feasible region is
ABC.
Optimal Solution
Corner Point Method
Vertex Coordinates Z = 160 X1 + 240 X2
A X1 = 4, X2 = 8 Z = Rs. 2, 560
Simultaneous Equation
B X1 = 4, X2 = 6 Z = Rs. 2, 080
From Graph
C X1 = 6, X2 = 6 Z = Rs. 2, 400
Simultaneous Equations
For A X1 = 4 from graph
A is on the line 60 X1 + 60 X2 = 720
60 X2 = 720 - 60 (4) = 480 X2 = 8
For C X2 = 6 from graph
A is on the line 60 X1 + 60 X2 = 720
60 X1 = 720 - 60 (6) = 360 X1 = 6
Z = Rs. 2, 560 (At point 'A')
Solution
Optimal Profit Z. Max = Rs. 2, 560
X1 = Tonnes of P1 = 4 tonnes
X2 = Tonnes of P2 = 8 tonnes.

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MINIMISATION MIXED CONSTRAINTS
Example 1:
A firm produces two products P and Q. Daily production upper limit is 600 units for total
production. But at least 300 total units must be produced every day. Machine hours
consumption per unit is 6 for P and 2 for Q. At least 1200 machine hours must be used daily.
Manufacturing costs per unit are Rs. 50 for P and Rs. 20 for Q. Find optimal solution for the
LPP graphically.
LPP formulation
X1 = No. of Units of P / Day
X2 = No. of Units of Q / Day
Min. Z = 50 X1 + 20 X2
Subject to constraints
X1 + X2 600
X1 + X2 300
6 X1 + 2 X2 1200
X1, X2 0
Coordinates for Constraint lines
1. X1 + X2 = 600
If X1 = 0, X2 = 600 (0, 600)
If X2 = 0, 60 X1 = 600 (600, 0)
2. X1 + X2 = 300
If X1 = 0, X2 = 300 (0, 300)
If X2 = 0, 60 X1 = 300 (300, 0)
3. 6 X1 + 2 X2 1200
If X1 = 0, 2X2 = 1200 X2 = 600 (0, 600)
If X2 = 0, 6 X1 = 1200 X1 = 200 (200, 0)
Graph: X1: X Axis
X2: Y Axis
Scale:
Maximum value for X1 = 600; Maximum value for X2 = 600; Scale: 1 cm = 50 units.
Feasible region is ABCD.

(0, 600) A

X1 + X2 = 600

(0, 300) X1 + X2 = 300

6 X1 + 2 X2 1200 B
C D
(0, 0) (200, 0) (300, 0) (600, 0)

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Two constraints are 'greater than or equal to' type. Hence, feasible region will be above or to
the right of these constraint lines. Two constraints are 'less than or equal to' type. Hence,
feasible region will be below or to the left of these constraint lines. Hence, feasible region is
ABCD.
Optimal Solution
Corner Point Method
Vertex Coordinates Z = 160 X1 + 240 X2
A X1 = 0, X2 = 600 Z = Rs. 12, 000
From Graph
B X1 = 150, X2 = 150 Z = Rs. 10, 500
Simultaneous Equations
C X1 = 300, X2 = 0 Z = Rs. 15, 000
From Graph
D X1 = 600, X2 = 0 Z = Rs. 30, 000
From Graph
Min. Z = Rs. 10, 500
For B - B is at intersection of two constraint lines '6 X1 + 2 X2 1200' and ' X1 + X2 = 300'.
6 X1 + 2 X2 1200 (1)
X1 + X2 = 300 (2)
2X1 + 2X2 = 600 (2) X 2
2X1 = 600
X1 = 150
Substituting value in Equation (2), X2 = 150.
Solution
Optimal Cost = Rs. 10, 500/-
X1 = No. of Units of P = 150
X2 = No. of Units of P = 150.

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EXERCISES
1. What is meant by feasible region in graphical method.
2. What is meant by 'iso-profit' and 'iso-cost line' in graphical solution.
3. Mr. A. P. Ravi wants to invest Rs. 1, 00, 000 in two companies 'A' and 'B' so as not to
exceed Rs. 75, 000 in either of the company. The company 'A' assures average return of 10%
in whereas the average return for company 'B' is 20%. The risk factor rating of company 'A' is
4 on 0 to 10 scale whereas the risk factor rating for 'B' is 9 on similar scale. As Mr. Ravi
wants to maximise his returns, he will not accept an average rate of return below 12% risk or
a risk factor above 6.
Formulate this as LPP and solve it graphically.
4. Solve the following LPP graphically and interpret the result.
Max. Z = 8X1 + 16 X2
Subject to:
X1 + X2 200
X2 125
3X1 + 6X2 900
X1, X2 0
5. A furniture manufacturer makes two products - tables and chairs.
Processing of these products is done on two types of machines A and B. A chair requires 2
hours on machine type A and 6 hours on machine type B. A table requires 5 hours on
machine type A and no time on Machine type B. There are 16 hours/day available on
machine type A and 30 hours/day on machine type B. Profits gained by the manufacturer
from a chair and a table are Rs. 2 and Rs. 10 respectively. What should be the daily
production of each of the two products? Use graphical method of LPP to find the solution.

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