Solving a linear programming problem using the simplex algorithm may give non integer solutions. Such solutions may not be practical, and we must look for integer solutions for each variable. The process of looking for integer solutions is called vertex testing. Suppose we have solved the linear programming problem:
Maximisesubject to the constraints
and
The simplex algorithm returns the solution
These are non integer solutions but we require integer solutions. We must test integer values of and
close to the solution above, to ensure that they satisfy the constraints and return a maximum value of
The points to test are
Point |
|
|
Satisfies constraints? |
Value |
|
2*12+3*3=33 |
4*12+3*3=57 |
yes |
12+3=15 |
|
2*12+3*4=36 |
4*12+3*4=60 |
No |
12+4=16 |
|
2*13+3*3=35 |
4*13+3*3=61 |
No |
13+3=16 |
|
2*13+3*4=38 |
4*13+3*4=64 |
No |
13+4=17 |
The only one of these points which satisfies the constraints isso the solution is
and
and the value of
is 15.