The Basics of Practical Optimization

by Levy, Adam B.

• ISBN13: 9780898716795
• ISBN10: 0898716799
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-06-10
• Publisher: SOCIETY FOR INDUSTRIAL & APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Summary

This textbook provides undergraduate students with an introduction to optimization and its uses for relevant and realistic problems. The only prerequisite for readers is a basic understanding of multivariable calculus because additional material, such as explanations of matrix tools, are provided in a series of asides both throughout the text at relevant points and in a handy appendix. The Basics of Practical Optimization presents step-by-step solutions for five prototypical examples that fit the general optimization model, along with instruction on using numerical methods to solve models and making informed use of the results. It also includes information on how to optimize while adjusting the method to accommodate various practical concerns; three fundamentally different approaches to optimizing functions under constraints; and ways to handle the special case when the variables are integers. The author provides four levels of learn-by-doing activities through the book.

Author Biography

Adam Levy is Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics at Bowdoin College.

Table of Contents

List of figures

List of tables

Preface

Modeling

Impractical optimization

Basic practical optimization

Some practical modifications

How methods are ranked

Constraints

More practical modifications

Integer variables

Other methods

Appendix of asides

Bibliography

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.