# Optimization Definition and 62 Discussions

Mathematical optimization (alternatively spelled optimisation) or mathematical programming is the selection of a best element, with regard to some criterion, from some set of available alternatives. Optimization problems of sorts arise in all quantitative disciplines from computer science and engineering to operations research and economics, and the development of solution methods has been of interest in mathematics for centuries.In the simplest case, an optimization problem consists of maximizing or minimizing a real function by systematically choosing input values from within an allowed set and computing the value of the function. The generalization of optimization theory and techniques to other formulations constitutes a large area of applied mathematics. More generally, optimization includes finding "best available" values of some objective function given a defined domain (or input), including a variety of different types of objective functions and different types of domains.

View More On Wikipedia.org
1. ### How to find the positive maximum value of a function

This is the code that i wrote Clear["Global`*"] Z = 500; W = 100000; G = 250; H = 100; K = 0.5; T = 30; L = 4000; P = 5; S = 2.5; Y = 1; A = 0.1; V = 2.5; J = 8000; f[x_] := 1/ x {(J*Z*x*(2*Y - x))/( 2*Y) - ((W + T*G) + ((L + T*P)*2*Z*Y*(1 - ((Y - x)/Y)^1.5))/ 3 + (H + T*S +...
2. ### Stationary points classification using definiteness of the Lagrangian

Hello, I am using the Lagrange multipliers method to find the extremums of ##f(x,y)## subjected to the constraint ##g(x,y)##, an ellipse. So far, I have successfully identified several triplets ##(x^∗,y^∗,λ^∗)## such that each triplet is a stationary point for the Lagrangian: ##\nabla...
3. ### Convex Optimization: Dual Function Definition

Hi, I was working through the following problem and I am getting confused with the solution's definition of the dual. Problem: Given the optimization problem: minimize ## x^2 + 1 ## s.t. ## (x - 2) (x - 4) \leq 0 ## Attempt: I can define the Lagrangian as: L(x, \lambda) = (x^2 + 1) + \lambda...
4. ### I What Exactly is Step Size in Gradient Descent Method?

Gradient descent is numerical optimization method for finding local/global minimum of function. It is given by following formula: $$x_{n+1} = x_n - \alpha \nabla f(x_n)$$ There is countless content on internet about this method use in machine learning. However, there is one thing I don't...
5. ### I Help with rewriting a compound inequality

See attached screenshot. Stumped on this, I'll take anything at this point (hints, solution, etc).
6. ### How to prove that the shortest distance between two points is a line?

I tried using hamilton method but i don't think that's correct
7. ### A Proof of Theorem (local maxima and global maxima coincide for concave functions)

Consider the following theorem: Theorem: Let ##f## be a concave differentiable function and let ##g## be a concave function. Then: ##y \in argmax_{x} {f(x)+g(x)}## if and only if ##y \in argmax_{x} {f(y)+f'(y)(x-y)+g(x)}.## The intuition is that local maxima and global maxima coincide for...
8. ### I Fitting Data to Grafted Distribution

I have a set of data (representing the strength distribution of samples), and I would like to fit a normal-Weibull grafted distribution. To the left of a specified graft point, the distribution is Weibull, and to the right it's normal. At the graft point, the value and the first derivative are...
9. ### Quantum computing & chill

A thing doing its own thingy thing could compute faster than a computer can compute.
10. ### Optimization problem (Max area of a combined semi circle and a square)

A figure is made from a semi circle and square. With the following dimensions, width = w, and length = l. Find the maximum area when the combined perimiter is 8 meter. I first try to construct the a function for the perimeter. 2*l + w + 22/7*w/2 = 8 - > l = 4 - (9*w)/7 Next I insert this...
11. ### Can someone recommend an algorithm to optimize this data

I have a data set of samples, and I made up some variables that filter out unwanted samples from the data set. Say each sample has values ##\vec{x}=x_1, x_2,..., x_n##, and I know the values of ##\vec{x}## for each sample. Also, if I sum up all of the samples, I get a value, ##Z##, which tells...
12. ### Moving a particle from point A to B on a efficient way in GAMS

Hello everyone. I am triyng to calculate the route which takes less time to go from point A to point B in the presence of a constant flow (I. E. a simple version of Zermelo's navigation problem) using the GAMS software. However, if I put both points on a straight line and make the constant flow...
13. ### I Finding the max angle of a longboard deck before the wheels slip

Hi, I'm making an electric longboard and trying to write an app for my phone to function as the remote. I've got a bunch of fancy Star-Trek-esque indicators on it, one of which is the pitch and roll of the deck. All the indicators have "danger zones" and turn red when they hit them, and for this...
14. ### A Combinatorial optimization problem

Hi, I have the following optimization problem. I have a list of tasks that I should be able to perform with my tools. Each tool costs a certain amount of money, and may be used to carry out a finite number of tasks. The goal is to choose an optimal set of tools in such a way that the toolset can...
15. ### Issue With Optimization Problem

Homework Statement Homework Equations I have yet to figure out any relevant equations, but I do believe that the constraint equation for the optimization problem is the y=64-x^6 listed above. The Attempt at a Solution I am currently trying to figure out methods to begin my optimization...
16. ### Trebuchet Throwing Arm Optimization

Summary: Some help would be greatly appreciated for finding the ideal taper and x/y dimensions of a trebuchet throwing arm to optimize strength and minimize the moment of inertia. Long Version: I am a high school junior currently in the process of working on an ambitious project to build a 21...
17. ### A Pontryagin minimum principle with control constraints

Hi, I am trying to solve a control problem where I have to minimize the fuel consumption of a vehicle: $$J=\int_{0}^{T} L(x(t), u(t),t) + g(x(T),T)dt$$ ##L(u(t),v(t))=\sum\limits_{i,j=0}^{2} K_{i,j} u(t)^i v(t)^j ## is convex (quadratic) and the term ##g(x(T),T)## is to have a constraint in the...
18. ### Creating system of equations from word problem optimization

I have this word problem, and was wondering how I would go about creating a system of equations. Here is the question: Problem: You are a small forest landowner, and decide you want to sustainably harvest some of timber on your property. There are costs related to the infrastructure needed to...
19. ### Trajectory with minimum acceleration

Currently design of turbomachinery (impellers/turbines) is more a form of art than an engineering process. One has to guess a bunch of parameters and check if they are right in much later stages of design. I was thinking about designing the other way: we know the initial and the final velocity...
20. M

### A Summing simple histograms to recreate a more complex one

I wouldn't be surprised if I've posted in the wrong section because in fact the reason for posting is to get help naming this problem. That being the first step to knowing where to look for a solution. Newbie to the forum so open to advice. The problem: I have a complex histogram and a...
21. ### Comp Sci Algorithm Optimization [Python]

Homework Statement Given a list of integers and a single sum value, return the first two values (parse from the left please) in order of appearance that add up to form the sum. sum_pairs([11, 3, 7, 5], 10) # ^--^ 3 + 7 = 10 == [3, 7] sum_pairs([4, 3, 2, 3, 4]...
22. ### Counterexamples to my claim?

I'm trying to solve a problem that amounts to: Given b0, ..., bn-1 where1 <= bi, find the max of |a0 - a1| + |a1 - a2| + ... + |an-2 - an-1| where 1 <= ai <= bi. I'm 100% confident that each ai is either 1 or bi. I'm 90% confident that the elements a0, ..., an-1 are either 1, b0, 1, b1...
23. ### Producing a Family of 0,1 Knapsack Sets

Dear Physics Forum friends, I am currently stuck with the following question about the integer optimization: "Produce a family of 0,1 knapsack sets (having an increasing number n of variables) whose associated family of minimal covers grows exponentially with n." My thought is that I need to...
24. ### Multi-criteria optimization. How to solve it?

http://tinypic.com/r/1570ojk/9 Please see the image. I don't understand how to solve such a problem. It has three criteria. Any hints or guide would be appreciated or even a solution. This is actually just an example from the book, but the book doesn't even solve the question, so I don't even...
25. ### Sparsity of Support vector machines over an RKHS

Im trying to solve the following problem from the book 'Learning with kernels', and would really appreciate a little help. Background information - Let $\{(x_{1},y_{1}),...,(x_{N},y_{N})\}$ be a dataset, L a Loss function and $H(k)$ a reproducing kernel Hilbert space with kernel $k$. The...
26. ### How to use nlm function in R

I try to find out how to minimize functions i R by using nlm function: > f<-function(x,y){x^2+y^2+10-5*x-y} > nlm(f,0.1,0.1) That only gives me an estimate for x. How would write the code to get x and y?
27. ### Is there a worked-out example of L-BFGS / L-BFGS-B?

I have seen the implementation of L-BFGS-B by authors in Fortran and ports in several languages. I am trying to implement the algorithm on my own. I am having difficulty grasping a few steps. Is there a worked out example using L-BFGS or L-BFGS-B ? Something similar to...
28. ### Optimization Problem with an RC BP filter

I am assigned to design a circuit that peaks voltage at 10kHz and is less than half peak voltage at 3k and 30k. Only capacitors and resistors are allowed. The circuit I'm using is attached. I end up with ##I_0 = [\frac{-R_2\omega^2C_1C_2 + [C_1+C_2]R_1R_2\omega^3C_1C_2 - R_1\omega^2[C_1+C_2]^2...
29. ### A Gaussian 09 Output file_DFT Calcuation

Hi, I am trying to understand the functional form of B3LYP from the Gaussian output file. I have tried to relate the details in the output file with the functional form of B3LYP. But I am not sure what certain terms correspond to. I have mentioned below the details. Can you pleaese help me. In...
30. ### A Can this optimization problem be solved?

Hello, I am working on an optimization problem but I am not sure if the problem can be formulated and solved with conventional solvers. Assume the minimization problem for a set of elements ##\mathcal{N} =\{ 1,\dots, h, \dots, i,\dots, N \}##  \mathrm{minimize}\quad C = \sum_{i=1}^{N}...
31. ### Question about CMA-ES step size sigma

Hi everyone, I am new here. I am working in geophysics and I would like to invert for a simple layered velocity model using CMA-ES optimization method. I downloaded the purecmaes.m code in Matlab here: https://www.lri.fr/~hansen/cmaes_inmatlab.html, and also implemented one in Fortran 90. I...
32. ### Solenoid Optimization

First time posting here so excuse me if I don't know the rules so well. I figured this would be the best place to post this question. I'm trying to optimize the force produced by a solenoid that is no bigger than 15mm in diameter (D). My goal is to get just the right balance of number of wire...

36. ### A What is the closed-form solution using ALS algorithm to optimize

C \in \mathbb{R}^{m \times n}, X \in \mathbb{R}^{m \times n}, W \in \mathbb{R}^{m \times k}, H \in \mathbb{R}^{n \times k}, S \in \mathbb{R}^{m \times m}, P \in \mathbb{R}^{n \times n} ##{S}## and ##{P}## are similarity matrices (symmetric). ##\lambda##, ##\alpha## and ##\beta## are...
37. ### Mathematica Rotation of 3D Plot using Euler angles

So, I'm trying to plot a 3D "dipole" (an arrow with a small torus around it basically) in mathematica, and want to rotate it according to Euler angles... I use this code for the rotation matrix: rot[a, b, g] := RotationMatrix[g, {1, 0, 0}].RotationMatrix[b, {0, 1, 0}].RotationMatrix[a, {0, 0...
38. ### Conversion kW/h to kWh

Hi everyone, I am working on a mathematical optimization model for a fuel cell. Currently I am facing a problem with the ramp-up of the cell. I have a modulation ramp of 4% of the nominal power (58.3 kW) per minute. My constraint in the model has to be in kWh (I have to precise that my...
39. ### ANSYS Maxwell Optimetrics Error Handling

A common problem with optimization of machines is that occasionally, some of the variable combinations will not be geometrically feasible. For example, if magnet angle is being parameterized in an IPMSM, it might be that at some point, the magnet skews so much that it juts out of the rotor...
40. ### The End of the Ski Jump - Optimizing Launch Angle

Homework Statement A ski jumper leaves the ski track moving in the horizontal direction with a speed of 25.0 m/s as shown in Figure 4.14. The landing incline below her falls off with a slope of 35.0°. Where does she land on the incline? I've attached an image of the problem, my work is below...
41. ### Enunciation/notation in utility maximisation model

Hi Everyone. I am working on a model that I think can be defined as a utility optimisation problem but I'm struggling with the enunciation and notation. The model should describe how the utilities of a set of agents A={1,2,...,n} increase with the availability of a larger set of product types...
42. ### Single Phase Transformer Losses -- Hysteresis, Eddy Current Constants

Hi. My colleagues and I are doing a research on transformers (single-phase) and we stumbled across the following equations involving hysteresis and eddy current losses: Wh = ηBmaxxfV where Wh = hysteresis losses η = Steinmetz hysteresis constant Bmax = maximum flux density x = constant...
43. ### Specify function given certain constraints

Let F:V\rightarrow{}\mathbb{R}^{+}_{0} be a differentiable function. V is the set of all positive real-valued 2\times{}2 matrices, so V=\left\{\left[ \begin{array}{cc} a & b \\ c & d \\ \end{array}\right]\mbox{ with }a,b,c,d\in\mathbb{R}^{+}\right\} Here are the two constraints for F...
44. ### Finding the maximum value of a function

Homework Statement Find the extremizing (maximum) value of the function f(x) = sin x / x using Newton's 1D method. Homework Equations [/B] The Attempt at a Solution I know the maximum point in this equation is (0, 1). When I differentiated the equation twice and used the formula above, I...
45. ### Optimization algorithm to apply to my system?

I am at the moment working on a project in which I try to minimize the annual running costs of a chemical manufacturing plant. To predict annual running costs I created a model with over 50 inputs, including things such as the type of chemicals and equipment used at different points in the...
46. ### A Find the minimum without Calculus or Graphing

ƒ(ß)=.5sec(ß) + √[1+(sec2(ß)/4)+tan(ß)/√(2)] Without graphing it or using calculus find the minimum. I already know the answer but want to know how to do it. It s at π/12 and is something like 1.5. First off this is NOT a homework problem. I already know the answer is something like 1.5 at π/12...
47. ### Constrained Optimization

Homework Statement There is a typo in the problem, ”R > Σ n i=1 σi − n max 1≤i≤n σi” which should be R > n max (1≤i≤n) σi − (Σ n i=1 σi ) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution Not sure where to go with part B or where to start...
48. ### Minimizing surface area of a shaker

Hi, I have an mathematics assignment to do, and I wonder if the topic I have chosen is doable for me. I want to minimize the surface area of a cobbler cocktail shaker, and until now my plan was to get the curve equation for the side of it, and get the area equation from surface of revolution...
49. ### UCM to Projectile: Optimum Launch Angle/Velocity Dependence?

I ran a simulation on WinPlot (see attached video) on my computer and was a bit surprised to see that the optimal launch angle of a projectile (with NO air drag) leaving uniform circular motion is dependent on the initial tangential velocity (or at least Winplot thinks it does). Can someone...
50. ### Optimization growth rate Question

First post on these forums, thanks all for your help! Homework Statement It is estimated that the growth rate of the fin whale population (per year) is rx(1 - x/K), where r = 0.08 is the intrinsic growth rate, K = 400,000 is the maximum sustainable population, and x is the current population...