Solve LPP with Charnes Big M Method? Wrong Question?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Charnes Big M method to solve a linear programming problem (LPP) where all constraints are of the 'less than or equal to' type. Participants are questioning whether the problem is appropriately framed for the Big M method or if the simplex method should be used instead.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that the LPP should be solved using the simplex method, as there appears to be no need for the Big M method given the constraints.
  • Others suggest that there might be a scenario where a constraint could involve a negative value, which could necessitate the use of the Big M method.
  • One participant notes that the Big M method is typically used for 'greater than or equal to' constraints, which are not present in the given LPP.
  • Another participant emphasizes that since there are no negative resource values, the introduction of artificial variables and the use of the Big M method may not be necessary.
  • Some participants express a need for a definitive answer regarding whether the problem can or cannot be solved by the Big M method, especially since it was specified in a university exam.
  • There is a discussion about the introduction of slack and artificial variables, with some confusion about the necessity of introducing multiple variables for the same constraint.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the LPP can be solved using the Big M method. There are competing views on the appropriateness of the method given the constraints of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the necessity of artificial variables and the implications of the problem's constraints on the choice of solution method. The discussion highlights the complexity of applying different linear programming methods based on the specific characteristics of the problem.

Suvadip
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In a LPP all the constraints are given as 'less than equal to' type. But it was asked to solve the LPP by Charnes Big M method. Is the question wrong?

According to me, we have to apply simplex method to solve it. There is no scope tp introduce M.
 
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suvadip said:
In a LPP all the constraints are given as 'less than equal to' type. But it was asked to solve the LPP by Charnes Big M method. Is the question wrong?

According to me, we have to apply simplex method to solve it. There is no scope tp introduce M.

Is there maybe a constraint, where b is negative? I mean for example $ -4x_1+2x_2 \leq -4$ ?
 
suvadip said:
In a LPP all the constraints are given as 'less than equal to' type. But it was asked to solve the LPP by Charnes Big M method. Is the question wrong?

According to me, we have to apply simplex method to solve it. There is no scope tp introduce M.

The Big M method is a generalization that allows for 'greater than or equal to' constraints.
The simplex method also solves those.
 
mathmari said:
Is there maybe a constraint, where b is negative? I mean for example $ -4x_1+2x_2 \leq -4$ ?
No, the LPP was
Max z=2x+3y
subject to
x+y<=8
x+2y<=5
2x+y<=8
x,y>=0

Can it be solved by Big M method?
 
suvadip said:
No, the LPP was
Max z=2x+3y
subject to
x+y<=8
x+2y<=5
2x+y<=8
x,y>=0

Can it be solved by Big M method?

No need. The regular simplex method works for this.
The only 'greater than' constraints are the non-negativity constraints, which are a standard part of the simplex method.
 
I haven't' done any linear programming in a long time. But if the problem written in standard form has no negative resource values, and thus no need to create artificial variables, using the Big-M method or the two-phase method doesn't' seem to make any sense.
 
I like Serena said:
No need. The regular simplex method works for this.
The only 'greater than' constraints are the non-negativity constraints, which are a standard part of the simplex method.

Actually I need a answer of type 'it can not be solved by Big M method' or 'it can be solved by Big M method'. The question was set in a university exam and it was clearly instructed to solve it by Big M method.
 
suvadip said:
Actually I need a answer of type 'it can not be solved by Big M method' or 'it can be solved by Big M method'. The question was set in a university exam and it was clearly instructed to solve it by Big M method.

Then the answer is yes, it can be solved by the Big M method.
 
I like Serena said:
Then the answer is yes, it can be solved by the Big M method.
How? I guess the way may be like this:

let a constraint is x1+2x2<=5
Introducing slack variable x3 we can write
x1+2x2+x3=5

As we are bound to solve by Big M method, we can now introduce artificial variable x4 to get
x1+2x2+x3+x4=5

Am I right?
 
  • #10
suvadip said:
How? I guess the way may be like this:

let a constraint is x1+2x2<=5
Introducing slack variable x3 we can write
x1+2x2+x3=5

Correct.

As we are bound to solve by Big M method, we can now introduce artificial variable x4 to get
x1+2x2+x3+x4=5

Am I right?

Huh? You already introduced x3 for the slack.
No need to introduce x4 here?? :confused:
 

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