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CMA Intermediate · Operations Management and Strategic Management · Optimum Allocation of Resources - LPP

In converting a maximisation LPP with all constraints of the '≤' type into the standard form for the simplex method, what is added to each constraint and what is its coefficient in the objective function?

A slack variable is added to each '≤' constraint, and its objective function coefficient is zero. It represents unused resource capacity, which contributes no profit. Surplus variables belong to '≥' constraints, and artificial variables are used to obtain an initial basic solution.

  1. AA slack variable, with objective coefficient zeroCorrect
  2. BA surplus variable, with objective coefficient zero
  3. CAn artificial variable, with objective coefficient zero
  4. DA slack variable, with a coefficient equal to the constraint's RHS value

Explanation

A '≤' constraint has unused capacity, which is represented by a slack variable. Slack variables add nothing to profit, so their objective coefficient is zero. Surplus variables are used for '≥' constraints, and artificial variables are used when no starting basic variable is available.

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