Ask A Scientist Mathematics Archive

Author:      nick j wilwert
Could you list some ways in which linear programming is used in real life?

Response #:  1 of 2
Author:      jlu
     There is a journal called "The Journal of Operations Research" that
contains articles by people who apply linear programming to everyday
problems.  One of the classic applications is by railroads that own freight
cars that have to be sent to all parts of the country.  At any given moment,
where are the best places to put all the railroad cars so that the custo-
mer's needs can be met in the shortest time and with the least expense.

Response #:  2 of 2
Author:      asmith
And of course in general in economics, linear programming tells you what
arrangement of activities will maximize your profits (or whatever you are
trying to maximize).  Of course things are seldom linear in real life, so
extensions of linear programming techniques, rather than linear programming
itself, is probably more important these days.