Operational Research
Operational Research
Use this course in this order:
- Mathematical Background
- Optimization Foundations
- Linear Programming
- Graphical Method
- Standard Form
- Polyhedra and Basic Solutions
- Simplex Method
- Computational Tools
- Integer Linear Programming
- Exam Practice
Exam-first route
If the exam is close, prioritize:
- Solved Exam Template
- Formulation Drill Set
- Graphical Drill Set
- Standard Form Drill Set
- BFS and Reduced Cost Drill Set
- Two Simplex Iterations Drill Set
- Mixed Exam Problems
What this material covers
The course covers the following topics in operational research, with a focus on linear programming and the simplex method:
word problem
→ decision variables
→ objective function
→ constraints
→ graphical solution when n = 2
→ standard form
→ basic feasible solution check
→ reduced costs
→ optimality check
→ simplex iterations
→ interpretation of the answer
Important conventions
Unless a file says otherwise, standard form means
\[\min c^T x \quad \text{subject to } Ax=b,\; x\ge 0.\]For maximization problems, either convert to minimization by negating the objective or use a clearly stated maximization simplex convention consistently.