Linear Programming : An Introduction with Applications (Second Edition)

Linear programming is an extremely useful area of applied mathematics and is used on a daily basis by many industries. Most books on linear programming require an in depth knowledge of linear algebra in their exposition, making the subject matter inaccessible to the average reader. This second edition continues the presentation of the subject from a very elementary point of view, using as a foundation just a basic knowledge of high school algebra. The author manages to go into great depth with these minimal prerequisites, and helps the reader understand even some of the most subtle aspects of the subject. This is accomplished by weaving some of the more difficult ideas into informal proofs, with the result that the reader often doesn't even know he or she is reading very difficult material. Some formal proofs are included, and even these are often broken down into small steps to give them clarity. The reader who gets through the whole book will have a strong knowledge of linear programming and also a good basic knowledge of the related areas of game theory, integer programming, goal programming, network analysis, and dynamic programming.This book can be (and has been) used as a primary text for a course in linear programming and related topics. It can also be used for self study by the person who wants to know more about this fascinating and very useful subject. Exercises have been carefully chosen to illustrate a broad range of applications that occur in practice leaving the reader with an appreciation of the wide applicability of this subject to real life problems. Also, solutions to many of the exercises are given, making this an ideal book for the person who is studying this subject independently.