maximize the quantity: P = 5x + 7y

subject to the constraints:

5x + 4y < 20

2x + 3y < 12

x > 0

y > 0
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1 Answer

A graphical solution is probably the easiest way to solve this LP problem.

If we plot the graphs of 5x+4y=20 and 2x+3y=12 we inspect the quadrilateral making up the feasible region. By shading the area between each line and the x and y axes, we can identify the region where the shadings overlap, the feasible region satisfying the constraints. 

The lines intersect at the point which is a solution of the system of two equations:

5x+4y=20 multiply by 3: 15x+12y=60,

2x+3y=12 multiply by 4: 8x+12y=48.

Subtract: 7x=12, x=12/7, 3y=12-2x=12-24/7=60/7, y=20/7.

Intersection at (12/7,20/7).

4 vertices are shown below with the objective function P=5x+7y calculated for each vertex:

(0,0) P=0

(0,4) P=28

(4,0) P=20

(12/7,20/7) P=60/7+140/7=200/7=28.6.

P is max when x=12/7 and y=20/7.

Double-check the constraints: 5x+4y=60/7+80/7=20; 2x+3y=24/7+60/7=12.

Unless there's an error in the question (< should be ≤), the constraints are not validated, but only just! Strictly P is maximum when x<12/7 and y<20/7 by the smallest possible amount.

by Top Rated User (1.2m points)

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