linear programming

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. any of several methods for finding where a given linear function of several nonnegative variables assumes an extreme value and for determining the extreme value, the variable usually being subjected to constraints in the form of linear equalities or inequalities.

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linear programming British  

noun

1. maths a technique used in economics, etc, for determining the maximum or minimum of a linear function of non-negative variables subject to constraints expressed as linear equalities or inequalities

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Etymology

Origin of linear programming

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

First, the researchers assessed combinations of fresh ingredients, using a method called linear programming, which computationally balances different variables to meet a specific goal.

From Science Daily • Jan. 2, 2024

Fox Sports will produce 128 hours of linear programming from all 64 matches — 34 on Fox and 30 on cable outlet Fox Sports 1 — and nearly 100 hours of studio programming.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2022

McCarthy noted that linear programming like TV shows often lends itself to natural breaks, but movies can be a little trickier.

From The Verge • Mar. 9, 2022

I devised our road trip itinerary using a computational technique called linear programming.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2015

We saw this problem solved in a number of ways, including linear programming by Richardo Ech and Hans.

From New York Times • Mar. 26, 2012