Library/Geometry/Convex analysis and linear programming

Convex analysis and linear programming

Overview
Important

Convex analysis studies shapes (sets) where, if you pick any two points inside, the straight line between them stays inside the shape. Linear programming is a method to find the best value (maximum or minimum) of a linear function, subject to linear constraints, often visualized as a region on the plane or in space.

Important properties

  • A set is convex if, for any two points inside it, the segment joining them is also inside.

  • The feasible region of a linear programming problem is always convex.

  • The optimal value of a linear programming problem (if it exists) is always achieved at a vertex (corner point) of the feasible region.