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Lecture 5: Objective Equations. AGEC 352 Fall 2012 – September 10 R. Keeney. Linear Programming. Linear All of the functions are linear in the variables Constraint inequalities (feasible space) Objective equation Programming Nothing to do with computer code
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Lecture 5: Objective Equations AGEC 352 Fall 2012 – September 10 R. Keeney
Linear Programming • Linear • All of the functions are linear in the variables • Constraint inequalities (feasible space) • Objective equation • Programming • Nothing to do with computer code • Comes from a term in planning • First application was in military procurement and distribution
Review Feasibility • In lecture 4 we developed a graphical approach to the feasible space • Boundary defined by the linear constraints • Inequalities create a region on either side of a constraint that is feasible (half-space) • Combine the inequalities using the most restrictive in any area of the graph • The shape of the feasible space is the key in linear programming • Linear segments create kinks or corner points
Level Curves • An equation in 3 variables is impossible to graph in 2 dimensions • In economics, we use the level curve Y Z X
Level Curve Example Y Production Function Y = f(X1 | X2) X1
Level Curve Example Y For any ‘level curve’ below, the X2 value is fixed but it is a variable. Y when X2 = 3 Y when X2 = 2 Y when X2 = 1 X1
Level curves in economics • Typically start with Iso- • Prefix meaning equal • Isorevenue • Budget line (isoexpenditure) • Isoquant • Indifference curve (isoutility)
Isorevenue • The assumptions of the PPF (output-output) model • Price taking = decision maker has no impact on prices (exogenous) • Chooses the output mix that maximizes revenue • 3 variables: Revenue, quantity of a, quantity of b
Isorevenue and Units R = PaQa + PbQb Qb = R/Pb – (Pa/Pb)Qa Qb units = bushels of b R units = dollars Pb units = dollars per bushel of b Pa units = dollars per bushel of a Qa units = bushels of a Cancel out and we see the isorevenue is in units of the Y axis variable.
Isorevenue graph Qb Intercept = R/Pb R = PaQa + PbQb Qb = R/Pb – (Pa/Pb)Qa Isorevenue PPF Slope = -Pa/Pb Qa
Isorevenue graph Since Pb is fixed, the intercept measures revenue. R2 is optimal because it is the highest intercept that is still feasible given the PPF. Qb Intercepts R1/Pb R2/Pb R3/Pb Slope = -Pa/Pb Qa
Linear programming of the output-output model • Works exactly the same as graphically solving the model with the non-linear PPF • There is no tangency result but we are still looking for the isorevenue line with the greatest intercept that is still feasible
LP PPF model For given prices, the solution is found by identifying the objective equation level curve that is 1) feasible and 2) has the highest intercept. Qa Qa
Implications • Linear programming solutions will always occur at a corner point of the feasible space • If the slope of the objective equation is exactly equal to the slope of a boundary constraint, multiple solutions (including 2 corner points) exist • We can solve linear programs just by solving for all possible corner points and evaluating the revenue at each one
Corn and sugar intersection These constraints do not intersect in the 1st quadrant. They do not generate a relevant corner point since we have non-negativity constraints. Only one of these constraints can bind in a solution.
Corn and machinery If this is better than producing only PF or only SS, then it is the optimal solution.
Lab for Wednesday • Posted after class • Use a spreadsheet to graph and solve for a two variable linear program • Discussion questions at end