A Teaching Tool for Linear Programming

Abstract : This paper discusses several main concepts in linear programming, the purpose of which is to supplement the textbook teaching of these concepts to further the students' understanding. These main concepts include bases, extreme points, the simplex algorithm, and sensitivity analysis. Before any of these concepts are discussed, a necessary review of linear algebra is done. The ideas presented here should give the professor additional knowledge about how to successfully teach the students these concepts. Computer programs are developed in MOR/ML in order to aid in these discussions. MOR/ML is a computer programming language which has the syntax necessary to facilitate these concepts. MOR/ML is a set structured language which allows for the programming of matrices and sets. This structure makes it possible to formulate the programs dealing with linear programming.