Objective function

How it is used

Every linear programming or optimization model has an objective function and a set of constraints. People write, define, minimize or maximize the objective function and report its optimal value. When there are several goals, they can be weighted and combined into one function.

Example sentences

1. The objective function minimizes total transport cost from three plants to twelve warehouses.

2. If we add overtime cost to the objective function, the model chooses a different schedule.

Common collocations

• minimize the objective function
• maximize the objective function
• objective function value
• define the objective function

Related terms

• linear programmingA mathematical method for finding the best result, such as the lowest cost or highest profit, when the goal and all the limits can be written as linear equations.
• constraintA limit that a solution must respect, such as available machine hours, budget or storage space. In the Theory of Constraints, the resource that limits the whole system.
• optimizationFinding the best possible solution among many options within given limits, for example the cheapest route, the shortest schedule or the best use of machines.
• simulationA computer model that imitates how a real system, such as a factory, warehouse or queue, behaves over time, so you can test changes before making them.

More terms: Operations Research

• queueing theory