Binary Variable Definition
Binary variables are used to model yes-or-no decisions in integer linear programming.
Joshua Emmanuel · YouTube · 5:59
This video explains the use of binary variables in integer linear programming, focusing on a project selection problem and introducing a fixed cost problem. It demonstrates how to formulate and solve optimization models with constraints. This segment demonstrates how to formulate an integer linear programming model for a production planning problem involving three machines with both variable and fixed costs. It defines continuous production variables and binary activation variables , constructs a total cost minimization objective, imposes an exact demand constraint of 1000 units, and highlights the critical need to link capacity constraints to binary variables via to prevent production on inactive machines. This 59-second lecture segment finishes a fixed-cost integer linear programming example. It explains how binary variables link machine usage to production limits through constraints such as , rewrites those constraints into standard form, states the domains and \{0,1\}, and then displays the solved values , , with , , . The ending previews other binary-variable constraint types.
Use the learning inspector for key ideas and moments, or open the reading tabs for the complete notes.
Generated from the video's visuals and explanation; not verbatim speech.
The video begins by introducing the concept of binary variables in integer linear programming. These variables are used to model yes-or-no decisions, such as whether to select a project or not.
An example is given with four projects, each having associated costs and returns. The goal is to maximize the net return while adhering to monthly budget constraints.
The optimization model is formulated with an objective function to maximize the total net return and constraints ensuring that the total outlays for each month do not exceed the available funds.
The model is solved using software, yielding the optimal solution: select projects one, three, and four, resulting in a maximum net return of 414.
The video then transitions to a fixed cost problem, where a company must decide how to produce 1000 units of a product using three machines, each with different fixed and variable costs and capacities. The objective is to minimize total costs.
The video presents a production planning problem where a company must fulfill an order of 1000 units using three machines, each with distinct variable costs, fixed costs, and capacities. The goal is to minimize total cost while respecting operational constraints.
To model this, continuous decision variables are defined for , 2, 3, representing the number of units produced on machine i. These variables capture the variable cost component proportional to output volume.
Because fixed costs are incurred only if a machine is activated, binary variables are introduced. Each equals 1 if machine i is used (i.e., if ) and 0 otherwise. This enables conditional accounting of setup costs.
The objective function combines both cost types: minimize 2.39X₁ + 1.99X₂ + 2.99X₃ + 300Y₁ + 250Y₂ + 400Y₃. Here, variable costs scale with production quantity, while fixed costs activate only when .
A demand constraint ensures exact fulfillment: X₁ + X₂ + X₃ = 1000. Equality is used because the customer order must be met precisely—no surplus or shortfall is permitted.
Initial capacity constraints are stated as X₁ ≤ 400, X₂ ≤ 550, X₃ ≤ 600. However, these alone are inadequate when fixed costs exist, since they permit production even if a machine isn’t paid to operate.
To resolve this, capacities must be linked to activation status via . If , production is forced to zero; if , the full capacity becomes available. This logical coupling is essential for correctness.
The segment opens on a completed production model with three machines and a demand of 1000 units. The key new idea is the linking constraint , where is a binary indicator for whether machine 1 is used.
The narrator unpacks that inequality by cases. If , the right-hand side becomes 400, so machine 1 may produce up to its full capacity. If , the right-hand side becomes 0, so machine 1 cannot produce anything.
The same logic is then applied to the other two machines, giving and . Thus one binary variable per machine simultaneously records activation and enforces the capacity cap.
Next, the constraints are rewritten into a more standard form by moving all variable terms to the left: , , and . This is purely algebraic and does not change the feasible set.
The slide then states the variable domains explicitly: and \{0,1\}. Together with the objective and the demand equation, this completes the integer linear programming formulation of the fixed-cost problem.
After solving the model, the displayed optimal values are , , and , , . The interpretation is immediate: machine 1 is shut down, while machines 2 and 3 are used.
The solution also satisfies the structural requirements of the model: total production is , machine 2 is used at its full capacity 550, and machine 3 produces 450 within its capacity 600.
The ending shifts from this fixed-cost example to a preview of broader binary-variable modeling. The narrator announces that the next video will cover multiple choice, mutually exclusive, co-requisite, and conditional constraints.
Binary variables are used to model yes-or-no decisions in integer linear programming.
This problem involves selecting projects to maximize net return under budget constraints.
This problem involves minimizing total costs while meeting production requirements, considering fixed and variable costs.
When a resource incurs a fixed cost upon activation, introduce a binary variable indicating whether it is used. This allows the fixed cost to enter the objective only when , preventing unrealistic solutions where production occurs without paying setup fees.
Minimize the sum of variable and fixed costs: variable terms use coefficients times production quantities (), while fixed terms use setup costs times binary indicators (). This separation reflects real-world cost behavior accurately.
If the problem mandates fulfilling a specific order quantity exactly, use an equality constraint like . Inequalities would allow over- or under-production, violating business requirements.
Simple bounds are insufficient with fixed costs. Replace them with to ensure production only happens when the machine is activated (). Otherwise, the model might assign output to unpaid machines.
Each machine has an associated 0-1 variable that records whether the machine is activated. means the machine is used; means it is not used.
Production on machine i is bounded by its capacity times the activation indicator. When the machine is on, the bound is the full capacity; when it is off, the bound becomes 0, forcing under nonnegativity.
From , substituting gives , while substituting gives . With , the second case forces .
The linking constraints can be rewritten with all decision variables on the left-hand side. This yields an equivalent formulation that is often easier to read as a linear program.
The production variables are nonnegative, and the activation variables are binary. These domain statements are essential for the fixed-cost logic to work correctly.
A company must produce 1000 units using three machines with different variable costs, fixed costs, and capacities. The model minimizes total cost while using binary variables to decide which machines are opened.
Solving the displayed model gives , , and , , . Therefore only machines 2 and 3 are used in the optimal plan.
The closing preview places fixed-cost linking constraints within a wider set of binary-variable modeling tools, including multiple choice, mutually exclusive, co-requisite, and conditional constraints.
Explore conditions, steps and evidence. Supplementary explanations are labeled separately from content shown in the video.
if project i is selected, 0 otherwise
Binary decision variable indicating whether project i is selected
\{1, 2, 3, 4\}
Maximize
Total net return from selected projects
\{0, 1\}
January budget constraint
\{0, 1\}
February budget constraint
\{0, 1\}
March budget constraint
\{0, 1\}
, , ,
, , ,
Optimal solution to the project selection problem
\{0, 1\}
Optimal Return = 414
414
Maximum net return from the optimal solution
\{0, 1\}
On-screen definition: = number of units produced on machine .
The narrator says, "So for the units produced we write equals number of units produced on machine i."
Number of units produced on machine i.
Continuous nonnegative production quantity; specific instances are , , .
On-screen definition: if machine i is used, 0 otherwise (, 2, 3).
The narrator says, "For machine one we can write equals one if machine one is used, zero otherwise."
Binary indicator showing whether machine i is used.
Binary variable taking values in {0,1}; specific instances are , , .
On-screen objective: Min .
The narrator reads the same expression and explains that variable costs are multiplied by units produced and fixed costs by the corresponding 0-1 variables.
Total cost to be minimized, combining variable production costs and fixed setup costs.
Linear objective function in the decision variables and .
On-screen constraint: .
The narrator says, "we have an order here to supply 1000 units. So we write plus plus equals 1000."
Demand satisfaction constraint requiring exactly 1000 units to be produced across all machines.
Equality constraint on total production.
On-screen constraints: <= 400, <= 550, <= 600.
The narrator says, "normally we just write less than or equal to 400, less than or equal to 550, and less than or equal to 600."
<= capacity_i
Machine capacity limits on production quantities before linking to binary usage variables.
Inequality constraints on individual machine outputs.
Binary variables are employed when there's a yes or no situation, that is to indicate whether a selection is made or not.
Binary variables are used to model situations where a decision is either 'yes' or 'no', such as selecting a project or not.
Used in integer linear programming
Applicable to selection problems
For example, suppose we have four different projects to consider. We can either select a project or not select it.
The project selection problem involves deciding which projects to undertake based on binary variables and constraints.
Projects have associated costs and returns
Budget constraints apply
Let's now model a fixed cost problem. Suppose a small company receives an order to supply 1000 units of a product.
The fixed cost problem involves minimizing total costs while meeting production requirements, considering both fixed and variable costs.
Production capacity constraints
Fixed and variable costs per machine
On-screen: if machine i is used, 0 otherwise (, 2, 3).
Narrator explains that because fixed costs are incurred only if a machine is used, another set of decision variables is defined.
A binary variable is introduced to indicate whether machine i is used at all. It takes value 1 when the machine is active and 0 when inactive. This allows fixed costs to be included conditionally in the objective function.
Used when fixed costs are associated with activating a resource.
Applies per machine or facility in production planning models.
On-screen: Min .
Narrator states this is the objective function to minimize total costs.
The objective minimizes total cost as the sum of variable production costs and fixed setup costs. Variable cost coefficients multiply the number of units produced on each machine, while fixed cost coefficients multiply the corresponding binary usage indicators.
Requires both continuous production variables and binary activation variables .
Fixed costs are only counted when .
On-screen: .
Narrator explains equality is used because the order must be met exactly.
The total production across all machines must equal the customer order of 1000 units. An equality constraint is used rather than an inequality because the problem requires meeting the exact demand.
Applies when the order quantity must be fulfilled exactly.
Assumes no overproduction or underproduction is allowed.
On-screen: <= 400, <= 550, <= 600.
Narrator introduces these as normal capacity constraints before discussing their interaction with fixed costs.
Each machine has a maximum production capacity that limits how many units can be produced on it. These constraints ensure that no machine exceeds its physical or operational limit.
Applies to continuous production variables .
Does not yet account for whether the machine is actually activated.
The slide states if machine i is used, 0 otherwise.
Later the slide adds .
The narrator explains the two cases and .
The model uses a separate 0-1 variable for each machine to record whether that machine is activated. The value 1 means the machine is used, and 0 means it is not used.
One indicator variable is associated with each machine.
The variable is restricted to binary values.
The displayed constraints are , , .
The narrator says that when equals 1, up to 400 can be produced on machine 1, and when equals 0, zero units should be produced.
The term is highlighted, then substituted by 1 and 0 to show the two resulting bounds.
Each production quantity is bounded above by its machine capacity multiplied by the corresponding binary indicator. This single inequality simultaneously enforces the capacity limit when the machine is used and forces production to zero when the machine is not used.
is the capacity of machine i.
is binary.
is nonnegative.
The narrator says, "We can then move the variables to the left side of the constraints".
The constraints are rewritten as , , .
The linking inequalities are algebraically rearranged so that all decision variables appear on the left-hand side and the right-hand side becomes 0. This puts the model into a standard linear-programming display form.
Equivalent to _iY_i by subtracting C_iY_i from both sides.
The slide adds and .
The narrator says to state that the 's should be nonnegative and the 's binary.
The production variables are constrained to be nonnegative, while the activation variables are constrained to be binary 0-1 variables.
Applies to every machine index i in the model.
The slide displays , , and , , .
The narrator reads the same solution values and says only machines 2 and 3 should be used.
After solving the integer linear program, the model returns production amounts and machine-use indicators. The reported solution activates machines 2 and 3, leaves machine 1 unused, and allocates 550 units to machine 2 and 450 units to machine 3.
This is the solution shown for the specific numerical instance on the slide.
The video does not show the solver steps that produced it.
Narrator says: "whenever we have fixed costs associated with minimum requirements or maximum capacities, we usually multiply the capacity by the corresponding binary variable."
On-screen shows standard capacity constraints being replaced conceptually by linked versions involving .
When fixed costs are present, capacity constraints must be linked to binary activation variables so that production is only allowed if the machine is used.
There are fixed costs associated with using a machine.
Production variables represent units produced on each machine.
Binary variables indicate machine usage.
For each machine i in {1,2,3}.
The narrator explicitly interprets the constraint for machine 1 in the two binary cases.
The displayed inequality is .
The substitution of and is shown visually.
For machine 1, the constraint allows production up to 400 when and forces when , assuming .
\{0,1\}.
.
The capacity constant is 400.
Case analysis over the binary value of .
The displayed solution has , , .
The narrator says this shows that only machines 2 and 3 should be used.
The reported solution uses machines 2 and 3 and does not use machine 1.
The displayed solution values are taken as the result of solving the model.
Specific to the numerical example shown.
In this case, our objective is to maximize return, which is .
Objective function to maximize net return
Based on the net returns of each project
January budget constraint
Total outlays must not exceed available funds
February budget constraint
Total outlays must not exceed available funds
March budget constraint
Total outlays must not exceed available funds
Binary constraint
Each project is either selected or not
The optimal solution is , , , with a maximum net return of 414.
On-screen objective function appears term by term with underlines labeling 'variable costs' and 'fixed costs'.
Narrator explains multiplication of variable costs by units and fixed costs by 0-1 variables.
Multiply each machine's unit variable cost by the number of units produced on that machine.
Definition of variable cost as cost per unit times quantity.
Multiply each machine's fixed cost by its binary usage indicator.
Fixed cost is incurred only if the machine is activated ().
Sum the variable and fixed cost components to form the total cost to minimize.
Total cost equals variable plus fixed costs.
The objective function correctly combines conditional fixed costs and proportional variable costs using binary and continuous variables.
Narrator contrasts simple capacity constraints with the need to link them to binary variables due to fixed costs.
Standard constraints <= capacity_i are shown before the explanation of modification.
Final modified constraints not fully displayed before clip ends.
Start with basic capacity limits assuming machines can produce up to their maximum.
Physical capacity of each machine.
Recognize that unused machines should not produce anything, even though the simple constraint allows it.
Fixed cost implies activation decision; inactive machine cannot generate output.
Multiply each capacity bound by the corresponding binary variable to enforce logical linkage.
If , RHS becomes 0 forcing ; if , RHS restores original capacity .
Capacity constraints must be reformulated as to respect the logical dependency between production and machine activation.
The constraint is shown on screen.
is replaced first by 1 and then by 0 in the highlighted expression.
The narrator explains the meaning of each case.
Start from the linking constraint for machine 1.
Displayed formula on the slide.
If machine 1 is used, the bound becomes the full capacity 400.
Substitute the binary value into the inequality.
If machine 1 is not used, the bound becomes 0.
Substitute the binary value into the inequality.
Together with nonnegativity, the second case forces production on machine 1 to be exactly zero.
Combination of the displayed domain restriction with the substituted inequality.
The single inequality encodes both the capacity limit when the machine is active and the shutdown condition when it is inactive.
The constraints change from _iY_i to _iY_i .
The narrator says to move the variables to the left side of the constraints.
Begin with the capacity-linking inequalities in product form.
Displayed before the rearrangement.
Subtract the right-hand term from both sides of each inequality.
Elementary algebra preserves the inequality direction when moving a term across.
The model is rewritten in a standard form with all decision variables on the left and 0 on the right.
For example, suppose we have four different projects to consider.
Select projects to maximize net return under budget constraints.
Four projects with associated costs and returns
Monthly budget constraints
Maximize net return
Objective function
Based on net returns
January constraint
Budget limit
February constraint
Budget limit
March constraint
Budget limit
Binary constraint
Selection decision
, , , with a maximum net return of 414.
Solution satisfies all constraints and maximizes the objective function.
Table lists three machines with variable costs, fixed costs, and capacities.
Narrator walks through defining variables, objective, and constraints for this specific case.
A company receives an order to supply 1000 units and must decide how much to produce on each of three machines while minimizing total cost including fixed setup costs.
Machine 1: variable cost 2.39/unit, fixed cost 300, capacity 400
Machine 2: variable cost 1.99/unit, fixed cost 250, capacity 550
Machine 3: variable cost 2.99/unit, fixed cost 400, capacity 600
Order requirement: exactly 1000 units
Formulate an integer linear program to minimize total cost subject to demand and capacity constraints.
Define continuous production variables for each machine.
Needed to model variable costs and capacity usage.
Define binary activation variables for each machine.
Required to conditionally include fixed costs.
Write the total cost objective combining variable and fixed components.
Cost structure given in table and explained verbally.
Impose exact demand fulfillment.
Customer order requires precisely 1000 units.
Link production capacity to machine activation status.
Prevents production on inactive machines while respecting fixed cost logic.
The complete formulation includes the objective function, demand equality, and linked capacity constraints with .
Check that if then , and if then ; also verify total production sums to 1000.
The slide presents a complete numerical production model with three machines, an order of 1000 units, costs, capacities, and a displayed solution.
The narrator explains the linking constraints and then reports the solution values.
The video does not show the solver algorithm or intermediate branch-and-bound steps.
A company must supply 1000 units using three machines, each with a variable cost per unit, a fixed cost if used, and a capacity limit. Formulate and solve the resulting binary integer linear program.
Order requirement: 1000 units total.
Machine 1: variable cost 2.39, fixed cost 300, capacity 400.
Machine 2: variable cost 1.99, fixed cost 250, capacity 550.
Machine 3: variable cost 2.99, fixed cost 400, capacity 600.
is production on machine i.
is 1 if machine i is used and 0 otherwise.
Minimize total cost subject to meeting demand, respecting capacities, and enforcing the fixed-cost logic with binary variables.
Write the objective as total variable cost plus total fixed cost.
Directly read from the displayed model.
Impose the demand constraint that total production equals 1000 units.
Displayed equality constraint.
Link each production amount to its machine-use indicator and capacity.
Displayed constraints and narrated interpretation.
State the variable domains.
Added on the slide after the rearranged constraints.
Report the solution shown after solving the model.
Displayed solution values and narrated interpretation.
Use machines 2 and 3 only; produce 550 units on machine 2 and 450 units on machine 3, with machine 1 unused.
The displayed solution satisfies the demand equation because , and it respects the capacities because and while machine 1 is shut down.
Table showing project costs and returns
Table with project data
Display of costs and returns for each project
Structure of the table
The table provides the necessary data to formulate the optimization problem.
Persistent table showing Machine 1, 2, 3 with rows for Variable Cost/unit, Fixed Cost, and Capacity.
Machine columns
Variable cost row
Fixed cost row
Capacity row
Values remain static throughout the clip
Numerical data does not change during the segment
Provides all parameters needed to construct the optimization model.
Text definitions for and appear sequentially below the table.
definition line
definition line
Definitions fade in one after another
Underlying table remains visible
Visually separates the two types of decision variables required for the model.
Objective function terms are underlined and labeled as 'variable costs' and 'fixed costs'; circles highlight and cases.
Objective expression
Underlines
Circular annotations around terms
Annotations appear progressively to emphasize structure
Mathematical expression itself remains unchanged
Clarifies how each part of the objective corresponds to different cost types and activation states.
Demand constraint appears first, followed by capacity constraints listed vertically beside a red separator line.
Demand equation
Capacity inequalities
Red vertical divider
Constraints appear in sequence from top to bottom
No numerical values change once displayed
Organizes the constraint section visually to distinguish global demand from individual machine limits.
A static slide shows the title, a three-machine cost/capacity table, variable definitions, the objective, and the initial constraints.
The term in is highlighted, then replaced by (1) and later by (0).
Title text about supplying 1000 units.
Table with Machine 1, Machine 2, Machine 3.
Definitions of and .
Objective function.
Constraint .
is highlighted.
is temporarily replaced by 1 to show the active-machine case.
is then replaced by 0 to show the inactive-machine case.
The rest of the model remains visible while the substitution is demonstrated.
The capacity constant 400 stays fixed during the case demonstration.
The animation visually demonstrates how one binary variable switches a capacity constraint between a positive upper bound and zero.
The three linking constraints are rewritten so that the Y terms move to the left side.
The slide then adds and on the right.
Rearranged inequalities _iY_i .
Domain labels and .
Each constraint changes from product-on-right form to all-variables-on-left form.
Variable-domain statements appear after the rearrangement.
The objective function remains unchanged.
The demand equation remains unchanged.
The slide converts the logical capacity links into a more standard mathematical-programming layout and makes the variable types explicit.
Solution values appear sequentially at the top of the slide.
A red box is drawn around the columns for machines 2 and 3 in the solution area.
, , .
, , .
Red rectangular highlight around machines 2 and 3.
The X-values appear first, then the Y-values.
A red box emphasizes the solution columns for machines 2 and 3.
The underlying model remains visible below the solution.
The numerical values themselves do not change once displayed.
The visual emphasis communicates which machines are selected in the optimal plan.
The solution disappears and a new heading 'Next Video' appears.
Four topic lines appear one after another: multiple choice constraints, mutually exclusive constraints, co-requisite constraints, conditional constraints.
The narrator says the next video will formulate relational constraints using binary variables, including those four types.
Heading 'Next Video'.
List of four constraint categories.
The current example is cleared from the top portion of the slide.
The four upcoming topics are revealed sequentially.
The lower part of the slide still shows the completed fixed-cost model.
The ending situates fixed-cost linking constraints within a broader family of binary-variable modeling techniques.
Narrator warns that writing only ≤ capacity_i ignores the fact that unused machines shouldn't produce.
Standard capacity constraints shown before correction discussion.
It is sufficient to write ≤ capacity_i without considering whether the machine is activated.
Without linking to , the model could allow production on a machine whose fixed cost was not paid (), violating logical consistency.
The narrator explains both cases and for the same inequality.
The constraint contains both the capacity constant and the binary variable.
One might think only records whether a machine is used, without affecting the production bound.
In this model also scales the capacity limit, so setting actively forces rather than just labeling the machine as unused.
The fixed cost appears as in the objective.
The linking constraints _iY_i are added separately.
One might think adding fixed-cost terms to the objective is enough to model machine usage correctly.
The example shows that the binary variables must also appear in linking constraints; otherwise the model would not force production to zero when a machine is not used or enforce the capacity cap in the intended way.
Binary variables are employed when there's a yes or no situation.
Binary variables are used to model the project selection problem.
Let's now model a fixed cost problem.
The fixed cost problem introduces additional considerations like fixed and variable costs.
Narrator connects definition of directly to inclusion of fixed costs in objective.
terms appear in objective function immediately after their definition.
Binary variables enable conditional inclusion of fixed costs in the objective function.
Narrator transitions from basic capacity constraints to the need for modification due to fixed costs.
Basic constraints shown before conceptual adjustment.
Simple capacity bounds fail to capture activation logic; they must be contrasted with linked constraints .
Demand constraint uses , , defined earlier.
Narrator refers back to unit production variables when stating the order requirement.
Definition of production variables is necessary before formulating the aggregate demand constraint.
The definition of appears immediately above the constraints that multiply capacities by .
The narrator interprets the constraint using the two values of .
The linking constraint only makes sense after introducing the binary indicator that distinguishes used from unused machines.
The slide rewrites _iY_i as _iY_i .
The narrator explicitly says to move the variables to the left side.
The rearranged inequalities are algebraically equivalent to the original linking constraints.
The whole slide is a worked numerical production model using and .
The narrator concludes that this completes the fixed-cost problem.
The worked example applies the binary linking-constraint method to a concrete three-machine production problem.
The solution values are displayed directly under the completed model.
The narrator says, "On solving this model, we obtain ...".
The reported variable values are part of the worked example's outcome.
The narrator says the next video will show how to formulate relational constraints using binary variables.
The slide lists multiple choice, mutually exclusive, co-requisite, and conditional constraints.
The fixed-cost use of binary variables is presented as one instance within a larger family of binary-variable constraint formulations.
Binary variables are employed when there's a yes or no situation.
For example, suppose we have four different projects to consider.
Let's now model a fixed cost problem.
Narrator explicitly justifies introducing due to fixed costs.
Objective function clearly separates variable and fixed cost terms.
Narrator explains why simple capacity constraints are insufficient with fixed costs.
Narrator specifies equality because the order must be met exactly.
The narrator explains the effect of and on production.
The constraint is shown.
The objective includes both variable-cost terms and fixed-cost terms multiplied by .
The linking constraints tie to .
The narrator says to move the variables to the left side of the constraints.
The constraints become _iY_i .
The displayed solution has , , .
The narrator says only machines 2 and 3 should be used.
The ending lists multiple choice, mutually exclusive, co-requisite, and conditional constraints.
The narrator says these will be covered in the next video.
Covered · All mathematical content covered
Covered · Problem statement and data table introduction.
Covered · Definition of continuous production variables .
Covered · Introduction and definition of binary activation variables .
Covered · Construction and explanation of the total cost minimization objective.
Covered · Formulation of the exact demand satisfaction constraint.
Covered · Presentation of basic capacity constraints and discussion of necessary modification for fixed costs.
Covered · Initial model, table, definitions, and the case analysis of .
Covered · Rearrangement of the linking constraints and explicit statement of variable domains.
Covered · Displayed optimal solution and interpretation that machines 2 and 3 are used.
Covered · Preview of the next video topics and closing thanks; no new mathematical derivation is introduced.
Reviewed English material v1: card/concept_card "Binary Variable Definition" starting at 0:09 — Binary variables are used to model yes-or-no decisions in integer linear programming. \{0, 1\}
Reviewed English material v1: knowledge_item/formula "Total Cost Objective Function" from 3:33 to 3:53 — The objective minimizes total cost as the sum of variable production costs and fixed setup costs. Variable cost coefficients multiply the number of units produced on each machine, while fixed cost coefficients multiply the corresponding binary usage indicators. \; Requires both continuous production variables and binary activation variables .; Fixed costs are only counted when .
The optimal solution selects projects 1, 3, and 4, while excluding project 2. This corresponds to the binary variable values .
Conditions: The model includes four projects with specific returns and monthly costs.; The objective is to maximize total net return subject to monthly budget constraints.; Variables are binary ().
To formulate a project selection problem, define a binary decision variable for each project, where if project is selected and otherwise. Construct an objective function to maximize the total net return by summing the product of each project's return and its corresponding binary variable.
Conditions: Each project has an associated cost and net return.; Budget constraints apply to specific time periods (e.g., months).; Decisions are binary (select or do not select).
The optimal solution uses machines 2 and 3, while machine 1 remains unused. The production quantities are , , and .
Conditions: The model includes three machines with specific costs and capacities.; The demand is exactly 1000 units.; The objective is to minimize total cost.; The solution is derived from solving the integer linear program.
An equality constraint is used because the customer order requires exactly 1000 units to be supplied. The problem specifies that the order must be met precisely, meaning neither underproduction (shortfall) nor overproduction (surplus) is permitted.
Conditions: The problem involves fulfilling a specific customer order.; The order quantity is fixed and must be met exactly.; Overproduction or underproduction is not allowed or desired.
Binary variables are introduced to model the activation status of each machine. They take the value 1 if machine is used and 0 otherwise.
Conditions: The problem involves machines with fixed setup costs.; Production quantities are continuous variables.; The goal is to minimize total cost including both variable and fixed components.
The linking constraint enforces the on/off production rule by scaling the capacity limit with the binary activation variable . When the machine is active (), the constraint becomes , allowing production up to the full capacity.
Conditions: is the production quantity on machine .; is the binary activation indicator for machine .; is the maximum capacity of machine .; is enforced.
The total cost objective function is constructed by summing the variable production costs and the fixed setup costs. Variable costs are calculated by multiplying the unit variable cost of each machine by the number of units produced on that machine ().
Conditions: There are multiple machines with distinct variable and fixed costs.; represents the continuous production quantity on machine .; represents the binary activation status of machine .; The goal is cost minimization.
Capacity constraints must be linked to binary variables to ensure logical consistency between machine activation and production. Simple capacity limits () allow production even if the machine is not activated (), which would incur variable costs without paying the fixed setup cost.
Conditions: Machines have fixed setup costs.; Production is bounded by machine capacity.; Binary variables indicate machine activation.; The model must prevent production on inactive machines.