Main

## Main.DiscreteOptimization History

March 15, 2016, at 03:32 PM by 45.56.3.173 -
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At first glance it might seem solving a discrete variable problem would be easier than a continuous problem. After all, for a variable within a given range, a set of discrete values within the range is finite whereas the number of continuous values is infinite. When searching for an optimum, it seems it would be easier to search from a finite set rather than from an infinite set.

This is not the case, however. Solving discrete problems is harder than continuous problems. This is because of the combinatorial explosion that occurs in all but the smallest problems. For example if we have two variables which can each take 10 values, we have 10*10 = 100 possibilities. If we have 10 variables that can each take 10 values, we have 10^10 possibilities. Even with the fastest computer, it would take a long time to evaluate all of these.

March 15, 2016, at 03:32 PM by 45.56.3.173 -
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At first glance it might seem solving a discrete variable problem would be easier than a continuous problem. After all, for a variable within a given range, a set of discrete values within the range is finite whereas the number of continuous values is infinite. When searching for an optimum, it seems it would be easier to search from a finite set rather than from an infinite set.

This is not the case, however. Solving discrete problems is harder than continuous problems. This is because of the combinatorial explosion that occurs in all but the smallest problems. For example if we have two variables which can each take 10 values, we have 10*10 = 100 possibilities. If we have 10 variables that can each take 10 values, we have 10^10 possibilities. Even with the fastest computer, it would take a long time to evaluate all of these.

Discrete decision variables are those that have only certain levels or quantities that are acceptable at an optimal solution. Examples of discrete variables are binary (e.g. off/on or 0/1), integer (e.g. 4,5,6,7), or general discrete values that are not integer (e.g. 1/4 cm, 1/2 cm, 1 cm).

March 15, 2016, at 03:22 PM by 45.56.3.173 -

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December 19, 2014, at 02:22 PM by 107.188.175.164 -
February 16, 2014, at 04:55 AM by 23.255.228.67 -

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One often encounters problems in which design variables must be selected from among a set of discrete values. Examples of discrete variables include catalog or standard sizes (I beams, motors, springs, fasteners, pipes, etc.), materials, and variables which are naturally integers such as people, gear teeth, number of shells in a heat exchanger and number of distillation trays in a distillation column. Many engineering problems are discrete in nature.

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One often encounters problems in which design variables must be selected from among a set of discrete values. Examples of discrete variables include catalog or standard sizes (I beams, motors, springs, fasteners, pipes, etc.), materials, and variables which are naturally integers such as people, gear teeth, number of shells in a heat exchanger and number of distillation trays in a distillation column. Many engineering problems are discrete in nature.

February 15, 2014, at 03:29 PM by 23.255.228.67 -
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February 15, 2014, at 03:26 PM by 23.255.228.67 -
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February 20, 2013, at 09:50 PM by 128.187.97.21 -
February 19, 2013, at 09:48 PM by 128.187.97.21 -
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• Branch and Bound (Select APOPT solver)
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• Branch and Bound with APMonitor (Select APOPT solver)
February 19, 2013, at 09:45 PM by 128.187.97.21 -
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• Branch and Bound with APMonitor
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• Branch and Bound (Select APOPT solver)
February 19, 2013, at 09:38 PM by 128.187.97.21 -
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February 19, 2013, at 09:36 PM by 128.187.97.21 -
January 11, 2013, at 02:23 PM by 69.169.188.188 -

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December 22, 2012, at 04:11 PM by 69.169.188.188 -