D2 June 2018 Q5

EdexcelOld spec17 marksLinear Programming

5. The initial tableau for a linear programming problem in \(x\), \(y\) and \(z\) is shown below. The objective function to be maximised is \(P = 4x + 2y + kz\), where \(k\) is a positive constant.

Basic Variable\(x\)\(y\)\(z\)\(r\)\(s\)\(t\)Value
\(r\)−2−6110040
\(s\)23201080
\(t\)12200150
\(P\)−4−2\(-k\)0000
(a) Using the information in the tableau, write down the three constraints as inequalities. (2)
(b) By increasing \(x\), perform one complete iteration of the simplex algorithm to obtain tableau T1 and state the row operations you use. (4)
(c) Given that T1 is not optimal, find an inequality for the value of \(k\). (1)
(d) Perform a second complete iteration of the simplex algorithm to obtain tableau T2 and state the row operations you use. (4)
(e) Given that T2 is optimal, find a second inequality for the value of \(k\). (2)
(f) State the final value of each variable and give an expression for the final value of \(P\) in terms of \(k\). (2)
(g) Hence find the range of possible values of \(P\). (2)