- mathematical programming
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Application of mathematical and computer programming techniques to the construction of deterministic models, principally for business and economics.For models that only require linear algebraic equations, the techniques are called linear programming; for models that require more complex equations, it is called nonlinear programming. In either case, models frequently involve hundreds or thousands of equations. The discipline emerged during World War II to solve large-scale military logistics problems. Mathematical programming is also used in planning civilian production and transportation schedules and in calculating economic growth.
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theoretical tool of management science and economics in which management operations are described by mathematical equations that can be manipulated for a variety of purposes. If the basic descriptions involved take the form of linear algebraic equations (linear equation), the technique is described as linear programming. If more complex forms are required, the term nonlinear programming is applied. Mathematical programming is used in planning production schedules, in transportation, in military logistics, and in calculating economic growth, by inserting assumed values for the variables in the equations and solving for the unknowns. Computers are widely used in obtaining solutions.* * *
Universalium. 2010.