Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - MATH 308 D100

Linear Optimization (3)

Class Number: 5294

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2026
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 150, 151, 154, or 157 and MATH 240 or 232, all with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Linear programming modelling. The simplex method and its variants. Duality theory. Post-optimality analysis. Applications and software. Additional topics may include: game theory, network simplex algorithm, and convex sets. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:


Linear Programming
Linear optimization is a mathematical method for computing a best solution (such as maximum profit or minimum cost) in a given mathematical model for some set of requirements satisfying a linear relationship. It can be applied to various problems of business, economics, engineering and other industries where diverse types of problems in planning, routing, scheduling, assignment, and design have to be modelled and solved.

  • Formulation of optimization problems as linear programs and solutions using the Microsoft Excel solver, Open solver and GUROBI
  • Two variable linear programs
  • Convex polytope and extreme points
  • The Fundamental Theorem of linear programming.

The Simplex Algorithm

  • Simplex Tableaus
  • Revised simplex algorithm
  • Degeneracy and cycling

Duality Theory

  • Dual of a linear program and interpretations
  • The dual simplex algorithm
  • Complementary slackness
  • The strong duality theorem.

Post optimality and Parametric Analysis

  • Post-optimality analysis (Adding and deleting variables, adding and deleting constraints (cutting planes))
  • Sensitivity Analysis

Network Models

  • Minimum cost flows
  • Transportation problem
  • Assignment problem.
  • Other Applications (as time permits)

Assignments
There will be 10 assignments of which best seven will be counted towards the final grade.
There will be three midterm tests. No make-up midterm tests are provided. Students missing one or more midterm tests (with approval of instructor) can write a comprehensive final examination to be scheduled along with all other make-up final examinations, generally on the first day of Spring Term, 2024. The weight of this final examination will be equal to that of the missing midterm test(s).

Grading

  • Assignments and Quizzes 30%
  • Midterm Exam 30%
  • Final 40%

NOTES:

THE INSTRUCTOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION.
Students should be aware that they have certain rights to confidentiality concerning the return of course papers and the posting of marks.
Please pay careful attention to the options discussed in class at the beginning of the semesters.

REQUIREMENTS:



Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Some worksheets will be posted on Canvas

REQUIRED READING:

Linear Programming and its Applications”, James K. STRAYER, Springer-Verlag, NY, 1989
ISBN: 0-387-96930-6

RECOMMENDED READING:

Linear Programming and Network Flows”,  Mokhtar S. BAZARAA;  John J. JARVIS; Hanif SHERALI, 4th Edition, Wiley
ISBN: 9780470462720

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.