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You're optimizing a complex linear programming model. How do you spot redundant constraints?

When optimizing a complex linear programming model, redundant constraints can unnecessarily complicate your solution and slow down computation. Here's how you can efficiently identify and eliminate these constraints:

  • Analyze the constraint matrix: Look for rows that are linear combinations of others, indicating redundancy.

  • Use sensitivity analysis tools: These can help pinpoint constraints with little to no impact on the solution.

  • Leverage specialized software: Tools like MATLAB or LINGO offer built-in functions to identify and remove redundant constraints.

Have additional strategies for spotting redundant constraints? Share your insights.

Operations Research Operations Research

Operations Research

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You're optimizing a complex linear programming model. How do you spot redundant constraints?

When optimizing a complex linear programming model, redundant constraints can unnecessarily complicate your solution and slow down computation. Here's how you can efficiently identify and eliminate these constraints:

  • Analyze the constraint matrix: Look for rows that are linear combinations of others, indicating redundancy.

  • Use sensitivity analysis tools: These can help pinpoint constraints with little to no impact on the solution.

  • Leverage specialized software: Tools like MATLAB or LINGO offer built-in functions to identify and remove redundant constraints.

Have additional strategies for spotting redundant constraints? Share your insights.

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21 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
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    Vishal Singh

    Business Analyst @Meesho | 2X LinkedIn Community Top Voice for Operations Research | Guest Speaker | NIT Bhopal '24 | CHS (BHU) Varanasi Alumnus

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    Constraint Matrix Analysis: Identify linearly dependent rows—they add no new value to the model. Zero Shadow Prices: Constraints with zero dual values often have no impact on the solution. Geometric Visualization: For smaller models, overlapping or parallel boundaries signal redundancy. Iterative Testing: Remove constraints temporarily; unchanged solutions confirm redundancy. Leverage Software: Use tools like Gurobi or cvxpy to detect and eliminate redundancies efficiently

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    William Parwoto Wirono

    Senior Decision Scientist at Aimpoint Digital | Decision Sciences, Mathematical Modeling

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    To identify redundant constraints in a linear programming model, systematically assess their impact on the feasible region. First, solve the model and record the optimal solution. Then, iteratively remove one constraint at a time and resolve the model. If the removal does not change the optimal solution or the feasible region, the constraint is redundant. For large models, use algorithms to check for linear dependence in the constraint matrix, as redundant constraints often exist as combinations of others. Tools like Gurobi’s infeasibility finder can also flag potentially redundant or inactive constraints, streamlining the process without requiring manual testing.

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    Kamran Abedini

    Professor at Cal Poly Pomona

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    Constraints with perfect, positive correlations could be redundant, but could also emphasize the power of such limitations and allow you to reach the optimum answer with more confidence. As a simple example, if the producer of auto engine oil indicates that speeds of higher than 90 mph could dramatically affect the oil viscosity, and the producer of the auto tires says the treadwear is dramatically affected by speeds over 90, then we have redundant constraints, but the power of confidence that you have to keep speed less than 90 is much higher.

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    Malak Hamoda

    ROV Testing and System Support Engineer at MCS Oil | Aeronautical Engineering and Aviation Management | Unmanned Systems | UAVs | Aircraft Maintenance

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    To find redundant constraints in a linear programming model, start by solving the model with all constraints and finding the optimal solution. Then, remove one constraint at a time and re-solve the model. If the feasible region and solution don’t change, the constraint is likely redundant. In simpler problems, you can use graphical methods to spot redundancy. For more complex models, methods like the Simplex algorithm help exclude redundant constraints automatically. Keep in mind that inactive constraints may not affect the optimal solution but can impact feasibility region. Always verify that the final solution is consistent with the problem’s objectives and practical context.

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    4
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    Sai Sumeeth R

    Software Developer | Data & ML Engineer | Java | Azure | SAP | Python | BIE | Tableau | Supply Chain | Industrial Systems | Ex-Capgemini | MS-ISOM @ UF | NIT | PMP-in-progress

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    To spot redundant constraints in a complex linear programming model, I combine analytical techniques and software tools. First, solve the model and iteratively remove one constraint at a time; if removal doesn't affect the optimal solution or feasible region, the constraint is redundant. Analyze the constraint matrix for linear dependency, often a sign of redundancy. Use sensitivity analysis to identify constraints with minimal shadow price impact. Leverage specialized tools like MATLAB or Gurobi which flag inactive or redundant constraints. Lastly, monitor constraint activity during optimization, focusing on consistently non-binding constraints. These methods streamline models for efficiency.

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