• Objectives are those things we want to minimize, or maximize.
• Expressed as a function of variables that provides a value
• Consider the example of building a fenced pasture. In this case when the area becomes too large, there is a reduced value. We want to maximize the value of V.
Figure 26.1 Example cost function for building a fence around a pasture
• The cost function can be written as..
Figure 26.2 A subroutine for cost function calculation
• Constraints are boundaries that cannot be crossed.
• Example of constraints, the pasture cannot be larger than one 1600m be 1600m beacuse of the constraints of an existing road system.
Figure 26.3 Example constraint functions for a pasture
• The cost function can be written as..
Figure 26.4 A subroutine for cost function calculation
• Slack variables allow constraints to be considered as part of the cost function. Helps with a system with many local minimum.
Figure 26.5 Example of slack variables for including constraints
• The cost function can be written as..
