In linear programming, what is a slack variable used for?
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In linear programming, a slack variable is used to convert an inequality constraint into an equation. It represents the unused portion of a resource, allowing the model to account for the difference between the actual usage and the maximum allowable limit.
A slack variable helps us turn an inequality constraint into an equality constraint. It shows us how much of a resource isn’t being used. This makes it easier to express the relationship between the variables more clearly. So, if we have a limit on a resource, the slack variable tells us how much of that limit is still available.
In linear programming, a slack variable is used to convert an inequality constraint into an equality constraint. It represents the unused portion of a resource in a less-than-or-equal-to constraint, allowing the formulation of the problem in a way that can be solved using methods like the Simplex algorithm. By adding slack variables, the feasible region is maintained while enabling a clearer analysis of resource allocation and utilization.