linear programming

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

• noun mathematics the branch of mathematics concerned with the minimization or maximization of a linear function of several variables and inequalities; used in many branches of industry to minimize costs or maximize production

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

• noun a mathematical technique used in economics; finds the maximum or minimum of linear functions in many variables subject to constraints