Invitation To Linear Programming And Game Theory

Written in a conversational tone, this classroom-tested text introduces the fundamentals of linear programming and game theory, showing readers how to apply serious mathematics to practical real-life questions by modelling linear optimization problems and strategic games. The treatment of linear programming includes two distinct graphical methods. The game theory chapters include a novel proof of the minimax theorem for 2x2 zero-sum games. In addition to zero-sum games, the text presents variable-sum games, ordinal games, and n-player games as the natural result of relaxing or modifying the assumptions of zero-sum games. All concepts and techniques are derived from motivating examples, building in complexity, which encourages students to think creatively and leads them to understand how the mathematics is applied. With no prerequisite besides high school algebra, the text will be useful to motivated high school students and undergraduates studying business, economics, mathematics, and the social sciences.

Praise for the Second Edition: "This is quite a well-done book: very tightly organized, better-than-average exposition, and numerous examples, illustrations, and applications." —Mathematical Reviews of the American Mathematical Society An Introduction to Linear Programming and Game Theory, Third Edition presents a rigorous, yet accessible, introduction to the theoretical concepts and computational techniques of linear programming and game theory. Now with more extensive modeling exercises and detailed integer programming examples, this book uniquely illustrates how mathematics can be used in real-world applications in the social, life, and managerial sciences, providing readers with the opportunity to develop and apply their analytical abilities when solving realistic problems. This Third Edition addresses various new topics and improvements in the field of mathematical programming, and it also presents two software programs, LP Assistant and the Solver add-in for Microsoft Office Excel, for solving linear programming problems. LP Assistant, developed by coauthor Gerard Keough, allows readers to perform the basic steps of the algorithms provided in the book and is freely available via the book's related Web site. The use of the sensitivity analysis report and integer programming algorithm from the Solver add-in for Microsoft Office Excel is introduced so readers can solve the book's linear and integer programming problems. A detailed appendix contains instructions for the use of both applications. Additional features of the Third Edition include: A discussion of sensitivity analysis for the two-variable problem, along with new examples demonstrating integer programming, non-linear programming, and make vs. buy models Revised proofs and a discussion on the relevance and solution of the dual problem A section on developing an example in Data Envelopment Analysis An outline of the proof of John Nash's theorem on the existence of equilibrium strategy pairs for non-cooperative, non-zero-sum games Providing a complete mathematical development of all presented concepts and examples, Introduction to Linear Programming and Game Theory, Third Edition is an ideal text for linear programming and mathematical modeling courses at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It also serves as a valuable reference for professionals who use game theory in business, economics, and management science.

Mathematical elegance is a constant theme in this treatment of linear programming and matrix games. Condensed tableau, minimal in size and notation, are employed for the simplex algorithm. In the context of these tableau the beautiful termination theorem of R.G. Bland is proven more simply than heretofore, and the important duality theorem becomes almost obvious. Examples and extensive discussions throughout the book provide insight into definitions, theorems, and applications. There is considerable informal discussion on how best to play matrix games. The book is designed for a one-semester undergraduate course. Readers will need a degree of mathematical sophistication and general tools such as sets, functions, and summation notation. No single college course is a prerequisite, but most students will do better with some prior college mathematics. This thorough introduction to linear programming and game theory will impart a deep understanding of the material and also increase the student's mathematical maturity.

A rigorous introduction to the theoretical concepts and computational techniques of linear programming and game theory. Illustrates how mathematics can be used to understand and resolve real world problems. Standard topics are covered--the simplex algorithm; duality; sensitivity; integer programming; the transportation problem; two-person, zero-sum, and non-zero sum games--and in the process, mathematical model-building is explained. Material includes meaningful examples and numerous exercises to reinforce and enhance understanding. Examples are used extensively, and the exercises (over 500) range in nature from model building and computation to theory. In this edition five new sections have been added, new problems included, and material expanded and improved.

A rigorous introduction to the theoretical concepts and computational techniques of linear programming and game theory. Illustrates how mathematics can be used to understand and resolve real world problems. Standard topics are covered--the simplex algorithm; duality; sensitivity; integer programming; the transportation problem; two-person, zero-sum, and non-zero sum games--and in the process, mathematical model-building is explained. Material includes meaningful examples and numerous exercises to reinforce and enhance understanding. Examples are used extensively, and the exercises (over 500) range in nature from model building and computation to theory. In this edition five new sections have been added, new problems included, and material expanded and improved.

Salient Features: This book gives methodical and step-by-step explanation of the Simplex Method which is missing in most of the available books. The book goes on as a teacher explaining and simplifying the topics to a student. All the university question paper problems with 74 examples and 81 exercises illustrate the methodology. Problems solved by Graphical Method are explained with neat and accurate graphs. Twenty-One Theorems with proofs and corollaries will facilitate logical understanding of the subject. Detailed explanations are given to make the reader confident about the subject.

This compact book is an excellent elucidation of the basics of optimization theory in the areas of linear programming and game theory. The theory has been developed in a systematic manner with a recapitulation of the necessary mathematical preliminaries including in good measure the elements of convexity theory. All the essential topics such as simplex algorithm, duality, revised simplex method, two-phase method and dual simplex method have been discussed lucidly. The age-old transportation and assignment problems have been treated thoroughly to manifest all the dimensions of the problems. Finally, the game theory comes with grandeur of reality of conflicts. This user-friendly text is designed for the undergraduate students in mathematics. Besides, it will be useful to students pursuing courses in engineering, management and economics.