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Q.Solve the following linear programming problem graphically: Maximize Z=10500x+9000yZ = 10500x + 9000y Subject to constraints x+y≤50x + y \le 50 2x+y≤802x + y \le 80 x,y≥0x, y \ge 0

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2026Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
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The graphical method finds the optimal solution at a corner point of the feasible region. For this problem, the maximum value of ZZ is ₹4,95,000 at (30,20)(30, 20).

Why the graphical method works

Linear programming is about finding the best outcome (maximum profit, minimum cost) under given constraints. When there are only two decision variables, we can draw every constraint as a straight line on a graph. The region where all constraints overlap is called the feasible region — every point inside it is a possible solution.

The key insight is that the objective function ZZ is also a straight line. As we slide this line parallel to itself in the direction of increasing ZZ, the last point it touches before leaving the feasible region is always a corner point (vertex) of that region. So we don't need to check every point — just the vertices.

Z=10500x+9000yZ = 10500x + 9000y


Step-by-step solution

1. Plot the constraints

We have four constraints:

  • x+y≤50x + y \le 50
  • 2x+y≤802x + y \le 80
  • x≥0x \ge 0
  • y≥0y \ge 0

The last two simply mean we work in the first quadrant.

Constraint 1: x+y=50x + y = 50

When x=0x = 0, y=50y = 50. When y=0y = 0, x=50x = 50.

Draw the line through (0,50)(0, 50) and (50,0)(50, 0). The inequality ≤\le means the region below this line (towards the origin).

Constraint 2: 2x+y=802x + y = 80

When x=0x = 0, y=80y = 80. When y=0y = 0, x=40x = 40.

Draw the line through (0,80)(0, 80) and (40,0)(40, 0). Again, the region below this line.

Watch out

A common mistake is to shade the wrong side. Always test with (0,0)(0,0): if it satisfies the inequality, shade towards the origin. Here, (0,0)(0,0) satisfies both 0≤500 \le 50 and 0≤800 \le 80, so the feasible region is the area below both lines in the first quadrant.

2. Identify the feasible region

The feasible region is a polygon bounded by:

  • The xx-axis (y=0y = 0)
  • The yy-axis (x=0x = 0)
  • The line x+y=50x + y = 50
  • The line 2x+y=802x + y = 80

These boundaries intersect to form vertices. Let's find them.

3. Find all corner points

Vertex A: Intersection of x=0x = 0 and y=0y = 0

⇒(0,0)\Rightarrow (0, 0)

Vertex B: Intersection of y=0y = 0 and 2x+y=802x + y = 80

2x+0=80⇒x=402x + 0 = 80 \Rightarrow x = 40

⇒(40,0)\Rightarrow (40, 0)

Vertex C: Intersection of x=0x = 0 and x+y=50x + y = 50

0+y=50⇒y=500 + y = 50 \Rightarrow y = 50

⇒(0,50)\Rightarrow (0, 50)

Vertex D: Intersection of x+y=50x + y = 50 and 2x+y=802x + y = 80

Subtract the first equation from the second:

(2x+y)−(x+y)=80−50(2x + y) - (x + y) = 80 - 50

x=30x = 30

Substitute into x+y=50x + y = 50: 30+y=50⇒y=2030 + y = 50 \Rightarrow y = 20

⇒(30,20)\Rightarrow (30, 20) …

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