View source for Mathematical optimization

In [[mathematics]], [[computer science]] and [[operations research]], '''mathematical optimization''' (alternatively, '''optimization''' or '''mathematical programming''') is the selection of a best element (with regard to some criteria) from some [[Set (mathematics)|set]] of available alternatives.

== Description ==

In the simplest case, an optimization problem consists of maximizing or minimizing a real function by systematically choosing input values from within an allowed set and computing the value of the function.

The generalization of optimization theory and techniques to other formulations comprises a large area of [[applied mathematics]].

More generally, optimization includes finding "best available" values of some objective function given a defined domain (or a set of constraints), including a variety of different types of objective functions and different types of domains.

== See also ==

* [[Applied mathematics]]
* [[Feasible set]]
* [[Set (mathematics)]]
* [[Set theory]]

== External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_optimization Mathematical optimization] @ Wikipedia


[[Category:Applied mathematics]]
[[Category:Computer science]]
[[Category:Mathematics]]