Maxima and Minima with Applications: Practical Optimization and Duality

This new work by Wilfred Kaplan, the distinguished author ofinfluential mathematics and engineering texts, is destined tobecome a classic. Timely, concise, and content-driven, it providesan intermediate-level treatment of maxima, minima, andoptimization. Assuming only a background in calculus and somelinear algebra, Professor Kaplan presents topics in order ofdifficulty. In four short chapters, he describes basic concepts andgeometric aspects of maxima and minima, progresses to problems withside conditions, introduces optimization and programming, andconcludes with an in-depth discussion of research topics involvingthe duality theorems of Fenchel and Rockafellar. Throughout thetext, the subject of convexity is gradually developed-from itstheoretical underpinnings to problems, and finally, to its role inapplications. Other features include: * A strong emphasis on practical applications of maxima andminima * An impressive array of supporting topics such as numericalanalysis * An ample number of examples and problems * More than 60 illustrations highlighting the text * Algorithms to reinforce concepts * An appendix reviewing the prerequisite linear algebra Maxima and Minima with Applications is an ideal text forupper-undergraduate and graduate students taking courses inoperations research, management, general engineering, and appliedmathematics. It can also be used to supplement courses on linearand nonlinear optimization. This volume's broad scope makes it anexcellent reference for professionals wishing to learn more aboutcutting-edge topics in optimization and mathematical programming.