Practical Optimization Methods. With Mathematica Applications

M. Asghar Bhatti : Practical Optimization Methods. With Mathematica Applications. Springer-Verlag New York, 2000. CD-ROM included.

Using an intuitive and practical approach, this textbook presents theory and computational algorithms for optimization. The author has chosen an informal style of treating the subject matter, trying to strike the right balance between the two extremes of being "too theoretical" and using a "cookbook" style. The presentation of the material integrates the software package Mathematica into the text, interspersing the coverage of theory and the description of algorithms with examples using Mathematica statements. For readers knowledgeable in, or willing to learn Mathematica syntax, this could be a refreshing experience, but for the individual who just wants an exposition of the theory or an explanation of the algorithms, the frequent and lengthy Mathematica passages are a bit of a nuisance.

The introductory first chapter on problem formulation includes some well-written applications on building design, plant operation, portfolio management and data fitting. A classification of problems and an overview of methods are followed by an unusual, but welcome, inclusion of the time value of money, with examples from engineering economics. A number of useful problems, left for the reader to try, ends this as well as each of the other chapters.

Chapter two is devoted to procedures for graphical solution, usefully illustrated by various numerical examples. Again, Mathematica expressions and statements are used...