AQA D2 2007 June — Question 4 14 marks

Exam BoardAQA
ModuleD2 (Decision Mathematics 2)
Year2007
SessionJune
Marks14
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicThe Simplex Algorithm
TypeComplete Simplex solution
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a standard, methodical Simplex algorithm question requiring routine application of the pivot procedure. While it involves multiple steps, each follows a mechanical process taught directly in D2: reading constraints from the tableau, selecting pivots using standard rules, performing row operations, and interpreting the final tableau. No novel insight or problem-solving is required—just careful execution of a learned algorithm.
Spec7.07a Simplex tableau: initial setup in standard format7.07b Simplex iterations: pivot choice and row operations7.07c Interpret simplex: values of variables, slack, and objective7.07d Simplex terminology: basic feasible solution, basic/non-basic variable

4 A linear programming problem involving variables \(x\) and \(y\) is to be solved. The objective function to be maximised is \(P = 3 x + 5 y\). The initial Simplex tableau is given below.
\(\boldsymbol { P }\)\(\boldsymbol { x }\)\(\boldsymbol { y }\)\(\boldsymbol { s }\)\(\boldsymbol { t }\)\(\boldsymbol { u }\)value
1- 3- 50000
01210036
01101020
04100139
  1. In addition to \(x \geqslant 0 , y \geqslant 0\), write down three inequalities involving \(x\) and \(y\) for this problem.
    1. By choosing the first pivot from the \(\boldsymbol { y }\)-column, perform one iteration of the Simplex method.
    2. Explain how you know that the optimal value has not been reached.
    1. Perform one further iteration.
    2. Interpret the final tableau and state the values of the slack variables.

Question 4:
Part (a)
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMarks Guidance
\(x + 2y \leq 36\)B1
\(x + y \leq 20\)B1
\(4x + y \leq 39\) 2 marks total
Part (b)(i)
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMarks Guidance
Pivot column is \(y\); ratios \(36/2=18\), \(20/1=20\), \(39/1=39\); pivot row is row 1 (value 36)M1 A1
New row 1: divide by 2M1
Correct updated tableau after one iterationA1 4 marks
Part (b)(ii)
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMarks Guidance
There is still a negative value in the objective row (P row)B1 1 mark
Part (c)(i)
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMarks Guidance
Second pivot in \(x\)-column; correct pivot element identifiedM1 A1
Correct final tableau producedA1 A1 4 marks
Part (c)(ii)
AnswerMarks Guidance
AnswerMarks Guidance
\(P = 95\), \(x = 1\), \(y = 17\) (or correct values from tableau)B1
Slack variables: \(s=0\), \(t=2\), \(u=0\) (constraints 1 and 3 tight)B1 B1 3 marks
# Question 4:

## Part (a)
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|--------|-------|----------|
| $x + 2y \leq 36$ | B1 | |
| $x + y \leq 20$ | B1 | |
| $4x + y \leq 39$ | | 2 marks total |

## Part (b)(i)
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|--------|-------|----------|
| Pivot column is $y$; ratios $36/2=18$, $20/1=20$, $39/1=39$; pivot row is row 1 (value 36) | M1 A1 | |
| New row 1: divide by 2 | M1 | |
| Correct updated tableau after one iteration | A1 | 4 marks |

## Part (b)(ii)
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|--------|-------|----------|
| There is still a negative value in the objective row (P row) | B1 | 1 mark |

## Part (c)(i)
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|--------|-------|----------|
| Second pivot in $x$-column; correct pivot element identified | M1 A1 | |
| Correct final tableau produced | A1 A1 | 4 marks |

## Part (c)(ii)
| Answer | Marks | Guidance |
|--------|-------|----------|
| $P = 95$, $x = 1$, $y = 17$ (or correct values from tableau) | B1 | |
| Slack variables: $s=0$, $t=2$, $u=0$ (constraints 1 and 3 tight) | B1 B1 | 3 marks |

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4 A linear programming problem involving variables $x$ and $y$ is to be solved. The objective function to be maximised is $P = 3 x + 5 y$. The initial Simplex tableau is given below.

\begin{center}
\begin{tabular}{ | c | r | r | c | c | c | c | }
\hline
$\boldsymbol { P }$ & $\boldsymbol { x }$ & $\boldsymbol { y }$ & $\boldsymbol { s }$ & $\boldsymbol { t }$ & $\boldsymbol { u }$ & value \\
\hline
1 & - 3 & - 5 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 0 \\
\hline
0 & 1 & 2 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 36 \\
\hline
0 & 1 & 1 & 0 & 1 & 0 & 20 \\
\hline
0 & 4 & 1 & 0 & 0 & 1 & 39 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\end{center}
\begin{enumerate}[label=(\alph*)]
\item In addition to $x \geqslant 0 , y \geqslant 0$, write down three inequalities involving $x$ and $y$ for this problem.
\item \begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item By choosing the first pivot from the $\boldsymbol { y }$-column, perform one iteration of the Simplex method.
\item Explain how you know that the optimal value has not been reached.
\end{enumerate}\item \begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item Perform one further iteration.
\item Interpret the final tableau and state the values of the slack variables.
\end{enumerate}\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{AQA D2 2007 Q4 [14]}}