objektiivifunktioon

An objective function is a fundamental concept in optimization problems. It is a mathematical function that we aim to maximize or minimize. The value of the objective function represents the measure of success or failure for a given set of decisions or variables. In essence, it quantifies what we are trying to achieve with our optimization.

For example, in a business context, an objective function could be the profit function, which we would aim to maximize. Conversely, a cost function, representing expenses, would typically be minimized. In engineering, an objective function might represent the efficiency of a system, which engineers would seek to maximize, or the amount of material used, which they would aim to minimize.

The variables within the objective function are the decision variables, which can be adjusted to find the optimal solution. Constraints are often imposed on these variables, defining the feasible region within which the optimization must take place. The objective function, along with these constraints, forms the complete optimization problem. Finding the values of the decision variables that yield the best possible value for the objective function, while satisfying all constraints, is the goal of optimization.