Linear programming finds the least expensive way to meet given needs with available resources. Its results are used in every area of engineering and commerce; including agriculture, oil refining, banking, and air transport. Authors Kolman and Beck present the basic notions of linear programming and illustrate how they are used to solve important common problems. The software on the included disk leads students through the calculations. Students in quantitative fields, or students in business who want a quantitative approach, will find that the Second Edition has been completely revised to give an orderly introduction to the basic ideas in linear programming. Appropriate review material on linear algebra is included. Other topics covered include the Duality Theorem, the transportation problem, the assignment problem, and the maximal flow problem. New figures and exercises are provided and the authors have updated all computer applications. An appendix, new to this edition, provides a brief introduction to the Kamarkar algorithm.