Problem-Based Optimization Setup

Formulate optimization problems using variables and expressions, solve in serial or parallel

In problem-based optimization you create optimization variables, expressions in these variables that represent the objective and constraints or that represent equations, and solve the problem using solve. For the problem-based steps to take for optimization problems, see Problem-Based Optimization Workflow. For equation-solving, see Problem-Based Workflow for Solving Equations.

Before you begin to solve an optimization problem, you must choose the appropriate approach: problem-based or solver-based. For details, see First Choose Problem-Based or Solver-Based Approach.

Note: If you have a nonlinear function that is not a polynomial or rational expression, convert it to an optimization expression by using fcn2optimexpr. See Convert Nonlinear Function to Optimization Expression.

For a basic nonlinear optimization example, see Solve a Constrained Nonlinear Problem, Problem-Based. For a basic mixed-integer linear programming example, see Mixed-Integer Linear Programming Basics: Problem-Based. For a basic equation-solving example, see Solve Nonlinear System of Equations, Problem-Based.

Functions

expand all

eqnproblemCreate equation problem
optimproblemCreate optimization problem
optimvarCreate optimization variables
showDisplay information about optimization object
showboundsDisplay variable bounds
writeSave optimization object description
writeboundsSave description of variable bounds
fcn2optimexprConvert function to optimization expression
optimconstrCreate empty optimization constraint array
optimeqCreate empty optimization equality array
optimineqCreate empty optimization inequality array
optimexprCreate empty optimization expression array
showDisplay information about optimization object
writeSave optimization object description
evaluateEvaluate optimization expression
findindexFind numeric index equivalents of named index variables
infeasibilityConstraint violation at a point
prob2structConvert optimization problem or equation problem to solver form
solveSolve optimization problem or equation problem
varindexMap problem variables to solver-based variable index

Objects

EquationProblemSystem of nonlinear equations
OptimizationConstraintOptimization constraints
OptimizationEqualityEqualities and equality constraints
OptimizationExpressionArithmetic or functional expression in terms of optimization variables
OptimizationInequalityInequality constraints
OptimizationProblemOptimization problem
OptimizationVariableVariable for optimization

Topics

Problem-Based Steps

Problem-Based Optimization Workflow

Problem-based steps for solving optimization problems.

Problem-Based Workflow for Solving Equations

Problem-based steps for solving equations.

Optimization Expressions

Expressions define both objective and constraints.

Pass Extra Parameters in Problem-Based Approach

Pass extra parameters, data, or fixed variables in the problem-based approach.

Write Objective Function for Problem-Based Least Squares

Syntax rules for problem-based least squares.

Named Index for Optimization Variables

How to create and work with named indices for variables.

Review or Modify Optimization Problems

Shows how to review or modify problem elements such as variables and constraints.

Examine Optimization Solution

How to evaluate the solution and its quality.

Set Options

Set Options

Set optimization options

Output Function for Problem-Based Optimization

Shows how to use an output function in the problem-based approach to record iteration history and to make a custom plot.

Tips for Problem-Based Optimization

Create Efficient Optimization Problems

Tips for obtaining a faster or more accurate solution when there are integer constraints, and for avoiding loops in problem creation.

Separate Optimization Model from Data

To create reusable, scalable problems, separate the model from the data.

Variables with Duplicate Names Disallowed

Solution to the problem of two optimization variables with the same name.

Create Initial Point for Optimization with Named Index Variables

This example shows how to create initial points for solve when you have named index variables by using the findindex function.

Expression Contains Inf or NaN

Optimization expressions containing Inf or NaN cannot be displayed, and can cause unexpected results.

Objective and Constraints Having a Common Function in Serial or Parallel, Problem-Based

Save time when your objective and nonlinear constraint functions share common computations in the problem-based approach.

Parallel Computing

What Is Parallel Computing in Optimization Toolbox?

Use multiple processors for optimization.

Using Parallel Computing in Optimization Toolbox

Perform gradient estimation in parallel.

Minimizing an Expensive Optimization Problem Using Parallel Computing Toolbox™

Example showing the effectiveness of parallel computing in two solvers: fmincon and ga.

Improving Performance with Parallel Computing

Investigate factors for speeding optimizations.

Problem-Based Algorithms

Problem-Based Optimization Algorithms

How the optimization functions and objects solve optimization problems.

Supported Operations on Optimization Variables and Expressions

Lists all available mathematical and indexing operations on optimization variables and expressions.

Related Information


Optimization Toolbox Documentation
Support
Optimization in MATLAB: An Introduction to Quadratic Programming

Optimization in MATLAB: An Introduction to Quadratic Programming

Watch now