Understanding and Applying Numerical Optimization Techniques from Pluralsight

Optimization is all about smart trade-offs given difficult choices. This course focuses on three specific aspects of numerical optimization: correctly setting up optimization problems, linear programming, and integer programming.

Many optimization problems are conceptually similar to software design patterns - they are generally usable techniques that help with commonly recurring problems. In this course, Understanding and Applying Numerical Optimization Techniques, you'll first learn about framing the optimization problem correctly. Correctly framing the problem is the key to finding the right solution, and is also a powerful general tool in business, data analysis, and modeling. Next, you'll explore linear programming. Linear programming is a specific type of optimization used when the problem can be framed purely in terms of linear (straight line) relationships. Finally, you'll wrap up this course learning about integer programming. Integer programming is similar to linear programming, but it involves adding conditions that our variables be integers. This occurs very often in the real world, but the math of solving these problems is quite a bit more involved. By the end of this course, you will have a good understanding of how numerical optimization techniques can be used in data modeling, and how those models can be implemented in Excel, Python, and R.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introducing Numerical Optimization

Understanding Linear Programming

Implementing Linear Programming in Excel

Implementing Linear Programming in R

Implementing Linear Programming in Python

Understanding Integer Programming

Implementing Integer Programming in Excel

Implementing Integer Programming in R

Implementing Integer Programming in Python

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches numerical optimization techniques, which are fundamental for data modeling

Provides hands-on experience in implementing linear and integer programming in Excel, Python, and R

Develops problem-solving skills and analytical thinking in the context of optimization problems

Suitable for students with a background in mathematics or computer science

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding and Applying Numerical Optimization Techniques with these activities:

Review optimization book by Boyd

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Simplify the challenging concepts in the course by reviewing key details from this introductory book on optimization.

View Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra: Vectors... on Amazon

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Read first 2 chapters
Summarize main concepts
Answer end of chapter questions

Seek guidance from experienced professionals in optimization

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Enhance learning and career prospects by connecting with experienced professionals who can provide valuable insights and support.

Browse courses on Optimization

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Identify potential mentors
Reach out and introduce yourself
Set up regular meetings
Prepare questions and actively engage in discussions

Develop a visual representation of optimization concepts

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Strengthen understanding of optimization concepts by creating visual aids, such as flowcharts or diagrams, that illustrate key relationships.

Browse courses on Optimization

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Identify key concepts and relationships
Choose appropriate visual representation
Create and refine visual aid
Share and discuss with peers

Five other activities

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Follow Pluralsight tutorials on linear programming

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Close knowledge gaps and enhance understanding of linear programming with the help of step-by-step video tutorials.

Browse courses on Linear Programming

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Find relevant tutorials on Pluralsight
Take notes while watching videos
Implement example code
Review key concepts

Attend workshop on applications of optimization techniques

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Expand practical knowledge of optimization techniques by attending a hands-on workshop focused on real-world applications.

Browse courses on Optimization

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Actively participate in exercises and discussions
Follow up with instructors or mentors

Network with professionals at industry conferences

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Expand your professional network and learn about the latest trends in optimization by attending industry conferences and connecting with professionals in the field.

Browse courses on Optimization

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Research and identify relevant conferences
Prepare and practice your elevator pitch
Attend the conference and actively participate in sessions
Follow up with new connections

Practice solving integer programming problems

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Become proficient in solving integer programming problems by actively practicing with various scenarios and challenges.

Browse courses on Integer Programming

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Find online practice problems
Solve problems using different techniques
Analyze solutions and identify areas for improvement
Participate in online forums or study groups

Contribute to open-source projects related to optimization

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Enhance your understanding of optimization algorithms and contribute to the community by participating in open-source projects.

Browse courses on Optimization

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Identify open-source projects aligned with your interests
Familiarize yourself with the project code and documentation
Identify areas where you can contribute
Propose and implement changes

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding and Applying Numerical Optimization Techniques will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Financial Analyst

As a Financial Analyst, you will be advising clients on how to make optimal use of their resources, such as investment, borrowing, and saving money. You will need a strong understanding of mathematical and statistical models to derive optimal solutions, which is what you will learn in this course. The course will also teach you how to implement these models in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Actuary

As an Actuary, you will use your knowledge of probability, statistics, and other mathematical techniques to assess risk and recommend financial decisions. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Operations Research Analyst

As an Operations Research Analyst, you will be using advanced analytical techniques to help organizations make better decisions. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Data Scientist

As a Data Scientist, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting large amounts of data to extract meaningful insights. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Management Consultant

As a Management Consultant, you will be helping organizations to improve their performance by providing them with advice on how to make better decisions. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Statistician

As a Statistician, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to extract meaningful insights. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Quantitative Analyst

As a Quantitative Analyst, you will be using mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Software Engineer

As a Software Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course will help you to develop the mathematical and statistical skills that are essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Market Researcher

As a Market Researcher, you will be responsible for conducting research to understand consumer behavior and market trends. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to extract meaningful insights. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

As a Business Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing business processes and identifying opportunities for improvement. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Financial Planner

As a Financial Planner, you will be helping clients to manage their finances and plan for the future. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner

Risk Analyst

As a Risk Analyst, you will be responsible for identifying and assessing risks that could impact an organization. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Analyst

Auditor

As an Auditor, you will be responsible for examining an organization's financial records to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. This course will help build a foundation of mathematical and statistical knowledge that is essential for success in this field. You will also learn how to implement these techniques in various software programs, which will be useful for you in your day to day job.

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Economist

As an Economist, you will be responsible for studying economic data and trends to make predictions about the future. This course may be useful for you in the context of developing economic models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist