GLP-Tool: An Active Learning Technical Tool for Graphical Linear Programming

This paper presents the GLP-Tool, an active learning technical tool for graphical linear programming involving two variables. The GLP-Tool is designed to solve user-defined linear programming problems with two variables, up to a didactical limit of five constraints (plus the signal constraints). Implemented using the computer algebra system Mathematica, this interactive tool allows the user to dynamically explore different objective functions and constraint sets. All the GLP-Tool functionalities are represented graphically and updated in real time. These interactive, dynamic, and graphical features make the GLP-Tool a powerful tool for teaching linear programming both in undergraduate and high school courses. The GLP-Tool is already available online at the repository of the Universidade do Algarve and we intend to make it available also at the Wolfram Demonstrations Project website.