Linear programming: from production engineering to the classroom

Authors

  • Alisson de Melo Gonçalves Federal Institute of Alagoas, undergraduate student in mathematics, Brazil
  • Arlyson Alves do Nascimento Federal Institute of Alagoas, Professor, Arlyson Alves do Nascimento, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0631-3273
  • Enaldo Vieira de Melo Federal Institute of Alagoas, Brazil
  • Hugo Santos Nunes Federal Institute of Alagoas, Professor Hugo Santos Nunes, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v11iSpecial_2.3718

Abstract

This Final Paper analyzes Linear Programming (LP) from two perspectives: its application in Production Engineering and its integration into high school education as a didactic resource. It begins by presenting the theoretical foundations of Operations Research and LP, highlighting their historical and practical importance in resource optimization and decision-making. Next, the graphical method for solving problems with two variables is addressed, including the mathematical modeling involved. The second part describes the implementation of a didactic sequence with 3rd-year high school students at Colégio Inovar (Atalaia-AL), using active methodologies and technological tools such as GeoGebra and Excel’s Solver. The proposal included introductory lessons, group activities, and contextualized problem-solving, aiming to develop students’ logical reasoning and decision-making skills. The analysis of the results showed improved performance and increased interest in Mathematics, especially when students recognized the real-world applicability of LP. It is concluded that, in addition to being essential in Production Engineering, LP can be successfully integrated into school education, provided that appropriate pedagogical strategies and technological resources are used to foster active learning.

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Author Biographies

Alisson de Melo Gonçalves , Federal Institute of Alagoas, undergraduate student in mathematics, Brazil

0009-0008-2930-1583 Federal Institute of Alagoas, undergraduate student in mathematics, Brazil, Email: alissonmelo2009@gmail.com

Arlyson Alves do Nascimento, Federal Institute of Alagoas, Professor, Arlyson Alves do Nascimento, Brazil

0000-0002-0631-3273 Federal Institute of Alagoas, Professor, Arlyson Alves do Nascimento, Brazil, Email: arlyson.nascimento@ifal.edu.br

Enaldo Vieira de Melo, Federal Institute of Alagoas, Brazil

0009-0008-5952-3208 Federal Institute of Alagoas, Professor, Enaldo Vieira de Melo, Brazil, Email: enaldo.melo@ifal.edu.br

Hugo Santos Nunes, Federal Institute of Alagoas, Professor Hugo Santos Nunes, Brazil

0009-0003-9700-0495 Federal Institute of Alagoas, Professor Hugo Santos Nunes, Brazil, Email: hugo.nunes@ifal.edu.br

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Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

de Melo Gonçalves , A., Alves do Nascimento, A., Vieira de Melo, E., & Santos Nunes, H. (2026). Linear programming: from production engineering to the classroom. Diversitas Journal, 11(Special_2), 393–413. https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v11iSpecial_2.3718