mathematical optimization
nounUK /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkəl ˌɒptɪmaɪˈzeɪʃən/
US /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkəl ˌɑːptɪməˈzeɪʃən/
Finding the very best answer to a problem using math.
The delivery company used mathematical optimization to find the shortest routes for its trucks.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The branch of applied mathematics that studies methods for finding maxima or minima of functions.
She studied mathematical optimization as part of her applied mathematics degree.
3. In machine learning, the process of adjusting model parameters to minimize error.
Training the neural network relied on mathematical optimization to reduce the loss.
4. The formal selection of the best element from a set of available alternatives under given constraints.
Scheduling the factory's machines was framed as a problem of mathematical optimization.