Workshop
The central curve of a linear program
- Cynthia Vinzant (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA)
Abstract
The central curve of a linear program is an algebraic curve specified by the associated hyperplane arrangement and cost vector. This curve is the union of the various central paths for minimizing or maximizing the cost function over any region in this hyperplane arrangement. Here we will discuss the algebraic properties of this curve and its beautiful global geometry, both of which are controlled by the corresponding matroid of the hyperplane arrangement.