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Nonlinear programming
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Mathematics/pxTouaz4">mathematics</a>, nonlinear programming (NLP) is the process of solving an <a href="/facts/Optimization_problem/QzwJfFEE">optimization problem</a> where some of the constraints are not <a href="/facts/Linear_inequality/YGHD3tW5">linear equalities</a> or the objective function is not a <a href="/facts/Linear_function/Ejvy8CKy">linear function</a>. An <a href="/facts/Optimization_problem/QzwJfFEE">optimization problem</a> is one of calculation of the extrema (maxima, minima or stationary points) of an <a href="/facts/Objective_function/xv5ozuhl">objective function</a> over a set of unknown <a href="/facts/Function_of_a_real_variable/bbNG3DnN">real variables</a> and conditional to the satisfaction of a <a href="/facts/Simultaneous_equations/KzP6TJ4u">system</a> of <a href="/facts/Equation/pxFzLAVR">equalities</a> and <a href="/facts/Inequality_(mathematics)/qkze4zdI">inequalities</a>, collectively termed <a href="/facts/Constraint_(mathematics)/QLFIFlFX">constraints</a>. It is the sub-field of <a href="/facts/Mathematical_optimization/oRn8Iv5I">mathematical optimization</a> that deals with problems that are not linear. </p>