Quadratic Assignment Problem - Formal Mathematical Definition

Formal Mathematical Definition

The formal definition of the quadratic assignment problem is as follows:

Given two sets, P ("facilities") and L ("locations"), of equal size, together with a weight function w : P × PR and a distance function d : L × LR. Find the bijection f : PL ("assignment") such that the cost function:
is minimized.

Usually weight and distance functions are viewed as square real-valued matrices, so that the cost function is written down as:

Read more about this topic:  Quadratic Assignment Problem

Famous quotes containing the words formal, mathematical and/or definition:

    True variety is in that plenitude of real and unexpected elements, in the branch charged with blue flowers thrusting itself, against all expectations, from the springtime hedge which seems already too full, while the purely formal imitation of variety ... is but void and uniformity, that is, that which is most opposed to variety....
    Marcel Proust (1871–1922)

    All science requires mathematics. The knowledge of mathematical things is almost innate in us.... This is the easiest of sciences, a fact which is obvious in that no one’s brain rejects it; for laymen and people who are utterly illiterate know how to count and reckon.
    Roger Bacon (c. 1214–c. 1294)

    It’s a rare parent who can see his or her child clearly and objectively. At a school board meeting I attended . . . the only definition of a gifted child on which everyone in the audience could agree was “mine.”
    Jane Adams (20th century)