numerical-optimization-formulation

Convert natural-language optimization problems into LP, MILP, or QP formulations.

Updated May 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/yo-steven/skills-exploration-20260522 --skill numerical-optimization-formulation
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: numerical-optimization-formulation
Source: https://github.com/yo-steven/skills-exploration-20260522/tree/main/skills/cuopt/numerical-optimization-formulation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/yo-steven/skills-exploration-20260522 --skill numerical-optimization-formulation

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It helps you convert an optimization problem described in natural language into a correct and complete mathematical formulation across LP, MILP, and QP, including identifying what is given, what is chosen, and what must be optimized.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Problem-type identification: Determines whether the problem is LP, MILP, or QP based on objective structure and variable types (continuous vs integer/binary), including QP minimization rules.
  • Formulation question checklist: Ensures required elements are clarified—decision variables, objective sense (min/max), constraint structure, variable types, and (for QP) convexity requirements.
  • Structured problem-text parsing: Labels every sentence as parameter/given, constraint, decision, or objective, including handling implicit objectives and implicit constraints from committed vs optional phrasing.
  • Modeling patterns guidance: Provides reusable formulation patterns for common modeling cases (piecewise-linear objectives, cutting stock, goal programming, multi-period inventory timing, blending with shared mixing, etc.) to avoid typical pitfalls.

Quick Start

Ask the skill to parse your optimization problem text and produce a labeled summary of parameters, constraints, decisions, and the objective (explicit or inferred) before writing the LP/MILP/QP formulation.

Frequently Asked Questions about numerical-optimization-formulation

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I convert a natural language optimization problem into an LP formulation?

To convert natural language into an LP formulation, the text is parsed sentence-by-sentence to label parameters, constraints, decisions, and objectives. This structured parsing resolves implicit phrasing and ensures the final linear programming model is complete and mathematically correct.

What is the difference between MILP and QP modeling from natural language descriptions?

MILP modeling involves mixed-integer variables for scheduling or cutting stock patterns, while QP requires convexity checks for quadratic objectives like portfolio optimization. The formulation process identifies variable types and objective structure to classify and build the correct mathematical model.

How do I formulate scheduling and resource capacity constraints from text?

Formulating scheduling and resource capacity constraints requires identifying decision variables and committed versus optional phrasing in the text. The process applies reusable modeling patterns to translate capacity limits and timing rules into precise mathematical constraints.

Can I use this approach for goal programming and cutting stock problem formulations?

Yes, you can use this approach for goal programming and cutting stock formulations. It provides reusable modeling pattern guidance to construct these common MILP structures accurately, avoiding typical formulation pitfalls by explicitly confirming objective senses and variable types.

What are the limitations of parsing implicit objectives in mathematical modeling text?

Parsing implicit objectives in mathematical modeling text requires explicit confirmation to resolve ambiguity. If a sentence's intent is unclear, deterministic parsing rules label it for clarification rather than guessing, ensuring the inferred objective or constraint is correct before formulation.

Does QP formulation require convexity checks for least-squares optimization problems?

Yes, QP formulation requires convexity checks for least-squares optimization problems. The parsing process enforces QP minimization rules and provides convexity guidance to ensure the quadratic program is solvable and mathematically valid before finalizing the model.