Continuous optimization is a branch of
optimization
Mathematical optimization (alternatively spelled ''optimisation'') or mathematical programming is the selection of a best element, with regard to some criteria, from some set of available alternatives. It is generally divided into two subfiel ...
in
applied mathematics
Applied mathematics is the application of mathematics, mathematical methods by different fields such as physics, engineering, medicine, biology, finance, business, computer science, and Industrial sector, industry. Thus, applied mathematics is a ...
.
As opposed to
discrete optimization, the
variables used in the
objective function are required to be
continuous variables—that is, to be chosen from a set of
real values between which there are no gaps (values from
intervals of the
real line). Because of this
continuity assumption, continuous optimization allows the use of
calculus
Calculus is the mathematics, mathematical study of continuous change, in the same way that geometry is the study of shape, and algebra is the study of generalizations of arithmetic operations.
Originally called infinitesimal calculus or "the ...
techniques.
References
Mathematical optimization
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