Cutting Planes

Cutting planes are mathematical techniques used in optimization to refine solutions in problems like linear programming. They work by adding new constraints—"cuts"—that eliminate parts of the search space where no optimal solution can exist, without excluding any feasible solutions. This iterative process narrows down the possibilities, helping algorithms find the best (optimal) answer more efficiently. Essentially, cutting planes help optimize complex problems by systematically tightening the possibilities until the best solution emerges.