Negative Constraints

Negative constraints are rules or conditions that specify what actions, choices, or options are not allowed in a system or problem. They help define boundaries by excluding certain possibilities, ensuring solutions meet specific criteria. For example, in scheduling, a negative constraint might be "no meetings after 6 PM," restricting options to comply with this rule. They are essential in problem-solving and decision-making to eliminate undesirable options and guide the process toward acceptable outcomes.