Young Energy operates a power plant that includes a coal-fired boiler to produce steam to drive a generator. The company can purchase different types of coals and blend them to meet the requirements for burning in the boiler. The table below shows the characteristics of the different types of coals:
The required BTU/lb must be at least 11,900. In addition, the ash content can be at most 12.2% and the moisture content at most 9.4%. Develop and solve a linear optimization model to find the best coal blend for Young Energy. Explain how the company might reduce its costs by changing the blending restrictions.