Mathematical Optimization
 

At the end of his course on “The Mathematical Methods in Optimization,” professor Harrison sternly looks at his students and says, “There is one final piece of advice I'm going to give you now. Here it is. Whatever you have learned in my course... never ever try to apply it to your personal lives!”

“Why?” the students ask.

“Well, some years ago, I observed my wife preparing breakfast, and I noticed that she wasted a lot of time walking back and forth in the kitchen. So, I went to work. I optimized the whole procedure, and told my wife about it.”

“And what happened?!”

“Before I applied my expert knowledge, my wife needed about half an hour to prepare breakfast each day for the two of us. And now, it takes me less than fifteen minutes.”