# How to linearize the product of a binary and a non-negative continuous variable?

Suppose we have a binary variable $$x$$ and a non-negative continuous variable $$y$$. How can we linearize the product $$x y$$?

• To generate more expected content for our new OR forum and since it is allowed to answers your own questions: I added this basic OR questions. see: stackoverflow.blog/2011/07/01/… – Michiel uit het Broek May 31 '19 at 6:39
• I think it's a good idea to have a question dedicated to this type of questions (how to linearize X * Y where ...). On OR-X, we have lots of questions dedicated to the linearization of products or division. This question could be a reference point for future similar questions. If you agree, we could make this a Wiki question and the community develop it over time. – Ehsan May 31 '19 at 7:25
• – LarrySnyder610 May 31 '19 at 12:35

Suppose we can give a finite upper bound for $$y$$ called $$M$$. Then this constraint can easily be linearized by using the so-called big $$M$$ method. We introduce a new variable $$z$$ that should take the same value as the product $$x y$$.
Notice that the product which we model by $$z$$ equals zero if $$x = 0$$ but $$z$$ can take any value between $$0$$ and $$M$$ if $$x = 1$$. We can enforce this by using $$z \leq x M$$. Next, the product is always non-negative and smaller than $$y$$, thus $$z\geq 0$$ and $$z \leq y$$.
It is left to force $$z$$ to equal $$y$$ in case $$x = 1$$ which we obtain with $$z \geq y - (1 - x)M.$$