variable type. The weighted tearing algorithm can then be used to

determine the minimum number of actual torn variables directly from the

FVIM. The choice of tear variables, like the choice of output

variables, is restricted to variable type.

 Another possible means of assigning weights to variable types is

to have the user assign them. If the user has any familiarity with the

problem, he may know that some variables are more difficult to guess

accurately than others. He could then assign high weights to those

difficult to guess. The GENIE system presently allows either of these

two methods of assigning weights.

 An alternative method of assigning tear variables would be to

perform a sensitivity analysis on the functions and variables. Then,

the tears could be chosen so that the functions would be relatively

insensitive to bad guesses for the tear variables. This appears to

involve an expensive combinatorial analysis and is not at present

implemented.