Sample Problem:
A well can supply 50 laborers per day. 40 laborers can build a new well in five days, up to 10 total. Each laborer can complete 1 stone per day. The new temple needs 5000 stones. *** What is the most efficient way to get to 5000 stones?
This one is simple, but the idea can get very complex. Is there a branch of mathematics that helps solve problems like this? I don't know where to look to start studying.
You can use Mathematical optimization.
You want to optimize (minimize) the number of laborers, so you can set up some criteria. And optimize the cost function.