Abstract: A method for changing the difference between the number of active controlled variables and the number of available manipulated variables in a multivariate control system. Controlled variables can be adaptively classified into one of an ordered plurality of classes, with each class having a rank that defines its position within the order. If the number of active valid controlled variables exceeds the number of available manipulated variables, the active controlled variables from the lowest ranking class having active controlled variables are then deactivated according to a predefined priority order by setting their associated setpoints equal to their measured values. Otherwise, inactive controlled variables from the highest ranking class having inactive controlled variables are reactivated according to the same predefined priority order by setting their associated setpoints to the desired setpoint values.