Topic 40: Guide on Using Solver in Excel 2003

[seema]

• Next we need to tell Excel that we must have a minimum of four small cars.
• Click on the Add ****on.
• In the Cell Reference text box either enter the reference $C$4
  OR use the mouse to click on the cell C4 and the cell reference will be entered automatically.
• Select >= from the center part of the dialog box.
• In the Constraint box, enter the value 4.The dialog box will be as illustrated below.
• 
  
  
  
  
• Next we need to tell Excel that we must have a minimum of three medium sized cars.
• Click on the Add ****on.
• In the Cell Reference text box either enter the reference $C$5
  OR use the mouse to click on the cell C5 and the cell reference will be entered automatically.
• Select >= from the center part of the dialog box.
• In the Constraint box, enter the value 3. The dialog will be as illustrated below.
• 
  
  

[seema]

• Next we need to tell Excel that we must have a minimum of two large cars.
• Click on the Add ****on.
• In the Cell Reference text box either enter the reference $C$6.
  OR use the mouse to click on the cell C6 and the cell reference will be entered automatically.
• Select >= from the center part of the dialog box.
• In the Constraint box, enter the value 2. The dialog will be as illustrated below.
• 
  
  

We are now ready to solve the purchasing problem.

Click on the OK ****on and you will see the dialog box below.

• 
• Click on the Solve ****on. After a short time you will see the following dialog box.

[seema]

• Click on the OK ****on to accept the solution.
• The data in your workbook will now be as illustrated below.
• 
  
  

I hope that you already see the true value of Excel Solver. It's a good tool if you apply it correctly.