Solver - Objective Zero

Hello,

I have setup a list of data to use the solver feature and I can successfully use it to solve which numbers add up to a target amount.
The only problem is that I cannot get it to work with which numbers add up to 0.
0 target seems to be the only exception to this solver rule.
prefer not to work with macros.

I want to determine which numbers could add up to offset a net 0.

i.e.
1 - yes
2 - yes
3 - yes
4 - yes
5 - no
-1 - yes
-2 - yes
-3 - yes
-4 - yes

One way is to use binaries. Like this perhaps?

Alf

That's weird I thought I sent up correctly but I was missing the objective F setup.

What is the purpose of the set objective for the sum of binaries? and also selection of the MAX?
I just didn't understand the logic for that piece.


Thanks so much Alf!

I assumed you wish to use as many of the numbers as posible to reach the sum of zero, setting it to min will make solver pick none as the sumproduct of the numbers times the binaries (all zero) will make constr2 = 0.

Also setting the sum of binaries to max will force solver to pick at least some of the numbers.

Alf

Is objective cell still set to max then it would use as many numbers as possible.

You could also set objective cell to min and add a constraint to the objective cell say >= 2, then solver would pick two numbers. When I tested it selected 4 and -4.

I thought it would pick 1 and -1.

Shall we say "Solver works in mysterious ways its miracles to preform"

Alf