Can this be done in Solver? Simple problem

like this ...

I used "oplosser" (Solver in dutch), that's under my "data" menu in the ribbon.
There you define
* maximize B18
* with variables D2:D16
* constraints
- D2:D16 are binary (0/1)
- total salary (C18) <= 50.000 (C20)
- number of persons (D18) = 6 (D20)

When all those things are done, push the button at the bottom "Oplossen/Solve" and wait 1 minute.

You should use Simplex engine, this is a MILP problem.

It's faster (much faster), and the solution is guaranteed to be optimal.

HTH,

Francesco

You should use Simplex engine, this is a MILP problem.

Oké, I agree !

Hello Bsalv & Hydraulics,

Thank you again for sharing your knowledge with me.

Hydraulics - I see your suggestion to use Simplex engine. And from playing around with the two models, I am noticing that yours ("Simplex") provides the absolute optimal solution, while Bsalv's version provided a valid solution, but not the optimal one.

What did you do differently in yours, Hydraulics? It appears to me the Solver constraints were set up identically to Bsalv's. How did you utilize "Simplex" in your model?


EDIT: I don't seem to have an option to use "Simplex" as a solving method......maybe its the version of Excel i'm using? (2003)

EDIT 2: Yes, it appears to be my Excel version. I am now working on the work laptop instead

My new question is how did you set up the 3rd constraint? When I try to tell it that $D2:$D$16 is supposed to equal "binary", it tells me that the constraint must be a number, simple reference, or formula with a numeric value.

when choicing another option in the 2nd box, the 3rd one must be empty !

Originally Posted by El_Gato_Diablo666

EDIT: I don't seem to have an option to use "Simplex" as a solving method......maybe its the version of Excel i'm using? (2003)

If I'm not mistaken, under Excel 2003, go to Options from the Solver window and check "Assume Linear Model".

HTH,

Francesco