Add, change, or delete a constraint in Solver

Microsoft Office Excel 2003

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Add, change, or delete a constraint in Solver

  1. On the Tools menu, click Solver.

    If the Solver command is not available on the Tools menu, you need to load the Solver add-in program.

    ShowHow?

    1. On the Tools menu, click Add-Ins.
    2. If the add-in you want to use is not listed in the Add-Ins available box, click Browse, and then locate the add-in.

    3. In the Add-Ins available box, select the check box next to the add-in you want to load, and then click OK.
    4. If necessary, follow the instructions in the setup program.
  2. Add or make changes to constraints.

    ShowHow?

    ShowAdd a constraint

    1. In the Solver Parameters dialog box, under Subject to the Constraints, click Add.

    2. In the Cell Reference box, enter the cell reference or name of the cell range for which you want to constrain the value.

    3. Click the relationship ( <=, =, >=, Int, or Bin ) that you want between the referenced cell and the constraint. If you click Int, "integer" appears in the Constraint box. If you click Bin, "binary" appears in the Constraint box.

    4. In the Constraint box, type a number, a cell reference or name, or a formula.

    5. Do one of the following:

      • To accept the constraint and add another, click Add.

      • To accept the constraint and return to the Solver Parameters dialog box, click OK.

    Notes

    • You can apply the Int and Bin relationships only in constraints on adjustable cells.

    • When the Assume Linear Model check box on the Solver Options dialog box is selected, there is no limit on the number of constraints. For nonlinear problems, each adjustable cell can have up to 100 constraints, in addition to bounds and integer restrictions on the variables.

    ShowChange or delete a constraint

    1. In the Solver Parameters dialog box, under Subject to the Constraints, click the constraint that you want to change or delete.

    2. Click Change and then make your changes, or click Delete.