Chapter 2 Modeling with Linear Programming
B5:C9 and F6:F9), (2) cells representing the variables and the objective function we
seek to evaluate (solid rectangle cells,B13:013),(3) algebraic definitions of the objective function and the left-hand side of the constraints (dashed rectangle cells, 05:09),
and (4) cells that provides explanatory names or symbols. Solver requires the first
three types only.The fourth type enhances the readability of the model and serves no
other purpose.The relative positioning ofthe four types ofinformation on the spreadsheet need not follow the layoutshown in Figure 2.12. For example, the cells defining
the objective function and the variables need not be contiguous, nor do they have to be
placed below the problem. What is important is that we know where they are so they
can be referenced by Solver. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to use a formatsimilarto the
one suggested in Figure 2.12, because it makesthe model more readable.
How does Solver link to the spreadsheet data? First we provide equivalent "algebraic" definitions of the objective function and the left-hand side of the constraints
using the input data (shaded cells B5:C9 and F6:F9) and the objective function and
variables (solid rectangle cells B13:013), and then we place the resulting formulas in
the appropriate cells of the dashed rectangle D5:09. The following table shows the
original LP functions and their placement in the appropriate cells: