Add-in Solution Finder in Excel 2007 is not standard. It is intended for complex calculations when there is more than one unknown. Therefore, it is not included in the usual set of program parameters. But if there is a need for it, then it is able to offer the user effective work and high productivity.
What is a solution search?
Finding solutions in Excel 2007 is an add-in to the program. This means that in the normal configuration issued by the manufacturer, this package is not installed. It needs to be downloaded and configured separately. The fact is that most often users do without it. Also, the add-in is often called the "Solver", because it is able to conduct accurate and fast calculations, often regardless of how difficult the task is presented to it.
If the version of Microsoft Office is original, then there will be no installation problems. The user needs to make several transitions:
Options → Tools → Add-ins → Manage → Excel Add-ins.
A window will open in which there is a transition button. After clicking on it, a list of all the proposed add-ons, both installed and unused, will appear on the screen. Now you need to find the Solution Search, then check the box. The tool is activated, you can use it at any time.
Why is a solver needed?
Why can I use Solution Finder in Excel 2007, and is it worth it to install? When the user has an objective function that depends on several parameters, the add-in will select solutions to the problem in accordance with the source data. These may be a variable, unknown, or, for example, the final value. That is, the user can have initial characteristics and an answer, and the program will select the course of the solution and provide a formula.
Thus, through the add-in you can find:
- Successful distribution of work resources in order to achieve maximum profit in the course of the company or a separate department or branch.
- Distribution of investments with minimized risks.
- Solving problems where there is more than one unknown (several answers will be offered, from which the user himself will choose the most suitable).
- Saving and loading a solution model. The best option for employees who are forced to constantly change a computer or laptop.
- The solution of several problems at once with different variables, unknowns, formulas and integrals.
The program offers great opportunities, but you need to learn how to use it correctly.
How does the solver work?
In addition to the solver, Excel has a function such as parameter selection. It is recommended for use in cases where there is only one unknown value. This feature of the program requires much less computer resources, therefore it will produce a faster result.
Finding solutions in Excel 2007 is used for the most complex tasks, where there are several unknowns, variables are often found. In a general statement, they can be formulated as follows:
- Find unknowns → several “x”.
- Provided that → a formula or function.
- Under restrictions → here, inequality is usually indicated here, or minimum / maximum values.
You also need to point to the cells with which to perform calculations. It is possible to solve several different problems if you set the program the appropriate parameters.
Configure Decision Finder
In order for the Solution Search function in Excel 2007 to work as the user needs, the correct parameters must be entered. Usually they are limited to 1-3 characteristics, but with more complex tasks, global configuration will be required.
The options in the Office Excel 2007 Solution Finder may be the following:
- The maximum time is the number of seconds that the user allocates to the program for the solution. It depends on the complexity of the task.
- The maximum number of integrations. This is the number of moves that the program makes on the way to solving the problem. If it increases, then no response will be received.
- Accuracy or accuracy is most often used in decimal fractions (for example, up to 0.0001).
- Tolerance. Used when working with interest.
- Non-negative values. It is applied when a function with two correct answers is solved (for example, +/- X).
- Display of integration results. Such a setting is indicated if not only the result of the decisions is important, but also their progress.
- The search method is the choice of an optimization algorithm. The “Newton method” is commonly used.
After all the settings are selected, be sure to click the save button.
Task parameters in the solution search function
The work of an add-in such as Finding a solution in Excel is carried out in accordance with the specified characteristics of the calculation. The most important of these is the method. There are two options. "Newton's method" is the default setting. He is able to work with more memory, but less integration. Therefore, for standard and not very complex equations, it is quite suitable.
There is also a “conjugate gradient method”. Less memory is requested here, but more integration is required. Therefore, when using it, you can solve the most complex equations, use scale formulas and functions.
Excel Formula
There is an obligatory element, without which the Search for Solutions add-in in Excel 2007 - formulas cannot work. They are an expression that performs a particular calculation. Without equality of formulas does not exist. Therefore, the program will not begin to recognize one when the corresponding sign is missing.
The formula may include the following:
- Function. This is a standard formula, where there is a certain and specific order of actions, which cannot be changed.
- Link. It indicates the number of cells to be solved. In this case, the cells can be arranged randomly or in a certain order.
- Operator. This is a character that defines the type of calculation (+ - addition, * - multiplication, etc.).
- Constant. A constant value that never changes. Also, to obtain it, you do not need to perform calculations.
The solution of formulas is carried out from left to right, subject to all mathematical rules.
Create Formula
Formulas are equations that facilitate the execution of program calculations. If you do not enter those, then Solution Search in Excel will not work. Tasks, respectively, will not be solved either. Therefore, for the successful completion of the task it is necessary to enter the formula correctly.
The calculation begins with an equal sign. For example, if “= ROOT (cell number)” is indicated in the cell, the corresponding function will be used.
After the basic formula with the “=” sign has been printed, you need to indicate the data with which it will interact. It can be one or several cells. If the formula is suitable for 2-3 cells, then you can combine them using the “+” sign.
You can use the search function to find the information you need. For example, if you need a formula with the letter "A", then it must be indicated. Then the user will be offered all the data, including it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in Excel 2007, you need to save the specified parameters for solving problems. There are several ways to do this. The standard option with a click on the appropriate button is suitable if all the data uses one calculation method.
When it is necessary to solve several equations at once, for example, to find the minimum and maximum functions, it is necessary to save not all the calculation, but its models. Then the user will be able to apply them to a particular solution.