Microsoft Office

Analyzing Data Using Goal Seek and Solver 37
ON the CD-ROM
This workbook, named linear equations.xlsx, is available on the companion CD-ROM.
The three equations are represented by formulas in the range B6:B8:
n B6: =(4*x)+(y)-(2*z)
n B7: =(2*x)-(3*y)+(3*z)
n B8: =-(6*x)-(2*y)+(z)
These formulas use the values in the x, y, and z named cells. The range C6:C8 contains the “desired” result
for these three formulas.
Solver will adjust the values in x, y, and z (that is, the changing cells in C11:C13), subject to these constraints:
n
n
n
B6=C6
B7=C7
B8=C8
This problem doesn’t have a target cell because it’s not trying to maximize or minimize anything.
However, the Solver Parameters dialog box insists that you specify a formula for the Set
Target Cell field. Therefore, just enter a reference to any cell that has a formula.
NOTE
Figure 37.10 shows the solution. The x (0.75), y (-2.0), and z (0.5) values satisfy all three equations.
FIGURE 37.10
Solver solved the simultaneous equations.
NOTE
Keep in mind that a set of linear equations may have one solution, no solution, or an infinite
number of solutions.
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