Choosing numbers from a list

[Ron Matthews]

I have the following list of numbers,from which I have to choose numbers which add up to 6649.35
I have tried to use Solver, but it seems not to be able to find an answer. I suspect I am doing somerthing wrong in Solver and am anxious to see if someone at Mr.Excel can assist please?

30.00
185.00
4,494.61
5,418.54
30.00
30.00
30.00
10,756.61
4,254.16
26.81
180.00
83.00
194.00
194.00
194.00
194.00
1,642.35
137.64
194.00
282.66
194.00
489.89
194.00
194.00
790.72
934.06
1,344.33
194.00
83.00

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[aaronbens]

You can do this in the solver. Assuming the data you have above is in column A (A1:A29). Leave Column (B1:B29) open to be your variables in Solver. Column C is the product of Column A and Column B (example C1=A1*B1 down to C29 = A29*B29). C30 = sum of C1:C29.

In solver you would set:
Set Objective = C30
To Value of: 6649.35
By Changing Variable Cells: B1:B29
Constraint B1:B29 = Binary

Use the solver method of Simplex LP and the solve. The lines in column B that have a 1 are the values that add up to your total.

 

[Ron Matthews]

Many thanks, however, I would like some further help and assistance.

I tried out the suggested solution but my Excel for Mac 2011 version could not find a solution - it continued to time out.

Is this normal? Is there any way we can overcome this problem?

Main concern is I have done something wrong which is stopping Solver from completing a solution.

 

[aaronbens]

Make sure you are using the Simplex LP method, my solver will time out If I use the nonlinear method

 

[Ron Matthews]

Yes, can confirm I used this method.

I just get a time out and no solution, irrespective of either method used. I am interested to know if you got a solution using the simple method. If you did, it suggests I am doing something wrong?.