Excel Solver Linear problem with discontinuous variable cell values

[Tlazenby]

Hello all,

I am working on a linear optimization problem where I need the variable cells to either be 0 or greater than some set value, for example 100. Conceptually this seems very straightforward but I have been unable to set Solver up properly thus far.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tlazenby]

In case anyone else is runs into a similar issue this is how I was able to accomplish this:

Set a column next to your variable cells as binary and then create two more supporting columns. Support column #1 contains the formula =720*(1-AF5) where AF5 is the corresponding binary cell and 720 is an arbitrarily large number that the variable cells will never reach. Support column #2 contains the formula =100-720*AF5 again AF5 is the binary cell and 100 is the minimum value I am looking for within my variable cells if it is used.

Then finally within solver set your variable cells <= support column #1 and >= support column #2. Using this method the variable cells that solver will end up using actually end up as a 0 within the binary cells.