Excel Solver not producing correct max

[c_mctogelkraken]

Hello-I've seen this asked before, but the answer didn't work for me. So, here goes: I am using Excel's Solver Add-In to try and maximize a formula in one cell (Set Target cell to max) by changing a raw number in another cell. The changing cell has constraints of being between 0 and 15 and is integer, so I've set constraints for that. I hit Solve and Excel sits for a few seconds saying "Setting Up Problem." Then when it seems like it should start launching into an iteration sequence, it stops and says,"Solver found a solution. All constraints and optimality conditions are satisfied." I know this is wrong because I can do this simple optimization by just plugging in 0 thru 15 and watching for the max in the target cell. But Solver never gets to that answer (which is actually the number 0). I feel like I have one of the Options settings wrong, but the descriptions under Options Help don't seem to, uh... help. Any help from you all would be appreciated. Thanks. Also, if it matters, the Target Cell roughly floats from 0.8% to 4.0%; the spreadsheet is primarily set up with Boolean formulas and really not much in the way of hardcore mathematics; just financial stuff. I feel like it should still work though because every time you change the cell from any number between 0 thru 15, the target cell changes to something (there's no point where the IF-THEN results in no change in the target cell). Let me know if you need more info.

 

[tusharm]

What's the formula in the target cell? What's the starting value for the raw number?

Also, does your model describe a linear problem? If you don't know, check 'Assume Linear Model' in the Solver Options dialog box and see how Solver responds when you try and solve the problem.

 

[c_mctogelkraken]

Thanks for your reply. The target cell is just the last cell in a cumulative summation (so as the days march on, each day's gain gets added to the previous days total. AW14+AV13. Like I said, it's nothing too mathematically complex.

The variable cell is adjusting a stop loss percent if a certain day(s) loss is more than a specific percent. I tried the Assume Linear Model and the Solver replied back with, "The conditions for Assme Linear Model are not met."

I've tried every possible starting value from 1 to 15 (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14, and 15 since it's integers only). And I get the same result each time: No change in the Target Cell. I still think it has something to do with the Precision or Convergence or Tolerance option settings. And I've tried a few of those with no luck either. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[tusharm]

Given the description of the problem, about the best I can do is point you to two of my posts on the subject of Solver:
http://groups.google.com/group/microsoft.public.excel.programming/msg/396894bcec7235c9?dmode=source
and
http://groups.google.com/group/micr...mming/msg/2f517586282adc6d?hl=en&dmode=source