Enter the Problem into Excel:

1. Enter the variable names as labels across the top (3^rd row in example).

Giapetto's Problem
VAR NAMES:	x1	x2	Answer		Constraint
VAR VALUES:
OBJECTIVE:	3	2	0
S.T.	2	1	0	<=	100
	1	1	0	<=	80
	1	0	0	<=	40
	1	0	0	>=	0
	0	1	0	>=	0

2. Enter starting value, ‘0’ for each variable. Solver will change these values.

3. Naming the variables block of cells:

A. Use your mouse to select the variable values.

B. Click on the ‘Insert’ menu, and select ‘Name’.

C. We want to define a name, so select ‘Define.’

D. Enter a name that you will remember, such as “variables”, then click OK.

4. Enter the coefficients for the objective function and each constraint.

5. Build an equation to calculate the answer column for the objective function and each constraint. For example, the equation for the objective function is:

=B$4*B7+C$4*C7 -or- =sumproduct(variables, B7:C7)

6. Copy the Answer formula from the objective function row to the constraint rows.

7. Enter constraint values in the far right hand column. Take note that the column between the answer and the constraint limit value is a column filled with labels that help us understand what is going on.

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