About Solving a knapsack problem using excel solver

Question

so basically i'm trying to implement an alternate version of knapsack problem that is to minimize the value such that the value system that I use is (1-best, 5-worst) that is opposite of the traditional one used(1-worst, 5-best) which is used to maximize the value of the problem. However, with my opposite approach of using this value system, I am unable to get values that minimizes the whole problem(which in my case actually mean to increase the overall value). the items chosen are picked just to cater upto the constraints however I want that the solver first uses the items with the least number( that is 1, which means of highest value) and then progressively work its way to bigger numbers but I am unable to do that. Do you guys have any idea on how to approach and I can even use a excel macro if you have any idea for the program?

Answer 1

Hi AurangzebAhmed,

You can check this article for basic troubleshooting in Excel Solver: Define and solve a problem by using Solver. You may check each topic posted in the article and see if those can help you resolve the issue. For more detailed help regarding Solver, you may contact the following:

Frontline Systems, Inc.

P.O. Box 4288

Incline Village, NV 89450-4288

(775) 831-0300

Web site: http://www.solver.com

E-mail: ******@solver.com

Solver Help at www.solver.com.

Portions of the Solver program code are copyright 1990-2009 by Frontline Systems, Inc. Portions are copyright 1989 by Optimal Methods, Inc.

You may also post this issue in the Excel Tech Community. They are more advanced and can possibly provide you with a solution to your Excel Solver concern. 

Should you need any additional assistance regarding other Microsoft services, feel free to post your query anytime.