Using the Solver for Optimization

With the Solver you can apply constraints to the solution. For example, you Ccin specify that a coefficient must be greater than or equal to zero, or that a coefficient must be an integer. Solutions to chemical problems will rarely use the integer option, and although the ability to apply constraints to a solution may be tempting, it can sometimes lead to an incorrect solution. 

The Solver is an Add-In, a separate software package. To save memory, it may not automatically be opened whenever you start Excel. If the Solver Add-in has already been opened, you will see the Solver... command in the Tools menu. If not, open the Solver Add-In by choosing Add-ins... from the Tools menu, check the box for the Solver, then press OK. 

The Solver code is not written by Microsoft, but instead is a product of Frontline Systems Inc. (P.O. Box 4288, Incline Village, NV 89450, www.frontsys.com). Essentially the same code is used in Microsoft Excel Solver, in the Lotus 1-2-3 Solver, and in the Quattro Pro Solver. 

USING THE SOLVER FOR LEAST-SQUARES CURVE-FITTING 

To use the Solver to perform multiple non-linear least-squares curve fitting, follow the procedure outlined in the accompanying box. 

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