How to use solver to solve for 2 unknown in a linear equation?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike
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M

Mike

How to use Excel to solve for 2 unknown in linear equation, for eg,

x + Y = 1
3x + 4Y =7

Thanks
Mike
 
One way:

A1: 1
B1: 1
C1: =A1 + B1
D1: =3*A1 + 4*B1


Set Target Cell = D1
Equal to Value of 7
By changing cells: A1:B1
Subject to the Constraints: $C$1 = 1
 
Solver. Does it mean "Goal Seak" in Excel 2003?
XL2003 does not have the "Subject to the Constraints": $C$1 = 1
Where is the "Subject to the Constraints"?
 
No, Goal Seek is not the same as Solver.
Solver is an add-in. It has to be activated: Tools>Add-ins, check Solver
 
Thanks. After adding will it appear in Tools menu or elsewhere? I added but
it didn't appear in tools menu.
 
I installed (Add) the solver and solved the set of 2 equations by the method
mentioned by JE McGimpsey. A very nice solution and I was unaware of
handling of set of eq. by excel.
In an extension to above question, is it possible to solve let say a set of
5 equations with 5 unknowns by the same method of JE McGimpsey ? What is the
limit of solver for handling such set of eq.
 
From XL Help ("Options in the Solver Add Constraint and Change
Constraint dialog boxes"):

For linear problems, there is no limit on the
number of constraints.
 
Why not clear the target cell and use two constraints:
C1=1
D1=7
It really is the best way - I have a worksheet to demo this if interested
best wishes
 
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