What kinds of models can the Solver handle?
The Solver can handle models containing both linear and smooth nonlinear functions of the variables. Examples of linear functions are @SUM(A1..A3) and +A1+B1*A2-C1*A3 where A1..A3 are decision variable cells, and B1 and C1 are constant in the problem (it’s OK if they contain formulas that don’t depend on the variables). Examples of smooth nonlinear functions are +A1^2, +A1*A2 and @COS(A1). The Solver usually has trouble with models containing discontinuous functions of the variables. These are functions whose graph contains a sudden break or jump in value. Examples are @IF(A1,2*A1,4*A1) as well as @CHOOSE and @LOOKUP functions involving decision variables. However, an @IF whose first argument does not depend on any of the variables is OK in a Solver model. The new Solver also supports integer constraints, which force some or all of the decision variables to be whole numbers at the solution. You can use integer constraints to handle fixed costs and yes/no decisions, and to express some
