The basic purpose of the Solver is to find a solution -- that is, values for the variables or Changing Cells in your model -- which satisfies the constraints and which maximizes or minimizes the objective or Set Cell value. Let us examine this framework more closely.
The model you create for use with the Solver is no different from any other spreadsheet model. It consists of input values; formulas which calculate values based on the input values or on other formulas; and other elements such as formatting. You can practice "what if" with a Solver model just as easily as with any other spreadsheet model. This familiar concept can be very useful when you wish to present your results to managers or clients, who are usually "spreadsheet literate" even if they are unfamiliar with Solvers or optimization.
Related Topics:
Decision Variables and Parameters
Feasible and Optimal Solutions