Decision Variables and Parameters

The input values may be fixed numbers associated with the particular problem. We'll call these values parameters of the model. Often you will have several "cases" or variations of the same problem to solve, and the parameter values will change in each problem variation.

Alternatively, the input values may be quantities which are variable, or under the control of the decision maker. We'll refer to these as the variables, decision variables, or Changing Cells. Very often, the same cell values you use to play "what if" are the ones for which you'll want the Solver to find solution values. These cells are listed in the Changing Cells edit box of the Solver Parameters dialog.