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I noticed that OpenSolver and Solver tend to give different solutions. For example, in the example file provided by this website, OpenSolver gives an answer of X=0 and Y=60, whereas Solver's is X=10 and Y=45. Any idea why is this so? Which one should I trust?

(edit) The file is essentially modeling the problem below:

Maximize: 30X+20Y

Subject to:
5X+2Y <= 140
3X+2Y <= 120
X,Y >= 0

Community
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will
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2 Answers2

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Linear equation systems like your one may have multiple solutions.

Both types of solver uses kinds of approximation algorithms to find a solution, not analytic methods to solve your equations, this means:

  • in case of multiple optimal output, selection of them depends on initial parameters too (starting Excel's solver with x=0, y=0 will stay there, won't change to 10, 45)
  • These algorithms can be implemented differently, they may find different results

Which one should I trust?

Always check the output, if both are within criteria and results the same final output, then both can be correct.

If you want to get a definite answer, you need to use a proper tool, e.g. Wolfram Alpha:

enter image description here

Máté Juhász
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Both of these Excel solutions satisfy the constraints, and have the same objective value, and so both are correct.

Andrew
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