I am using Solver and looking at the reports it produces.

Can anyone explain the following terms to me:

Reduced Gradient and LagRange Multiplier (Sensitivity Report)

--
Thanks
Cath

Cath -

The reduced gradient for a nonlinear optimization problem is similar to
reduced cost for a linear problem. At the optimal solution of a linear
problem, for a variable not in the solution, i.e., for a changing cell equal
to zero, the reduced cost measures how much the target cell would change if
the currently-zero changing cell is forced to be one instead of zero. For a
nonlinear problem, at the stopping point of the algorithm, the reduced
gradient provides a similar measure. More technically, at the stopping point
of the algorithm, the reduced gradient is the partial derivative of the
objective function with respect to a decision variable.

The Lagrange multiplier for a nonlinear optimization problem is similar to
the shadow price for a linear problem. At the optimal solution of a linear
problem, the shadow price measures how much the target cell would change if
the right-hand-side of a constraint is increased by one unit, i.e., it's a
kind of marginal value. For a nonlinear problem, at the stopping point of
the algorithm, the Lagrange multiplier provides a similar measure.

- Mike Middleton
http://www.DecisionToolworks.com
Decision Analysis Add-ins for Excel


"Cath" wrote in message
...
I am using Solver and looking at the reports it produces.

Can anyone explain the following terms to me:

Reduced Gradient and LagRange Multiplier (Sensitivity Report)

--
Thanks
Cath

In both Excel 2003 and 2007 I see Reduced Cost and Shadow Price.

Search Goggle for either of those 2 terms (or for the terms you
mention). You'll find a wealth of information including a simple and
meaningful explanation of the above 2 terms.

On Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:46:01 -0800, Cath
wrote:

I am using Solver and looking at the reports it produces.

Can anyone explain the following terms to me:

Reduced Gradient and LagRange Multiplier (Sensitivity Report)

Regards,

Tushar Mehta
Microsoft MVP Excel 2000-2008
www.tushar-mehta.com
Tutorials and add-ins for Excel, PowerPoint, and other products