set of numbers ranging from 0 to 240
 

Hi Experts,

I am trying to find a solution to an Excel 2002 programming problem
and have not found a good source. My problem is that I have a long
set of numbers ranging from 0 to 240 and would like to group the
numbers in individual, non repeating sets that add up to 238 or as
close to 238 as possible while also limiting the total number of sets
( if single number greater than 238 it is its own set). The
preferred output would be individual columns or rows that have the
individual numbers (which add up to 238 or very close) and there would
be enough of these sets to use all the numbers without repeating use
of the numbers. This is an optimization/waste elimination problem.
This will be used to order the optimal amount of steel bars and also
give the cutting list for each bar.

Thank you for any help.

Regards
Ankur

set of numbers ranging from 0 to 240
 

Sounds simple enough, but you will need to give some more information
about the numbers 0 to 240.
Are they unique numbers?
Are all the numbers from 0 to 240 there or will there be numbers skipped?
When adding up how far are you allowed to go over 238 and how far under?
etc.

RBS

"ankur" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi Experts,

I am trying to find a solution to an Excel 2002 programming problem
and have not found a good source. My problem is that I have a long
set of numbers ranging from 0 to 240 and would like to group the
numbers in individual, non repeating sets that add up to 238 or as
close to 238 as possible while also limiting the total number of sets
( if single number greater than 238 it is its own set). The
preferred output would be individual columns or rows that have the
individual numbers (which add up to 238 or very close) and there would
be enough of these sets to use all the numbers without repeating use
of the numbers. This is an optimization/waste elimination problem.
This will be used to order the optimal amount of steel bars and also
give the cutting list for each bar.

Thank you for any help.

Regards
Ankur