HP 95LX - Page 63

Using 1-2-3 and the Solver Together
Perhaps the best feature in the HP 95LX is the cooperation between the Solver in
the Calculator and the spreadsheets of Lotus 1-2-3. Used separately, the Solver
and 1-2-3 each have their advantages. The Solver is best suited to smaller, quicker
calculations and “what-iffing.” The spreadsheet is essential if you are using,
analyzing, or organizing much data. Butin the HP 951LX, the line is easily blurred:
the Solver can make use of Lotus functions and data capabilities, and a spread-
sheet cell can be driven by the Solver to let you create a “solver” worksheet.
Using Lotus functions in Solver equations
There are seven Solver functions that can communicate with the currently open
1-2-3 worksheet and its functions:
STOCELL Evaluates its expression and stores the result in a designated
cell in the current worksheet, without causing the worksheet
to recalculate.
RCLCELL Retrieves the value of a designated worksheet cell into the
Solver equation.
CALCCELL Moves a list of Solver variables into specific worksheet cells,
performs a calculation using Lotus functions, and returns the
result to the Solver equation.
LENGTH Returns the worksheet rows in a given range to the Solver.
WIDTH Returns the worksheet columns in a given range to the Solver.
CPCOL Returns the current column number of the 1-2-3 cursor.
CPROW Returns the current row number of the 1-2-3 cursor.
There are two aspects of these functions which can be confusing:
* How worksheet cells are referenced in the functions;
* How the master function, CALCCELL works.
Using the Solver 63