A Simple Minimization Problem $($Slide $4$ of $6)$

Solution for the M&D Chemicals Problem:

A spreadsheet model for the M&D Chemicals problem along with the Solver dialog box are shown in Figure $12\mathrm{.}6.$

The optimal solution $($Figure $12\mathrm{.}7)$ is to make $250$ gallons of product A and $100$ gallons of product $B,$ for a total cost of $$800.$

Both the total production constraint and the processing time constraints are binding; the requirement that at least $125$ gallons of Product $A$ be produced is not binding.

A surplus variable tells how much over the right$-$hand side the left$-$hand side of a greater$-$than$-$or$-$equal$-$to constraint is for a solution.