Problem:
Using Excel Solver to Maximize Profit for a Cargo Ship
The load master for a freighter wants to determine the mix of cargo to be carried on the next trip. The ship's volume limit for cargo is 100,000 cubic meters, and its weight capacity is 2,310 tons. The master has five different types of cargo from which to select and wishes to maximize the value of the selected shipment. However, to make sure that none of his customers are ignored, the load master would like to make sure that at least 20% of each cargo's available weight is selected. The specifications for the five cargoes are shown in the following table.
Cargo type Tons available Value per ton Value per ton (cu.m.)
A 970 $1,350 26
B 850 $1,675 54
C 1,900 $1,145 28
D 2,300 $850 45
E 3,600 $1,340 37