Solver - Minimize an absolute value

[Guest]

I am trying to minimize the absolute value difference between two numbers.
The challenge is that solver sees -45 as a better anwer than -1; I'm trying
to hit zero if at all possible.
When I use the "abs" function my solver spits out the "@@# does not
conform to a linear model". Assume linear model is a requirement in my
application.

Any ideas?

 

[Guest]

Absolute value is not linear. If you can picture the graph in your head, it
is V-shaped. That sharp corner is very non-linear and I am sure that is what
gives the solver headaches.

One way you could try to get around this: try to minimize the square of the
difference. I don't know if solver handles that any better but it is worth a
try.

 

[Guest]

No Luck!

Absolute value is not linear. If you can picture the graph in your head, it
is V-shaped. That sharp corner is very non-linear and I am sure that is what
gives the solver headaches.

One way you could try to get around this: try to minimize the square of the
difference. I don't know if solver handles that any better but it is worth a
try.

 

[Tushar Mehta]

If use of a linear model is a requirement it would seem like a HW
assignment. Maybe if you share more details about what you are trying
to do someone might be able to suggest an alternative model that is
indeed linear.

--
Regards,

Tushar Mehta
www.tushar-mehta.com
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