Goal Seek

Goal seeking is the computation of an input value, calculated backwards from a known output value to a formula. It is also known as what-if analysis.

For example, you can use it to determine the number of units that need to be sold to reach a certain amount of revenue, where the formula for revenue is equal to the selling price multiplied by the number of units sold.

The Goal Seek Function analyzes the output values of three guesses at a time: the centre stab and two equidistant values to either side. This is known as tine spacing, like the points of a fork.

The tine that results in output closest to the expected value becomes the new centre stab point and the tine spacing is doubled. This is repeated until the centre tine's output is the closest to the expected value, after which the tine spacing is repeatedly reduced until the output value matches the expected value.

With the default stab value of 0 and tine spacing of 1, the first inputs analyzed are -1, 0, and 1.

Details for an example and its configuration can be found in the How to Use section.

Goal Seek works only with one variable input value.

Pre-requisites

None at this time

Downloads

Please contact XMPro if you're looking for an older version of this Agent.

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