Which command is used to set the objective in the Solver?

The command used to set the objective in the Solver is "Set objective." This command is crucial because it allows you to define what you want to optimize in your spreadsheet model. When using Solver, you typically have a specific goal, such as maximizing profits, minimizing costs, or achieving a specific target value. By selecting "Set objective," you indicate to Solver the cell that contains the target value you wish to optimize.

This step is essential for the Solver function to work effectively—without clearly stating the objective, Solver would not be able to perform its calculations or provide meaningful results. It also helps in understanding how the variable cells (those that Solver can change to achieve the objective) relate to the goal, which is paramount in optimization problems.

In contrast, setting constraints involves defining limitations or requirements that the solution must meet, which is a subsequent step after establishing the objective. Analyzing data and accessing the options menu do not directly pertain to the optimization process itself but are more about viewing information or adjusting settings related to how Solver operates.