Answer:
The evolutionary solving method in Excel Solver is best suited for the Traveling Salesman Problem, an NP-hard problem where traditional optimization methods are not effective due to its complexity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The evolutionary solving method in Excel Solver is typically used for complex optimization problems that may not be easily solved using traditional analytical methods due to their non-linear, non-convex, or discontinuous nature. Among the options provided:
The transportation problem can often be solved using linear programming techniques.
Mean-variance portfolio optimization commonly utilizes quadratic programming, part of classical optimization techniques.
The shortest path problem can be tackled through graph algorithms such as Dijkstra's or the A* algorithm.
The Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) is an NP-hard problem known for its computational complexity and is a good candidate for evolutionary solving methods such as genetic algorithms.
Therefore, the evolutionary solving method would most appropriately be used for the Traveling Salesman Problem.