# Goal seeking
## MicroSim spec
- **Recommended sim type:** [[Control_system|control system]]
- **Microsimmability score:** 72/100
- **Layout:** drawing region (canvas) on top; control region (sliders/buttons) below.
### Parameters (tunable controls)
- `Target value`
- `Step size`
- `Tolerance`
### What animates
An iterative search closes in on the target value, faster or slower as the step size changes.
### Learning objective
Show how a [[System|system]] iterates toward a goal value.
## Links (Wikipedia order)
<!-- injected from _registry/childlinks/Goal_seeking.json (2026-07-30T02:09:12Z) -->
[[Computer_programming]] · `Computing` · `Global_optimization` · `Goal_programming` · `Microsoft_Excel` · `Spreadsheet`
> p5.js MicroSim stub · part of Systems Thinking · [Wikipedia source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goal_seeking)
> Relation: subfield of systems thinking.
## Concept summary
In computing, goal seeking is the ability to calculate backward to obtain an input that would result in a given output. This can also be called what-if analysis or backsolving.
## Build checklist
- [ ] Claim it: set `status: in-progress` + `lease` + `leased_at`
- [ ] Write the child page explaining the concept (tie it back to systems thinking)
- [ ] Finalize parameter ranges and defaults
- [ ] Implement the p5.js sketch (drawing + control regions)
- [ ] Add caption + the learning objective on the page
- [ ] Set `status: done`
## p5.js sketch
```javascript
// MicroSim: Goal seeking
let controls = {};
function setup() {
// createCanvas(...); create sliders for the parameters above.
}
function draw() {
// background(...); read controls; render control system; respond live.
}
```
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Back to Systems Thinking · Wikipedia: [Goal seeking](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goal_seeking)
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## Semiotic profile
> *The semiotic universals this article invokes, machine-derived from the crossref — **unverified** (born so). Populated 2026-07-06 for the Systems room.*
**Universals (3):** 🟡 system (10) · 🟢 control loop (3) · 🟢 iteration (2)
**Enter by sign:** Systems Semiotic Gateway · Alphabetum · Icon Registry · ← Systems Portal
<!-- SEMIOTIC-PROFILE:END -->
## Wikipedia : Wikitube
**Strict pair:** [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goal_seeking) : [Wikitube](https://en.wikitube.io/wiki/Goal_seeking)
## Previous hub tags
Tree parent: [[Systems_theory]].
Legacy hubs: none.
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*Sources: 1 legacy note. Minted wave 1, 2026-07-30 (v1.6 order).*