Formulas and Functions As mentioned, the ability to perform calculations is one of the purposes of using a spreadsheet application. Some examples of the types of calculations that can be done are: ❼ totals ❼ subtotals ❼ average ❼ standard deviation In Excel,the calculation can be specified using either a formula or a function. ❼ Formulas are self-defined instructions for performing calculations. ❼ In contrast, functions are pre-defined formulas that come with Excel. In either case, all formulas and functions are entered in a cell and must begin with an equal sign ’=’. 2.1 Entering Formulas After the equal sign, a formula includes the addresses of the cells whose values will be manipulated with appropriate operands placed in between. The operands are the standard arithmetic operators: Operator Meaning Example + Addition =A7+A9 - Subtraction =A7-A9 * Multiplication =A7*A9 / Division =A7/A9 ˆ Exponents =A7ˆA9 → Practice Exercise: Enter the following information into a blank worksheet (ignore any formatting) in columns A, B, and C, and in rows 1 through 6. Then calculate the Total Cost for the the Fall semester using a formula to add up the individual Costs (Tuition, Housing, etc.). Costs Fall Spring Tuition 10000 10000 Housing 5000 5000 Books 1000 700 Spending 1500 1000 Total Cost 2SECTION 2. FORMULAS AND FUNCTIONS 3 ❼ The most logical solution would be to type the formula ’=B2+B3+B4+B5’ into cell B6. You can also enter formulas by using the point mode, where you either click on a cell with your left mouse button or you use the arrow keys. ❼ To enter ’=B2+B3+B4+B5’ into cell B6 using the point: – Left click on cell B6 to make it active. – Type ’=’. – Use the up arrow key to move to cell B5, or left click on cell B5. – Type ’+’. – Use the up arrow or mouse to add cells B4, B3, and B2 in the same fashion. – Press Enter when you are finished entering the formula. You’ll notice that the calculation executes immediately after the formula is typed into the cell and entered by pressing either the Enter or Tab key or by clicking the check mark in the formula bar. ❼ The result of the calculation is displayed in the cell (i.e., in B6). ❼ The formula itself is now visible in the formula bar. What happens if you enter ’B2+B3+B4+B5’ without the leading equal sign ’=’ into cell B6? ❼ REMEMBER: All formulas and functions must begin with a ’=’. ❼ The text of the formula or function will be displayed in the cell if you do not use an ’=’ and the calculation will not be executed.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Jul 2013 11:37:43 +0000
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